2001-2005 Lexus IS 300: Road Test

With either manual shift or automatic, test IS 300s accelerated from 0-60 mph in a class-competitive 7.3 seconds. Manual-shift action is positive and precise. The responsive automatic transmission complements good midrange punch, though one new test car tended to stumble on launch. The automatic's steering-wheel gear-change buttons provide quick shifts--but they take practice and don't provide full manual operation. Regardless of transmission, IS 300 test cars have averaged 17.2 to 18.9 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests. A stick-shift sedan returned 20.8 mpg in mostly highway driving. Lexus requires premium gas. Ride quality is firm and occasionally thumpy over sharp bumps, but all models cope well with broken pavement at higher speeds and are always stable. Any IS is an agile handler, but steering feel and overall balance lack the precision of top European rivals. Overly sensitive traction control cuts in too quickly on manual-transmission models, yet fast cornering with traction control disengaged risks an early tail slide. Simulated panic stops showed good stability and shorter-than-average distances. Wagons are a little noisier than sedans. Coarse-pavement tire thrum can intrude on both versions, and wind rush is higher than in some competitors. Engines are invariably smooth, subdued at low rpm, and pleasant to the ear at high revs. The "chronograph-style" gauge cluster looks nice, but legibility is not ideal. In addition, the optional navigation system looks like an afterthought. Its screen motors up from the dashboard, but controls are on the center console, dangerously difficult to use while driving. The metallic gear-shift handle is sensitive to heat and cold. Optional leather upholstery is Lexus-worthy, but some other interior materials lack class. Passenger space is a bit snug up front, and limited rearward seat travel mars an otherwise good driving stance. Seats are generally comfortable, though some drivers might prefer longer cushions with better thigh support. In the SportCross, a sloped roofline and back-seat headrests hinder rear visibility. Don't expect a lot of space in any dimension, in the back seat. Two adults are the practical limit. Narrow floor-level passages and small doors squeeze entry/exit, too. Space is decent in the sedan's usefully-cubic trunk, but it's hampered by bulky U-shaped hinges. Wagon utility in the SportCross is compromised by the sloped rear roofline and intrusive rear wheel arches.

Value for the Money
Rival BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 models have "built for the autobahn" cachet and deliver greater ultimate dynamic ability. Even so, the IS 300s offer sporty driving fun Lexus-style, and that's appealing in its own way.