2002 Lexus IS 300: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

A wagon body style, a manual-transmission version, and standard curtain side airbags are 2002 additions to this compact sports sedan. IS 300's inline 6-cyl engine is unchanged and requires premium fuel. Sedans offer a 5-speed automatic transmission or the new 5-speed manual; manual versions get a firmer suspension. Lexus labels the wagon the SportCross and it comes only with the automatic. Its front-end look differs slightly from the sedan's and it features a fold-down front passenger seat, split-fold rear seat, and upgraded stereo. All 2002 IS models get standard curtain side airbags and full-power brake assist. An antiskid system is newly available, but only with automatic transmission. A navigation system is a new option.

COMPETITION

This hotly contested segment has two clear benchmarks; the Acura TL and Lexus ES 300. Both succeed in blending comfort, style, luxury, and sport into an efficient package at an affordable price. ES 300 offers a little more luxury and TL, with it's Type-S, a bit more sport.

We Recommend the sporty and Euro-flavored BMW 3-Series as a rear-drive alternative. The "3" has enough bodystyles and engine choices to suit anyone. At the other end of the near-luxury spectrum is the posh and comfortable Buick Park Avenue--an old-school luxo-cruiser from Detroit.