2004 Lexus IS 300: Road Test
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2004 Lexus IS 300 ▼
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- MSRP: $29,435 -$30,805
- Invoice: $25,901 -$27,108
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Our road test for the 2004 Lexus IS 300 includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Lexus IS 300 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Lexus IS 300, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Lexus IS 300 help you decide if a 2004 Lexus IS 300 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base sdn, man. | Base sdn, auto. | SportCross w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Manual or automatic, test IS 300s did 0-60 mph in a class-competitive 7.3 sec. Manual shift action positive, precise. Responsive automatic transmission complements good midrange punch, though one test car tended to stumble on launch. Automatic's steering-wheel shift buttons take practice to learn.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base sdn, man. | Base sdn, auto. | SportCross w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
Regardless of transmission, IS test cars averaged 17.2-18.9 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests. Test 5-speed sedan returned 20.8 mpg in mostly highway driving. Fuel of 91 octane or higher is required.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base sdn, man. | Base sdn, auto. | SportCross w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.4 |
Firm and occasionally thumpy over sharp bumps, but all models cope well with broken pavement at higher speeds and are always stable.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base sdn, man. | Base sdn, auto. | SportCross w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.1 |
All models are agile, 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, shorter-than-average distances.
QUIETNESS
| Base sdn, man. | Base sdn, auto. | SportCross w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Wagon little noisier than sedan. Coarse-pavement tire thrum can intrude on both, and wind rush higher than in some competitors. Engine always smooth, subdued at low rpm, pleasant to the ear at high revs.
CONTROLS
| Base sdn, man. | Base sdn, auto. | SportCross w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4 | 6.6 |
"Chronograph-style" gauge cluster looks nice, but legibility not ideal. Optional navigation system looks an afterthought. Its screen motors up from the dashboard, but controls on center console aren't easy to use while driving. Metallic gearshift handle sensitive to heat and cold. Optional leather upholstery is Lexus-worthy, but some other interior materials lack class.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base sdn, man. | Base sdn, auto. | SportCross w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
A bit snug. Limited rearward seat travel mars otherwise good driving stance. Seats generally comfortable, though some testers wished for lumbar adjustment, others for longer cushions with better thigh support. Sloped roofline and back-seat headrests hinder SportCross' rear visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base sdn, man. | Base sdn, auto. | SportCross w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
No surfeit of space in any dimension. Narrow floor-level passages, small doors squeeze entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Base sdn, man. | Base sdn, auto. | SportCross w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 6 | 3.9 |
Sedan's usefully cubic trunk has decent space, but also bulky U-shaped hinges. Wagon utility in SportCross compromised by sloped rear roofline, intrusive rear wheel arches.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base sdn, man. | Base sdn, auto. | SportCross w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 6 | 5.1 |
Rival BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 models have "built for the autobahn" cachet and more ultimate dynamic ability. But IS 300s offer sporty driving fun Lexus-style, and that's no bad thing.
Total Score
| Base sdn, man. | Base sdn, auto. | SportCross w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 53 | 52 | 56 | 56.8 |
Total Score: 54
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