Car Lines
by Larry Mason
2001 Lexus IS300

Journalism | New Car Reviews

This new Lexus is designed to take a serious run at the BMW 3-series market. In fact, if you were to remove the badging and cover the grille, you might not be able to tell the difference between this and the Bimmer. Like the BMW, this Lexus is also rear wheel drive (hooray!). Having said that, how does it actually compare? Well buckle up for this one 'cause this ride will happen fast.

This hot-rod Lexus has it all - a strong engine, fresh styling, and ground hugging capabilities like no other Lexus before it. Let's start with the engine. Boasting 215 horsepower at 5,800 rpm out of a 3.0 liter, DOHC in-line six-cylinder engine, the new IS300 romps from zero-to-sixty in a mere 7.1 seconds. Torque is 218 lb-ft at a low 3,800 rpm. Weighing in at 3,270 pounds, the power to weight ratio is quite decent, yet after a week with the car, I found myself wanting more power. The gimmicky button shift on the steering wheel may look cool and be fun to operate, however like all the other ones I've tried, it just doesn't measure up to expectations. There's too much lag time and surging during upshifts to make it worthwhile. On a positive note, the thumb notches in the wheel for the 9 and 3 driving position are very welcome and functional added touches. A five-speed manual transmission would be a much better fit in this car.

I'm sure that you've heard the phrase "it corners like it's on rails" - well that describes this Lexus under most circumstances. It's truly amazing how fast you can take this car through tight chicanes and still have it stick. Much of that stick comes from the grippy Goodyear Eagle GS-D 215/45R17 tires. The suspension is comprised of "advanced" double wishbone in front and rear. It proves to be compliant over rough surfaces but will still corner with relative flatness. You can get the tail to wag the dog here if you're not careful with throttle application or a sudden lift off the throttle in cornering, but the IS300 is quite predictable in that realm. Massive 11.65" vented disc brakes in the front along with 12.09" solid discs in the rear provide excellent stopping action with only moderate brake dive. Driving the IS300 on the highway however will make you aware of how much tire noise there is.

Inside the first thing you'll notice is the unique instrument panel. You'll either love it or you'll hate it. The center circle is flanked on both sides by smaller circles. The one in the middle looks more like a chronograph style watch and gives you a 160-mph speedo, mpg, battery, and water temperature info. The one on the left is strictly the tachometer and the one on the right shows you fuel, odometer, and transmission gear info.

The seats are very supportive and comfortable scoring high points with suede leather seat material that's cool in the summer/warm in the winter. The only thing the driver's seat was missing was adjustable lumbar support. Toyota/Lexus have always had great air conditioning systems and this one does not disappoint. The cruise control is easy to use and the six-disc in-dash CD player with cassette stereo system kicks ass! When you shut the door, you know you're not in an economy car from the sound it makes. Your senses are not deceived by the addition of the HomeLinkâ system and sunroof. Rear head and legroom is more than adequate as is ingress/egress. The only thing I'd like to see changed in the interior is to make the center console/armrest higher and larger.

From a styling standpoint, there's no doubt that the BMW 3 series shell was on the minds of the Lexus designers. It's blatantly similar yet distinctly different with the addition of the clear taillight lenses. The same type lenses that are popping up all over America on a plethora of used Honda Civics. In any case, most people either love this car or they hate it. If you love it, you'll have to opt for the sun bright "solar yellow". If you still want the performance without quite so much flash, then go for the silver or black. Either way, you'll be making a statement wherever you go. A six-speed gearbox and 50 horsepower more would make this one of my favorite cars. As it is right now, it's still a great driver's car. Test drive one for yourself today and see what I mean!

This car is supremely anti-stealth in its super bright solar yellow paint scheme. The instrument panel is a love/hate design - either you love it or hate it.

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Larry Mason