good blend of luxury and sport
great styling both exterior and interior
powerful and smooth engine
quiteness
fun to drive
etc...

no armrest (but you get used to it)
gas mileage for such a small car
no navigation option for 2001 model, but heard it will be available from 2002.

Overall, I love this car. I find myself going places with no particular destination. I especially like the nice blend of luxury and sportiness. While you are driving it, you get typical qutie and smooth ride you would expect from lexus brand and also, you have 215hp plenty of power that you get a sports car like performance.
Even the exterior design is sporty with somewhat luxury look.
I have considered BMW 325i for its brand and styling, but after I hear so many complains about little defects, i couldn't rely on BMW's engineer. also, BMW cost more for weaker engine.
I think I have made a good purchase over above similar cars, and my love for this car grows as I'm driving more and I think this is very important. Anyone looking to purchase IS300, you won't regret your choice.

Similar Products Used:

BMW 325i, Benz C240, Audi A4

Styling, Interior, acceleration, features

Gas mileage

First off, to all the pro European enthusiasts (BMW) out there, who want to take cracks at the IS, and talk about acceleration lag etc.........learn how to drive it. This isnt your lackluster 3 series BMW, this car demands to be driven. I have not experienced any of the lag that everyone is complaining about, but that probably is because I dont drive it like granny would. It is a head turner, it is unique,and I dont happen to see 1 every 5th car like I seem to with a certain Bavarian car maker. If you are thinking about this car, and you like to drive, it is for you. If you want to have ANOTHER average car, go BMW. They are nice, but you will just blend in. In terms of service, Lexus hasnt let me down, I continuously get emails and calls from both the dealership,and Lexus. Sevice relates back to where you buy your car also. No defects or problems at all so far.

Similar Products Used:

BMW, Porche, Audi, VW

Very stylish yet luxurious. Definitely gives thoses Eurpoean competitors something to think about. Drives like a dream and very agile and responsive.

Gas mileage, gas mileage, gas mileage. Also, backseat room could be better. There is also that annoying hesitation with the throttle at low speeds.

I have had nothing but fun since purchasing my IS300!! It seems to call for me, and I find myself driving with no particular place to go!! I love the 240 watt sound system and in dash 6 CD changer. It really kicks a**. As I mentioned above, gas mileage is not as good as it should be for a small car especially with all of that technology! Being 6'5 and 260lbs., I actually fit in quite nicely in the driver side seat. Let's just say, I wouldn't want to ride in the backseat. ( Don't think I can fit actually).

I can't help but feel special when people look at the car wondering what is the make and model. Or, when people come up to me and say, "Nice car man!!". I admit, comments like that swell my head!! But overall, I am glad I made the purchase. I am sure within a couple of years, Lexus will tend to those minor glitches. Because afterall, we are talking about a LEXUS!!!

Similar Products Used:

None

Looks great, Drives exceptionally well and the color I chose is turning heads all day long. " Auburn Sky Pearl "

While driving, your right arm tends to get a little tired because it has no support. The IS needs an arm rest!

The reason I'm going to give it a five star rating is because it
Simply kicks ass!

Similar Products Used:

1999 Buick Rivera, BMW 328ci & the Volvo S70

It is the ultimate car... handling... looks... sex appeal... it is awesome in every sense of the word.

The low profile tires require careful attention... i.e. don't run over a curb.

I rate this car as the best car I've ever owned... it never ceases to amaze me... Every time I get in the car... a big grin crosses my face... and I realize how sweet the car is! It commands attention... and demands to be driven. I have no desire to drive another car!

Similar Products Used:

BMW 325, Quite frankly, the BMW is a nice piece... but the Lexus is more fun... period.

None

None

I love my car..this is the best

Similar Products Used:

None

Styling, fit-and-finish, handling

throttle lag, Throttle Lag, THROTTLE LAG!!!

This is a really nice car that "drives" like a piece of garbage. And you would say the SAME THING had you shelled out $33,000 for a car that jerks you down the road while you're driving.
Specifically, I am talking about what Ira from Fairfax (below) so accurately describes as "dethrottling". Imagine your accelerating away from a stop light. I'm not talking "Speed Racer" antics here, just a normal rise in speed. Then the guy in front of you hit's the brakes, so you quickly let off of the accelerator. When you do that, the engine rpm begins to act like a yo-yo. It drops WAY down, then comes back up. The car actually lurches a little; almost feeling like you manually shifted the tranny into a lower gear.
But, if you just happen to hit the accelerator while the engine rpm is at's it's lowest point (before bouncing back up), WHOOSH!! Off you go!! Twice - I almost rear-ended the person in front of me! This problem seems especially evident first thing in the morning whenthe engine is cold. But it has happened to me several times afte driving the car for an hour.
And I experienced the same line of BS (from my dealership) that Ira did; "that's how drive-by-wire is". And the Lexus techician that rode along with me (to help diagnose the problem) said, "If you think THIS is bad, you should drive a GS400/430!". What!?? Let me warn you all RIGHT NOW. This car has a problem. And I REALLY would NOT buy one until Lexus develops a fix for it.
And that's a shame because this car is hot! But what good is all that when you can't enjoy driving it? Lexus, I HOPE you're listening.

Similar Products Used:

'97 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. Accelerates when you WANT it to, decelerates when it's SUPPOSE to. Blow's the doors OFF of the IS300! God - I miss that car!

Handling, acceleleration, and braking.....all excellent. The looks are phenomonal...it is the best looking ride on the road. The front seats are comfortable. The stereo is crisp and loud. The High density lights are great (so are the yellow fogs). Bottom line - It's a Lexus.

Center console needs to be higher....but if that's the only weakness, it's a pretty damn good purchase.

I love this car! It rides smooth, but tight...just like I want a true sports sedan to ride. This baby turns heads too. Not just young punks, or mid-yuppies, but everybody....including those 65+ Mercedes owners. If you're looking for a "luxury line" car and don't want to pay (or can't pay) $50K or more....this is the car for you. It's perfect.

Similar Products Used:

I compared and test drove the BMW 325i, the Audi A4 (2.8), and the Mercedes C240. They're all very nice cars (as well they should be), but the biggest difference was the sport performance feel of the IS300. Everybody and their mother has a BMW these days. The Mercedes will feel comfortable when I'm 50 years old. The Audi is plain and boring. All stickered for around the same price, but the Lexus has testosterone. I think the Audi had estrogen.

The quickness of the line! My friends have those souped up Hondas, Mitsus, etc, but this thing could easily blow them away. With a 7.1 0-60 (over-estimated to me) this thing stock is amazing.
The turns too are insane. I am used to driving SUVs and takin turns at 30+ is an ordeal. However with the Lexus IS 300, I took my first turn in it at 71 m.p.h. I was utterly flabberghasted. This was one of the best cars I have ever driven, and I have to keep good on my promise to race my Dads Mercedes 320 SEL.

No option for manual gearbox. I have decided to wait for the 2002 model, because it is such a pleasure to drive, and with this thing you feel glued to the road, so I will wait to feel moreso glued with the %-spd.

As a 20 year old in the market for my first car, this thing has blown me away. I have decided to definitely take a loan out from the bank for 9K so I can get any unexpected repairs fixed. THe rest of the money comes from working for the past 12 years and not spending one damn dime of it! I always had my heart set on a Jeep, cause off-roading is fun, but this cas sets the men from the boys, and I realized its time to stop playing in the mud, and burning some of those Honda Accords off the road.

Similar Products Used:

Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Wrangler, Audi TT ROadster, Porsche Boxster

We like the design of the exterior and interior. It's cool. The car also rides and handles very well. The engine is quiet, smooth and powerful. Overall a very nice vehicle.

No center armrest, computer, memory seats or auto dimming mirror. The car also has a very annoying intermitent hesitation on acceleration. The dealer has been no help on this and claims it's normal. I had two BMWs previously and would readily go back to them. All because of the cars shortcomings. The service was better too.

The car is good, but not great. It has too many shortcomings and that annoying hesitation described above. Give me a BMW.

Similar Products Used:

BMWs 3 series. See above.