2001 Lexus IS 300 Review

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SOLVANG, Calif. — Americans are proud of their country, but have special loves for the foreign and exotic. This little town in the rolling coastal pastures purports to be a slice of Denmark, and Lexus is suggesting that their 2001 IS 300 sport sedan will be a tasty alternative for BMW’s 3-Series customers. Well, lots of folks flock to Solvang — look for similar crowds at Lexus dealers.

When Toyota launched their Lexus brands, the initial products were upgrades of current Toyotas, but no more. With runaway success has come the funds and confidence for individual Lexus product development, plus some new niche items that created markets of their own. First Lexus took aim at Mercedes with the LS and ES models, then tested the high end two- and four-door sports market with the SC and GS cars. Then they out-Ranged Rover with the LX and followed it up with the capable and comfortable alternative RX 300 sport-ute.

Their next logical target was the bread and butter entry-level sports market. Unlike competitive models that offer base and optional powertrains, the IS 300 will come standard with a 215-horsepower, 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine from the GS 300 that produces 218 lb-ft of peak torque. The engine employs continuously Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) to optimize valve overlap throughout the speed range, eliminating the usual compromise between low-end torque and high-rpm horsepower.

The IS pulls solidly in any gear at any speed, and is ideally matched to an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission with Formula One-inspired E-shift steering-wheel gear-selection controls. The shift buttons are on the front and rear of the wheel, eliminating confusion that often occurs with toggle controls when the wheel is turned. The beefy tires grip the road, yet Lexus engineers tune the suspension with enough give to avoid the jarring of some pure performance sedans.

Lexus engineers designed the sedan with the best possible weight distribution, placing heavy components, such as the battery and fuel tank, toward the center, and moving the engine back behind the front axle line. The center of gravity on the IS is low, and a double wishbone suspension is fitted front and rear to achieve a balance between comfortable ride and precise handling.

The new sedan comes standard with a single-feed, in-dash six-CD autochanger that eliminates the need for a separate CD cartridge, automatic climate control, cruise control, power windows with one-touch up/down for the driver, heated outside mirrors, trunk pass through, alarm with immobilizer and in-key remote control. High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, a shift knob with metallic finish and 17" high-performance wheels and tires add to the sedan's sporty appearance. The Japanese project manager gives his teenage son the credit for the drilled aluminum sport pedals, a racing car touch. If a buyer needs them, leather and a moonroof are available, and these are the only comfort options not included as standard.

Rear-end dynamics

The vehicle is compact and has a forward angled stance with a high rear end, reminiscent of a BMW 3-Series, but no one will suggest that it is a copy. The sharp wedge-shaped silhouette of the IS emphasizes the sporty nature of the car. Small, angled headlamps, a low slung air dam and built-in fog lamps add to the sports effect. Additionally, the strong horizontal lines of the four-bar grille will reinforce the Lexus sports image.

Aerodynamic shielding on the undercarriage improves airflow and creates a virtually flat-bottom ground effect similar to that of a racecar. Front and rear fairings, just ahead of the wheels, also improve aerodynamic performance and stability at higher speeds. The exterior design of the IS is carried over to its spacious interior.

A chronograph-style, combination gauge dominates the instrument panel, combining European sports watch imagery and the Japanese love of glitz. Other interior highlights include matte chrome-like accents, supportive and comfortable sports seats, and a three-spoke steering wheel. The sweeping center console is well laid out and functional, although it can remind one of a Hollywood seventies space ship mockup. It houses audio and air conditioning controls, while other major controls will be located conveniently around the steering wheel.

The folks at BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz now have something to fear from Lexus. And once the manual gearbox arrives next year, we’re not so sure the best option in this crowded segment won’t hail from Japan.

2001 LEXUS IS 300

Base Price: $30,500
Engine: 3.0-liter in-line six, 215 hp
Transmission: five-speed electronically-controlled automatic with manual "E-Shift"
Wheelbase: 105.1 in
Length: 176.6 in
Width: 67.7 in
Height: 55.5 in
Weight: 3270 lb
Fuel economy: 18 city/23 hwy (est.)

Major standard equipment:
Eight-speaker AM/FM cassette with in-dash six-disc CD changer
Eight-way power adjustable leather driver’s and passenger’s seats
Manual tilt steering wheel
Power windows, mirrors and locks
Remote keyless entry and theft-deterrent system
Dual front and seat-mounted side airbags
Anti-lock brakes
Traction control
High-intensity discharge headlights

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