Lexus IS 300

linn412 · November 2003

looks pretty nice to me but i heard that they be using LED headlights for both new GS and IS. And GS will be sharing some components with new IS. It be awesome if it shares the platform with supra. i believe that the new IS300 will be awesome since it has so many competitors such as 2004TL, G35 coupe ,and all new 2005 3 series. 280 will be great but i still prefer in line 6 for lexus IS. 2JZ-GTE will be great for new IS instead of 2JZ-GE.

ron_m · November 2003

The new IS in the photo looks nice, but I'd still prefer the 2001-2003 models. And I definitely prefer a nice, smooth, I6 over a V6 any day. The current IS300 is a smooth running, tight driving masterpiece in my opinion. As my 78 year old dad says..."That's one more FINE automobile!" :-)

By the way, the type of wheels that the new IS is pictured with have GOT to be a pain in the butt to clean properly. Too many nooks and crannies to clean down in.

Ron M.

vocus · November 2003

I prefer the current design as well. Especially the front end. Will they keep the chronograph gauges as well? I hope so, that's something that really attracts me to the IS time and time again.

nyccarguy · November 2003

In this month's AUTOMOBILE. They did a mega-$30K sport sedan comparo. The IS300 5-speed they tested had the all-season 17" tires. 0-60mph: 7.0 Seconds. 0-100mph: 18.7 seconds. 1/4 mile: 15.4 seconds @ 92 mph. The numbers are strictly average as far as the test goes, but as we know, numbers don't tell the whole story. "Very Refined" "I liked this car right away" "Everything operates with silky precision that is the signature of Lexus, from the buttons on the dashboard to the shift action of the 5-speed manual tranmission." "Lexus has clearly decoded much of the DNA of a BMW with this car, but it needs to nuture the package a little more."

runirish · November 2003

I wanted to extend a sincere "thank you" to all of you who take the time to reply and post your advice, opinions, and experiences to this forum. I just purchased my first brand new car, an '04 IS300 manual. I spent numerous nights reading through all 2400 posts throughout the past 3 years. While it was certainly time consuming, it prepared me thoroughly for my purchase and price negotiations with Lexus. I knew exactly what car I wanted and what price I planned on paying. The information I read in this forum was invaluable when it came to negotiations with Lexus. (Negotiated to $3855 under MSRP)

I really appreciate the people who take the time to reply and help other consumers or owners.

I'm incedibly happy with my IS300. I find myself driving across town for simple errands so I can reach my first 1000 miles. Correct if I'm wrong, but I was told that I need to only drive under 65 and not break or accelerate quickly for the first 1000 miles to "break-in" the engine. Is there anything else I need to do or be aware of as a new car owner. Does anyone else have their MPG gauge needle in the dash bounce and fluctuate while driving???

For consumers out there debating on the car, you would be hard pressed to find a better overall package than you do with the IS300.

rsr742002 · November 2003

Congrats man!

I am sure you made the right choice. Enjoy.
BTW, the MPG gauge is designed to fluctuate every second: it is an INSTANT MPG indicator: it shows your current MPG which fluctuates wildly. The real use of this gadget is mininal...

What options did you get on your IS? Full leather?

ron_m · November 2003

On the way home from work today I was listening to a CD, and all of a sudden the music stopped and an 'ALERT' message displayed on the face of the CD player. You could hear voices as though a radio station took precedence over the music CD for only something like 2-3 seconds. Then it stopped and the music CD started back playing right where it had left off. Strange. Very strange. I've NEVER had that happen with my IS300's CD player. Has anyone else ever experienced anything like this with their IS300's CD player?

Ron M.

nyccarguy · November 2003

Congrats on your car man! Lots of luck with it! I have to thank-you for buying a car with a manual transmission! You won't be dissapointed! I hope they keep building sticks for many, many years to come!

stickguy · November 2003

same thing happened to me in my wifes Nissan recently. The radio has an option for emergency alerts (on a certain radio frequency), and if one is broadcast, it cuts over. As far as I know, the feature has been turned on in our car for years, and this was the first time it happened. Quite confusing (I also thought the radio was acting up).

fredmcmurray · November 2003

Here's a puzzlement?
Why, when I switch from listening to CDs to FM, is the radio tuned to a station to which I never listen? I would think it would just go back to the station to which I had been listening last time I was using the radio. But it usually comes on as either NPR or a country music station. Neither one of these is even among my presets.

nyccarguy · November 2003

the twilight zone...

tomskilv · November 2003

runirish,
sounds like a good price on an 04 to me. I was quoted 1500 over invoice from a dealer in LA area as an initial starting point. That would be about $2000 under msrp. I was offered a new 03 for invoice price. This on Nov 11th. If I could get an 04' like you did, that would be great. What city/state/dealer did you buy it? thanks. Tom

mishima8105 · November 2003

Hey! I checked out the latest news release on the IS w/ v8. Whoa! 340hp! I'd like to see Lexus come out w/ at least 250hp production models w/ more standard features like lsd on 6sp manuals. The current IS is lagging in power and woeful mpg compared to similar vehicles. Maybe that's why they are going for far less than msrp.

The IS is still a nice sports sedan I think. It's on my list but just not on the top of the list.

vroomman · November 2003

I've owned an IS 300 (since June of 2000) for longer than most ... it's just an all-out fun car to drive. The handling, the interior, the smooth acceleration ... very happy.

But ... I am looking for more speed this time around ... a step up in performance. I'm going w/ the Volvo S60R ... the AWD is the big seller for me.

Listen, if the IS had AWD and was a little quicker on the 0-60 ... It would be a no brainer ... I'd stick w/ the IS hands down.

jmess · November 2003

Be careful with a first year car. Volvo doesn't usually get things right on the first try. The 2nd year cars will be better and you can negotiate a better price.

fredmcmurray · November 2003

vroomman - Have you driven the Volvo, yet? I had a few minutes in one on a test course recently and the power is certainly nice but it still felt soft and the steering wasn't very communicative. Like many of todays "sports sedans", it has lots of power but just doesn't feel very sporty to me.
Personally, AWD is a big drawback to me. Maybe if I lived where there was snow, I'd feel differently.

vroomman · November 2003

fredmcmurray --- I did test drive the S60R Volvo ... and yes ... the steering seems a bit loose, but, the overall handling is oustanding.

The grip from the Pirelli P Rosso tires matched w/ the AWD ... clues the car around sharp turnes.

And after 2nd gear ... the accelaration smacks you back. I've been doing some research w/ a few owners and they'll all very happy w/ there purchase ...

I hope i'm as happy as I am w/ my IS ... i'm spending 7K more ...

nyccarguy · November 2003

I know most of us purists here have been bellyaching about the possibility of an IS430 for obvious weight and weight distribution reasons. After reading this blurb on the Rod Millen modified IS430, it made me think that a V8 would be a welcome addition to the wonderfully balanced I6.

AUTOWEEK 11/17/03 PAGE 29

"It's the classic muscle car formula: Drop a bigger engine into a smaller body. Rod Millen bolted Lexus' 4.3-Liter V8 into a formely straight-six powered IS 300 and voila-Japanese muscle car. Since the V8 has an alloy block and head, the bigger powertrain weighs exactly the same as the iron-block IS 300 engine, even with the V8's six-speed manual. Front and rear balance is maintained, too. The only adjustments necessary were new engine and transmission mounts and a pair of notches in the frame rails to accomodate the accessory drives. Even the shifter fit perfectly in the existing slot in the tranny hump."

The specs on the 4.3L DOHC 32V V8 (300 hp @ 5600rpm/325 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm) as it pertains to the portly (3,840 lb) SC430 with torque sapping automatic are pretty impressive. It propels the car from 0-60 in 5.9 seconds.

If my calculations are correct, in an IS which weighs 3255 lbs, the 4.3L should propel the car to 60 in the high 4-5 second range. I know numbers aren't everything, but they're nice topping on the sundae.

riez · November 2003

I was in Miami/Ft Lauderdale-Florida Keys for past 2 weeks. Was nice to see a lot of IS300s on the road in that area. Even saw some SportCross.(Though for every one IS300, I must have seen 15 3 Series.) Found it interesting that one of the big Lexus dealers down there gave IS300 place of prominence in his full-page newspaper ad. Believe it was screaming a $299/m lease deal. A local Native American Casino was even having an IS300 as the grand prize in one of their contests. I missed my '04 IS300 manual. Was no fun driving the '02 Concorde rental car!

jmess · November 2003

Lately I have been going into the city with our park-and-forget 95 Civic EX. When the weekend hits it is always fun to make the jump back to RWD and the super smooth I6. Makes you really appreciate how nice a package the IS300 is.

nyccarguy · November 2003

And as far as the next gen IS goes, it will be RWD but must have AWD as an option to sell more and survive in the marketplace. I know, I know that a good set of winter tires on a well balanced RWD chassis can be better because AWD adds weight, increases braking distances. But people in the northeast seem to be brainwashed by marketers and the one bad winter we have here every 5-6 years. Xi BMWs, 4Matic Mercedes', and Audi Quattros are all over the place here in NYC. I'm sure that when the G35 X comes out they'll be quite prevelant too.

But for the record, give me RWD with a good set of dedicated winter wheels/tires:)

riez · November 2003

nyccarguy... Great post. Completely concur.

Audi, BMW, and MB are making a big deal about AWD. Almost an expectation in this market segement that the platform has it as an option. Thought I saw somewhere where MB expects AWD to be over 50% of their C- and E-class.

If there is one thing the IS300 needs it is more sales and a stronger presence in the market. SportCross didn't do it. AWD and optional more powerful engine (plus 6-speed manual) would help. Or Lexus needs to get the word out on what a great value the IS300 is. They should work hard to hold down prices (maybe even lower MSRPs) and reduce discounting. Then the much more expensive prices of the 330i and C320 would really stand out. Lexus could do what Jaguar did with the X-type. Add more standard equipment (e.g., leather) and drop price.

nyccarguy · November 2003

More power would be a good thing (for the market), as long as they keep the superbly balanced chassis and the LSD option. I hope they don't try to out-do the G35 just for hp/torque numbers. It would be really cool if they gave the car a modest bump in hp, but understated it (kinda like BMW does).

I think they also need to offer different suspension options. Think of how many more non-SP equipped 3ers are on the road.

Holding down the prices and not giving too many discounts would be a good thing too. Just don't drop the prices too low (buyers need haggle room to feel good:)

Lexus does need to show the value of the car w/o directly comparing it to the 3 series (or any other car) and focus on the strengths of the IS. Lexus needs to find a Unique Selling Proposition for the IS with so many entrants in the "entry level sport sedan" market. The 3 series is the benchmark. The G35 has class leading hp/torque. The Mercedes C-Class has a hood emblem, optional AWD, and is able to hold its own as a genuine autobahn burner. Audi's Quattro (and their wonderfully crafted interiors) sell cars. The X-Type has standard awd and is (supposedly) very british.

What is the IS? It has racing heritage. Lexus buyers (or many sport sedan buyers) typically don't care about this. The LSD and incredible handling.

riez · November 2003

nyccarguy... Toyota/Lexus already has some things potentially readily available.

I'd love to see Lexus sell the IS200 with 6-speed manual transmission only in USA. Just offer a few options. Make LSD standard. Base price around $25K. Compete against TSX and 325i.

And why Lexus doesn't have TRD put a supercharger option in IS300 seems bizarre. Do what BMW did in past when it turbocharged and call it the IS400. (Back in '80s they turbocharged the 735i and called it the 745i.) That would allow it to compete with G35 power and get a lot closer to M3 territory. TRD has superchargers for a zillion other Toyota engines. If you can supercharge your Solara, you should be able to supercharge your IS300. But Lexus would make sure this was a viable option package. Not dealer installed. Not aftermarket. Done right in factory.

This would allow 3 separate ISs.

ttlttlttl · November 2003

I would love to see a high rev IS like the ones in Europe. It will receive a "10" in the fun to drive column!

riez · November 2003

ttlttlttl... The aftermarket modifiers would have a field day with the IS200. Too bad Toyota/Lexus have so little faith in the US market that they won't allow this high-revving engine with 6-speed. They think all Americans have to have bigger engines and tons of torque. Honda does the right thing with the TSX (the European Accord).

riez · November 2003

The January 2004 issue of Car & Driver has their full road test of the '04 Acura TL. At the start of the article they mention the IS300 along with the G35, CTS and 330i. In their comparison chart, when they post data from other cars, they compare the FWD TL to the RWD Infiniti G35, AWD Audi A4 3.0 Quattro, and RWD BMW 330i. Surprised they didn't mention the FWD Nissan Maxima.

IS300 is falling into near oblivion in automotive press. IS300 isn't going to be getting any respect anytime soon. IS300 is falling way behind in the horsepower war. IS300 has fallen behind in the transmission war. G35 and TL both 50 plus HP or more. G35, TL, and 330i each have 6-speed manuals.

IS300 desperately needs supercharger upgrade with 6-speed manual. Only then might it get some respect.

The TL's 270 HP, LSD, and 6-speed manual combine for 0-60 mph time of only 5.7 seconds! Top speed of 152 mph (governed). 1/4 mile at 14.4 secs. and 99 mph. IS300 5-speed manual just can't compete with these numbers, though the TL leaves a lot to be desired for torque steer, braking, and skidpad performance.

jmess · November 2003

I sorta like getting no respect. It always makes it more fun when you get a chance to do a car control demonstration. I love out braking and out cornering sports sedans in my stock 95 Honda Civic for example. That can make me smile for at least and hour. Far more fun that beating someone to the next stoplight.

It is probably no surprise to anyone that the automotive press has a symbiotic relationship with the mfgs. A new car comes out and they all talk it up so they will be invited to the press junkets and the mfgs will buy advertising space. A year later you start to see published comments about how the same car really isn't perfect and has several disadvantages that they forgot to mention during the first test cycle. Since 04 is probably the last year for the current I300 the car mags aren't very interested in it. They can sell more copies by doing comparisons focused on the newer models.

One of my on going pet peeves:

You really have to wonder about the objectivity/credibility of any car reviewer/tester that fails to comment about the lack of an LSD in a sports sedan. I have yet to read a published road test for 325/330 where anyone has mentioned this shortcoming. They never forget to publish test car HP and 0-60 times though.

riez · December 2003

1. Respect also includes keeping up with your peers, not to mention your "lessers". IS300's 215 hp isn't cutting anything anymore. Nor is the 5-speed manual. G35 HP way up. Same for Acura TL. BMW 330i number seems "low" given the realized performance figure. All have 6-speed manual. Even Acura TSX has 6-speed manual. IS300 manual has hard time breaking 7 second 0-60 mph. Tons of cars like Nissan Sentra Spec V-R and Dodge Neon SRT4 which cost less can perform nearly as well or better.

2. Check out the reviews of the Acura TL. 270 hp, 6-speed manual, and LSD. C&D's review discusses in great detail how the LSD actually works to cause problems in this FWDer. They argue that the automatic version might be better as Acura is sending too much power up front to the drive wheels.

jmess · December 2003

I just don't get too worked up over 0-60 times. To tell you the truth I didn't even know what the straight line performance numbers were for my sportcross when I bought it. The handling dynamics of the car felt right, the engine felt right, and the price was right at the time.

I just read TL review tonight. I always found the LSD in my FWD racer to be a lot of fun when I got both wheels clawing out of a corner. Throw in a damp track and it was even more fun.

The TL is reacting just like any high performance FWD car will react if you really drive it hard. I always laugh at car reviewers that claim their FWD test car doesn't understeer or torque steer. That just shows me they really didn't drive the car very hard. If you buy a car like the TL thinking it drives like RWD sports sedan then you will be really disappointed.

I was kind of surprised at all the unkind reviews that R&T had this month; not good for generating advertising dollars. Along with the TL they knocked the new 5er pretty hard and really slammed the X3 Stupid Ugly Vehicle. It looks the there could be some Z4 sized discounts headed for the 5 series and X3 at the end of 04. One local dealers here is knocking off $5500 on Z4s. If you bought one of the first Z4s in town you just got handed some world class depreciation; leasing would have been your friend.

riez · December 2003

jmess... I've subscribed to C&D for over 20 years just because they call it like they see it.

Keep in mind they haven't been huge fans of the IS300. They like it but don't love it. I'm sure that a good 6-speed manual and more HP by way of a supercharger would improve their thoughts on the IS300.

They panned the X3 for its horrible ride. Their review of new 530i was mostly highly positive about performance (though the active steering takes getting used to) but panned the iDrive and styling excesses.

RWD/AWD is only way to go once you hit about 200 HP. After that, too much power to the FWD drive wheels. My former FWD '96 Infiniti G20t with LSD was a great example. Handled and braked great. Decent ride. Fun car to drive that was never overpowered by the engine. But the 140 HP really needed to be more like 170 HP.

kolya3 · December 2003

hey guys,

i am looking at buying a 2001 is300 with 27K miles (70% freeway / 30% city miles). the guy wants $22000. car has everything but heated seats. the only damage is a minor dent/hole the size of a silver dollar on the rear bumper that doesn't bother me too much.

the edmunds tmv put this car somewhere around $22700 but i'm not sure how close tmv comes to reality...

does this sound like a good deal?

riez · December 2003

kolya3... Make sure to do a thorough search within a reasonable radius. Have you checked out Lexus dealers' lots? Theirs would be pre-certified.

What was the original MSRP? Is he the original owner? Does he have all the maintenance and repair records?

Price seems a bit high for a private-party sale of a 2001. Car is now 3 model years old.

Curious, what month/year was this particular car built? Was it a very early MY2001?

Keep in mind that the '01s don't have front side curtain airbags. Those were standard in '02.

kolya3 · December 2003

I did a search in my area. It seems that dealers are listing this model for about $25K only theirs have many more miles (40K+ vs. 27K on my deal) and private parties are listing them for $23K also with higher mileage. Edmunds.com TMV shows this vehicle as $22.7K so I figured $22K was a good deal. Somehow I think he might be able to sell it for more than $22K.

He is the one and only owner and he has all the maintenance records. All done at the Lexus dealer.
That sucks about the curtain airbags - I didn't know about that.

So given the details above, do you still think this deal is a bit pricy?

bigfur · December 2003

The GF is looking at an IS with an auto. I know littel to nothing about them. I know Lexus is a good car, but i know NOTHING about them. Would a guy thats is 6'5 fit into it easily??? Would a chick be happy with it or would a GS or somethign be better??? Any help is great, thanks people.

riez · December 2003

bigfur... Your note has me more than a bit confused.

I'm 6' 2". My '04 IS300 sedan (manual) has sunroof. Headroom is a bit tight. Wish the seat went a bit further down. Only way to know if you will fit is by sitting in the car, seeing if you can get comfortable, and then taking it out on the road for a good test drive seeing if you stay comfortable.

My wife loves her '03 IS300 sedan (automatic). Not sure she is a "chick". Her female friends (not sure they are "chicks") seem to like it. My female co-workers (not sure they are "chicks") also like my car. The women range in age from low-20s to mid-50s.

What kind of car is she and you looking for? Sedan? Does it have to have room for kids? Do you carry lots of adult friends around? Tons of luggage? Visit local Lexus dealer and spend some time looking at and sitting in one. Then test drive.

Key is research, research, research. Then test drive, test drive, test drive. Only get what you can easily afford.

jmess · December 2003

I am just wee bit short of 6'3 and I am happy. The only way to really tell is to try one on for size.

I have found the IS300 to be very well made. The wife really likes the car because it feels smaller than it really is. Safety rating are top notch along with reliability.

bigfur · December 2003

Reason i say that as i did with "chick" is MOST females wont drive a sporty sedan like well i would. Also for the size thing im not too worried about fitting in if she really likes it, why i have my truck, plenty of head room. As far as what she is looking for...well best i can get from her is she likes the IS300 becuase "its cute". Being that i am a truck guy and not real up to date on cars lately i was just wondering overall what people thought and if they like to drive them.

riez · December 2003

bigfur... Didn't you say you drive a truck? I drive serious sport sedans because I like to drive. Same for my wife. In my opinion, trucks are the exact opposite. Never had one, never will. Hate driving them every time I have to. Ride hard. Handle poorly. Brake poorly. Seem unstable. Not much to recommend them as vehicles to drive. The IS300 is about the complete opposite. Fun to drive hard. Brakes, steers, and handles extremely well.

bigfur · December 2003

As i noted in my first post, the car is for my GF, not me. I drive a pick-up for my personal vehical and its performs pretty well compared to my work truck (500hp 8speed Peterbuilt). Also living in Minnesota right now, 4X4 comes in handy this time of year...but i digress. I guess what im looking for is general info for when we go looking if there are some problem areas i should look for and things like that? Guess i just have never shopped for a Lexus before, not sure what to expect. Sorry if im hard to understand, like i say im a truck guy and the car is for her. Thanks for putting up with me.

riez · December 2003

bigfur... The two nearest Lexus dealers to me have beautiful showrooms. Quiet and comfortable. Free coffee, soda pop, etc.

Consumer Reports, JD Powers, etc. all give Lexus, overall, and IS300, in particular, high marks for reliability and ownership costs. IS300 has done very well in crash tests (NHTSA and IIHS).

Stop by dealership. Take one for a thorough test drive! If you like it, negotiate hard. IS300 sales have been soft.

bigfur · December 2003

for a used one for the price range we need. Soon as i get a chance ill go look at one. Wish i could read the salespersons mind when jump out of a truck with a work jacket on!

kolya3 · December 2003

Anyone remember how much their 30K mile tune up cost them?

On that note, since the is300 is so reliable, is it even worth my money to buy extended warranty from the Lexus dealer or at all? (I might be buying a 2001 Lexus from a private party)

riez · December 2003

bigfur... Lexus dealers also sell used/certified pre-owned IS300s. Check 'em out.

riez · December 2003

kolya3... I've yet to see a 3rd party extended warranty (really a service contract) that was really worth it. Devil in the details. Deductibles, how they pay, how soon they'll pay, etc. Not to mention whether the company will even be around in a few years.

I bought one for my '04 thru Lexus, but I use my IS300 for business and thus the cost was tax deductible. Kind of like insurance peace of mind. Rather pay up front now at time of purchase, and borrow the money thru Lexus financial at a low interest rate, then worry later or think about an expensive 3rd party one loaded with loopholes and exceptions. At least with Lexus' own I know (with some certainty) that they'll still be there in 7 years. And they'll honor their own warranty at all their dealers. No hassles.

kyfdx · December 2003

The Lexus CPO warranty is the best out there.. 3 years from when you buy the car, up to 100,000 total vehicle miles.. no deductibles. The downside: Used IS300 prices at the dealer seem a little stiff.. The one time I looked at them, they seemed eager to bargain, though.

regards,
kyfdx

riez · December 2003

kyfdx... Keep in mind that there are two different things.

1. Lexus offers an extended warranty for new cars. Comes in different terms (e.g., years and mileage). While this is normally done at time of sale, you can delay the purchase of this. Many marques, like BMW, do NOT offer this on their new cars.

2. Lexus offers a certified pre-owned (CPO) program for their used cars. Most marques off this, too.

Both work a bit alike, but they are different.

I have (1) for my '04 IS300. A bit pricey, but gives me peace of mind. I used to own a CPO BMW. CPO programs are a great way, really the best way, to buy a used car.

riez · December 2003

Was looking over Toyota and Lexus press releases on sales data. In November, 2003 , Lexus sold 23,105 vehicles. Only 10,657 (46%) were cars; 12,448 (54%) were SUVs. (ES330 was almost 54% of all cars and 25% of all vehicles sold.)

Compared that to...

December 2002: Lexus sold 24,845 vehicles: 13,409 (54%) cars and 11,436 SUVs (46%).

April 2003: Lexus sold 21,277 vehicles: 10,233 (48%) cars and 11,044 (52%) SUVs.

July 2003: Lexus sold 22,399 vehicles: 10,963 (49%) cars and 11,436 (51%) SUVs.

August 2003: Lexus sold 26,410 vehicles: 12,371 (47%) cars and 14,039 (53%) SUVs.

October 2003: Lexus sold 22,465 vehicles: 11,400 (51%) cars and 11,065 (49%) SUVs. (ES330 was 51% of all cars sold and 26% of total vehicles sold.)

Notice how SUV sales have held up but, except for 10/03, cars sales have either fallen or are essentially flat.

IS300 numbers are so poor that Lexus doesn't release data on it. They only release data in their press releases for vehicles that show a significant increase. Lexus' press releases had nothing on IS300 for sales in 12/02, 4/03, 7/03, 8/03, 10/03, and 11/03. These are all the recent press releases on the web site.

Wonder if Toyota/Lexus is cutting production? Doesn't seem like they are doing any advertising or marketing to push the IS300. Bet their dealers are willing to deal to move '04s?!?

In CY 2002, ES300 sales comprised 48% of all car sales and 31% of total sales.

nyccarguy · December 2003

The RX & ES are what is essentially keeping them afloat!

Luckily they were able to make the IS essentaily as a re-badge (of the altezza w/ the 3.0L I6 from the GS) so they didn't have to invest really in anything except a marketing campaign & some research. They make such a good profit from cars like the RX & ES (both on the camry platform) that they can afford to try things out like the IS300. Hopefully they see room for improvement in the car and that there still is a market for it (which there is).

riez · December 2003

nyccarguy... You wrote, "They make such a good profit from cars like the RX & ES (both on the Camry platform) that they can afford to try things out like the IS300. Hopefully they see room for improvement in the car and that there still is a market for it (which there is)."

Completely concur. Too bad they aren't trying anything out on IS300. Where is AWD option for the snow belt? The IS200 for the street rodder and modifier crowd? Why no supercharger & 6-speed for the IS300 to better compete with the 330i or G35?

All I see is the Millen V8 concept car, a one-off project. Looks like Toyota/Lexus could pull it off in production if they just wanted to. But they don't appear to want to.

And a V6 in the next platform? That is a huge step backward.

My fear is they are allowing the IS model to die a slow lingering death that will destroy it in the minds of the market. You only get one first impression. And one lasting impression for a new model. Lexus is blowing it with the IS. Heck, there is next to no advertising or marketing. And in each car test, Lexus always seems to send the wrong IS300 (e.g., ones that have all-season tires when the others have dedicated summer tires).

Are they trying to kill off a wonderful car???

Lexus IS 300

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