The brakes are quite good; the pedal neither too sensitive nor spongy and is reassuringly easy to modulate. The IS' steering is perfect; dynamically weighted and assisted. It seems as though it is directly linked to the front wheels. This, combined with a rear-wheel-drive layout and proper weight distribution, makes for a wonderful driving car.
Mine
The 2001-05 Lexus IS 300 stands out as an aesthetic masterpiece that still turns heads to this day. The IS is a neat different and original alternative to the excellent yet over-exposed 3-Series BMW. If I thought I liked it before, now I really want one.
Reliability
Looks
Handling
Harsh-ish ride
None
Tested model:
2003 Lexus IS 300, 84,000 km
Problem areas:
Ignition switch failures (2000-02)
Slight electrical problems (1998-2002)
Competitors of the day:
BMW 3-Series
Infiniti I35 and G35
Audi A4
Cadillac Catera and CTS
Acura 3.2TL
Recalls:
No recalls have ever been issued on the 2001-05 Lexus IS. So far, two distinct recalls exist for the new IS.
photo:Philippe Champoux
 |
Mine
The 2001-05 Lexus IS 300 stands out as an aesthetic masterpiece that still turns heads to this day. The IS is a neat different and original alternative to the excellent yet over-exposed 3-Series BMW. If I thought I liked it before, now I really want one.
 |
Reliability
Looks
Handling
 |
Harsh-ish ride
 |
None
Tested model:
2003 Lexus IS 300, 84,000 km
Problem areas:
Ignition switch failures (2000-02)
Slight electrical problems (1998-2002)
Competitors of the day:
BMW 3-Series
Infiniti I35 and G35
Audi A4
Cadillac Catera and CTS
Acura 3.2TL
Recalls:
No recalls have ever been issued on the 2001-05 Lexus IS. So far, two distinct recalls exist for the new IS.
photo:Philippe Champoux
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