2001 Lexus IS 300

Some might describe the IS's interior theme as accessory-parts-catalog chic. Over a substrate of stitched hide (seats, steering wheel), doodads and design accents run amok. Polished metal plates spotted with traction dots cover the front and rear door sills, dead pedal, and brake and throttle pedals. The shifter ball sparkles in black chrome. HVAC knobs are fluted, upholstery inserts are perforated, and an assortment of surfaces are debossed with ribbing. The cherry on top is what Lexus calls its "chronograph" instrument cluster. Looking like an oversized Swiss wristwatch, the centrally located 160-mph speedometer is inset with small mpg, voltage, and temperature gauges. Though it's shunted off to the side, the 8,000-rpm tach is still clearly legible.

Making 215 horsepower and paired with a responsive 5-speed automatic transmission, the 3.0L DOHC I-6 endows this slick sport sedan with solid performance credentials.

Actually, the most entertaining part of the driveline is the 5-speed multi-mode automatic transmission which warrants 10 full pages of owner's manual explanation. Operation is governed by six buttons, one lever, and the gas-pedal position. You can let the transmission shift as it likes by wriggling the shift lever through its serpentine slot to the D position. Or, you can seize manual control by nudging the lever into your choice of four other forward-gear positions. The third option is shifting to the M position on the floor and tapping four steering-wheel-mounted buttons up or down to command second through fifth gears. Press two additional console-mounted buttons to chose Normal, Snow, or Power shift modes. After the initial joy of shifting with buttons wears off, you're left with two logical alternatives: engage D and focus your attention on keeping the throttle flat on the floor OR wait until next year when a proper manual transmission (unfortunately, only a 5-speed) will be added to the roster.


The first signal that the steering is a treat comes from the small-diameter wheel, which sets up go-kart expectations that are at least partially fulfilled. Response to a flick of the steering wrists is rapid and assertive with no lost motion or rubber mush to blunt the IS's reflexes. You can jink left or right with gymnastic agility. Unfortunately, the rim-to-road communication is not quite as keen. Ten percent higher steering effort might downgrade the IS's light-on-its-feet sensations a bit, but that's the first adjustment we'd try to move this car another notch closer to sport-driving perfection.

Conclusion
Thoughtful customers heading this way from Honda Accords and Lexus ESs will find precious few nits to pick with the new IS 300. The first quick corner they experience with the front wheels relieved of propulsion responsibilities will convince them they made a very astute move to this newcomer. Never mind the fact that the new IS doesn't knock the incumbent 3 Series to its knees. It's visually entertaining, thoroughly enjoyable to drive, and a very fashionable way for two couples to do the town. Factor in the fair dealer treatment and low depreciation that come as standard equipment with every Lexus product, and you've got a winner. BMW should be flattered.