2001 Lexus IS 300 Review
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Summary
With the IS 300, Lexus has developed a compact-class sports sedan aimed at a youthful audience enamored by German performance machines. This new Lexus rivals the BMW 328i in its tight handling traits but develops best-in-class power and provides a high-tech interior design laced with the Lexus quality of quietness and production craftsmanship that sets all curves. Price points scored below the BMW, while high content of standard equipment tips the scales for this Lexus to the side of value.
Model Line Overview
| Model Lineup: | IS 300 ($30,500) |
| Engines: | 3.0-liter dohc inline-6 |
| Transmissions: | 5-speed automatic with E-shift |
| Safety Equipment (standard): | dual front airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags, three-point seatbelts for five seat positions with force-limiting pretensioners in front and height-adjustable front shoulder belt anchors, anti-lock brake system, disc brakes with electronic brake distribution (EBD), all-speed traction control (TRAC), daytime running lamps, child restraint seat anchor brackets, first aid kit |
| Safety Equipment (optional): | |
| Basic Warranty: | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In: | Iwate, Japan |
Specifications As Tested
| Model Tested (MSRP): | IS 300 ($30,500) |
| Standard Equipment: | automatic climate system with air conditioning, dust/pollen interior air filter, engine speed-sensing power steering, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, power door locks multi-function in-key remote, power windows with express up/down for driver, power mirrors, manual tilt steering wheel, analog instruments with tachometer, leather-wrapped steering wheel with shift controls, front bucket seats with eight-way power controls, front floor console, rear bench seat with pass-through to trunk, rear window electric defogger, remote releases for trunk lid and fuel door, Lexus premium AM/FM/cassette with in-dash six-disc CD changer and eight speakers, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, 215/45/R17 summer tires |
| Options As Tested (MSRP): | moonroof ($1000); heated front seats ($440); LS leather package ($1705) includes leather trim, dual eight-way power seats, garage door opener; limited-slip differential ($390); graphite polished wheels ($400); destination charge |
| Destination Charge: | 495 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax: | |
| Price as tested (MSRP) | 34930 |
| Layout: | front engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm): | 215 @ 5800 |
| Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm): | 218 @ 3800 |
| Transmission: | 5-speed automatic with E-shift |
| EPA fuel economy, city/hwy: | 18/23 |
| Wheelbase: | 105.1 |
| Length/width/height: | 176.6/67.7/54.9 |
| Track, f/r: | 58.9/58.5 |
| Turning circle: | 37.4 |
| Seating capacity: | 5 |
| Head/hip/leg room, f: | 39.1/52.6/42.7 |
| Head/hip/leg room, m: | |
| Head/hip/leg room, r: | 37.7/53.5/30.2 |
| Cargo volume: | 10.1 |
| Payload: | |
| Towing capacity: | |
| Suspension, f: | Independent |
| Suspension, r: | Independent |
| Ground clearance: | 4.9 |
| Curb weight: | 3270 |
| Tires: | P215/45/R17 |
| Brakes, f/r: | disc/disc with ABS |
| Fuel capacity: | 17.5 |
• For more information such as specs, prices, and photos of the 2001 Lexus IS 300, click here: 2001 Lexus IS 300.
