LEXUS IS300

Whatever doubt once bounded Lexus's quest to grow to be Mercedes's alike is now a long-forgotten recollection. Even before its tenth anniversary, Lexus had already marked history with standard-setting excellence, world-class luxury, and the reputation that naturally follows such supreme goodness. By the time Mercedes silently starting slashing prices by thousands while Lexus hiked up its own, success was clear.

But instead of resting on its glory, the confident Lexus of 2001 decided to go after that other Teutonic titan, BMW, and aimed straight at its most revered product, the 3-series. Naming its creation the IS300, the recipe hardly differed at all: rear-wheel-drive, inline six-cylinder engine, automatic and manual transmissions (a lucky last-minute decision), only the best suspensions and only the least proportions. Lexus may lack multiple engines and two-door body styles, but the vital ingredients are status quo.

Now, knocking the chip off the king's shoulder can be called one of two things - brave or suicide - depending on whether you can or can't pull it off. On one hand, this is Lexus we're talking about, but then, they don't call them Ultimate Driving Machines for nothing. Tough call.

Exterior
Length: 176.6 in. Width: 67.9 in.
Height: 55.5 in. Wheel Base: 105.1 in.
Ground Clearance: 5.3 in. Curb Weight: 3255 lbs.

Interior
Front Head Room: 39.1 in. Front Hip Room: 52.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 52.6 in. Rear Head Room: 37.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 53.5 in. Rear Hip Room: 53.9 in.
Front Leg Room: 42.7 in. Rear Leg Room: 30.2 in.
Luggage Capacity: 10.1 cu. ft. Maximum Cargo Capacity: 10 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data
Base Number of Cylinders: 6 Base Engine Size: 3 liters
Base Engine Type: Inline 6 Horsepower: 215 hp
Max Horsepower: 5800 rpm Torque: 218 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 3800 rpm Drive Type: RWD
Turning Circle: 34.1 ft.

Fuel Data
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.5 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Manual: 18 mpg / 25 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Manual: 315 mi. / 437.5 mi.