Comments: 1-15, 16-25
Just rented this car for a week, because it's hard to get an American class car that would cost less than an airplane here in Germany.
The car was listed as full size, but in reality it's just a compact sedan with small stiff seats, small trunk, and small interior.
The instrumental panel crammed with gauges is the worst I've ever seen, but I guess you can get used to that.
But the most disappointing is the engine performance. The acceleration is so anemic, and the engine is so noisy, I hated this car after 5 minutes of driving.
The wind noise at high speeds and the engine noise are terrible. You certainly cannot call that comfortable driving.
The car doesn't feel stable above 80 mph.
Engine is weak, so forget about high-speed maneuvers.
Actually the IS200 is actually a rebadged Toyota. Toyota are well aware they couldn't get away with badging this car as a Lexus in Japan hence it is sold over there as the Toyota Altezza. Even more surprising is the fact that prices over there start at around £10,000 for the car (albeit not with a V6 engine) yet Lexus/Toyota seem to charge their European customers a massive premium for the same car.
Actually, All Lexus cars are actually Toyotas in Japan. The GS300 is called the Aristo and the LS400 is the Celsior.
The last time I looked, my IS200 had a straight six engine, which purrs along quite nicely.
For its price the Lexus IS200 is better than any BMW 3 or Merc C-class in the same price bracket, and far better equipped.
Granted, the IS200 is a better bet than the (embarrassingly) underpowered BMW 316i or 318i.
But pitch it against a 320i or 323i (never mind a 325i, 328i or 330i)? It gets sand kicked in its face I'm afraid.
This car is nice and stable at 120mph.
Trust me. :-)
And how much was that 330i again? (pitch it against a GT3 while you're at it) :)
I own an IS300, and surely this car has rougher rides than traditional Lexus, yet I feel that this is what makes the car so appealing. Acceleration in this car is quick, and having driven a BMW 330i I think the IS300 feels much lighter and quicker.
As to the guy that wrote the review, I have nothing much to say besides that you have bad taste.
The engine is very smooth and and the car is stable at 120 MPH, your tyre pressures must have been wrong.
Altezza RS200 gives me a completely exciting feeling. It accelerates smoothly up to 160 km/h and it still wants to go more quickly. As a safe and responsible driver, I don't want to speed up further. I can think of only one weak point: uncomfortable rear seat. It doesn't matter much --- I'm the driver!
I really do like the interior and exterior of these cars, but the performance is pathetic! While outright acceleration might not be the point of this car - come on, the huge alloys and an aggressive stance, send out all the wrong signals. It's not fast, as you'll find the next time you see a BMW 323 or Accord Type-R, both of which will blow it away.
I think the bloke in Germany hasn't a clue what he was on about. The car is absolutely pukka for its price and I'm starting to wonder if this bloke was bill gates?
Compared to some American cars I have driven, there is no comparison when it comes to handling or performance, unless we are talking Dodge Viper!
For the money, comparing like for like, such as BMW 318 or Audi A4, the Lexus is a bargain alternative to a run of the mill 'compact executive'!
In American movies you can see that American built cars are not exactly precision instruments. The drivers always move the steering wheel while driving in a straight line. Probably this driver was not used to a car that responds to input.
Another reason for his bad experience might be that he had a flat tire without noticing.
And a third reason might be that he was drunk. That would explain the noise he is talking about too.
I tried to drive my is200 at 210 km/h with my hands loose from the wheel. It kept straight.
Unstable above 80 mph?? I don't think so!!! As someone living in Germany and who makes full use of the autobahns, I can assure you that the car is perfectly stable upto its top speed of 140 mph!, OK, wind and road noise it a bit loud, but so what.
As for the handling, when you compare it to the vast majority of US cars that handle like a bus - you have no comparison.
That comment up at the top of this one was really something. As an American living in Europe, it truly embarrasses me to hear an actual argument for the Giant sponges known as American cars. I grew up in an American family with two giant American cars that sucked. I hated those cars and I hated driving. I am so glad to be living in Spain and driving the Anti-sofa, my lovely IS200. I love my car and I love to drive. What a pleasure.