The Lexus IS 300 is the rogue of the family, a compact four-door sedan combining sassy looks and snappy performance with the superior quality control associated with the Lexus name. Inside and out, it looks like nothing else in the Lexus lineup.
The Lexus IS 300 is comparably priced with the more conservative Lexus ES 330, but is targeted toward a younger audience. While the ES 330 uses a V6 and front-wheel drive, the IS 300 uses an inline-6 and rear-wheel drive. The ES is smooth and sophisticated; the IS is hip and aggressive. With rear-wheel drive, a responsive six-cylinder engine, and the road-hugging handling of a German touring car, the IS 300 offers a compelling alternative to the benchmark BMW 3 Series and Nissan G35.
The IS 300's high-tech 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine is smooth and powerful, producing 215 horsepower. It's available with either a manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic that shifts automatically or manually via buttons on the steering wheel. It's also available as a sport wagon called the SportCross.
Model year 2004 brings some minor revisions to the front and rear styling, mist-type wiper nozzles, and some minor interior tweaks. Otherwise the IS 300 remains unchanged from last year.