2005 Lexus IS 300 New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Lexus IS 300?
After receiving numerous changes last year, there are no new additions to the Lexus IS 300 for 2005.

Advantages of the 2005 Lexus IS 300:

• Razor-sharp steering
• Impressive handling
• Potent inline-six engine
• Perfectly-designed front seats
• Available in sedan or wagon format

Objections to the 2005 Lexus IS 300:

• Some interior materials appear to be downmarket
• Tight rear seat accommodations
• E-Shift can be slow to react

Editor's Advice:
The 2005 Lexus IS 300 is one of the most entertaining driver's cars on the market today. Its perfectly calibrated steering, handling and brakes complement the almost-perfectly balanced chassis, and the 215-horsepower inline-six begs to be revved hard and often. It feels and looks faster than it is; with the manual, the Lexus IS 300 musters a 6.8-second zero-to-60 time. The five-speed automatic adds half a second to that figure, and the SportCross wagon is slower still. Don't expect the 2005 Lexus IS 300 to serve as a luxury sedan, because it isn't one. The rear seats are tight for adults and the interior materials don't exude the opulence that other Lexus vehicles do. Rather, this is a modern interpretation of the classic German sport sedan and sport wagon. It's nimble, tight, responsive, and a blast to drive. Want real luxury? Try the softly-tuned cruiser called the Lexus ES 330.