Advantages: Good level of equipment, comfortable, sporty Disadvantages: Slightly sluggish with auto, cramped interior, poor boot space
...to be silver. The Lexus IS200 is a very pretty car, with teardrop headlamps blending into a swooping bonnet with a bulging centre pretending to hide a supercharger under its cover. It doesn't matter what angle you look at the IS200 from, it is pretty, from those delicate headlamps to the large rear light clusters. But its those large rear light clusters that dictate the colour you must go for: they are bristling with brightness and encased in a chrome ... ...to lose their temper. Lexus eventually brought out the three-litre IS300 in an attempt to stave off the hacks demands and I've even heard tell of a Toyota Altezza derivative in Japan that boasts a 4.3 litre BMW M3 beating engine, though I've not had chance to sample it myself.
Inside the IS200 the cabin is big enough to hold four large adults comfortably, though it isn't the most roomy of environments. The suspension is firm and sporty but you don't ...
markd_uk 27.09.2004
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Lexus IS 200 2.0 24v
...self employed) was a Silver Lexus IS200, The SE (Special Equipment Version). I very much doubt you'll have any idea just how badly (prior to getting one of these, that is) I wanted to have one of these - even if you do regard the car as being desireable, I still feel that my (albeit highly subjective) sentiments for 'top-tier' Japanese cars - might make me seem to some people as perhaps even a bit weird! You see ... I have always put what I have ... ...get a 'Fully-Loaded' as Standard Lexus IS200 with the following spec:
Air Conditioning with Climate Control, Heated Leather Seats, Totally Electrically Adjustable
6 Speaker Sound System with 6-Disc Autochanger Built-in, Elec Windows, Elec Folding and heated Wing Mirrors, 2-Litre 6 Cylinder 153BHP Variable Valve Timing 24-Valve All Alloy Engine
6 Speed Manual Close Ratio Gearbox
17" 5-Spoke Alloys
Electronically Managed Traction Control, Stability ...
Whinger 05.08.2004 (25.08.2004)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Lexus IS 200 2.0 24v
Advantages: Stylish, bullet proof build, tons of equipment and not a BMW. Disadvantages: Poor fuel consumption and performance for it's class and not a BMW.
...like a sports saloon.
Lexus is the luxury division of Toyota, formed several years ago when Toyota realised that nobody was going to buy one of their cars instead of a BMW 7 series or Mercedes S Class, no matter how good it was. They needed to create a premium brand car, which normally takes decades, with an immediate presence. This led to the Lexus LS400, which was superb but did not have the brand impact to impress European snob values. Years ... ...In 1999, Lexus launched the IS200 – aimed at the executive sports saloon market.
King of the sports saloons was, and still is, the BMW 3 series. Fine engines, great driving experience, bags of driveway kudos and built so solidly that you would think it was carved out of granite. Nobody in Europe has been able to shift the 3 series from the top of every thrusting exec’s wish list (who said yuppies were a thing of the past) but Lexus were undaunted ...
eduardob 29.01.2004
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Lexus IS 200 2.0 24v
Advantages: Customer Service, Build Quality, Value for Money Disadvantages: Alloy Wheel Salt Erosion Pitting
I purchased my Lexus IS 200 SE Auto in October 2003. Having owned and Audi,
a Mercedes and a BMW I was immediately struck by the professionalism and
keenness of the staff at the dealership. A sort of eagerness to please I had
not seen in many years. That feeling is something I still get now whenever I
deal with them.
The IS 200 is not an uncommon car. You see lots of them around, rather like
the ubiquitous 3 series BMW. However, the point is ... ...latest 3 series BMW the Lexus will
struggle through the twisty bits, but it remains safe and composed at all
times. Against the latest Mercedes C-Class the match is fairer, as both
these cars are heavier than the BMW and have a tendency toward press-on
understeer when pushed into corners.
So having owned one for almost a year what do I think? Well, the car is very
easy to live with. The only minor glitch was the salt erosion pitting in the
...
FantasticMrFox 12.08.2004
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Lexus IS 200 2.0 24v
...delivery. If it has the Lexus name on it, you can be sure that it is of the highest quality. Lexus, "The relentless pusuit of excellence". 100% correct. This car out performs all in its class. What Car? wont even test it against the average 3 series BMW, C class Merc, Audi A4 or Alfa 155 in a latest test. They know the IS200 beats them all.
Superb engine performance, power when you need it, even in 6th gear. Handles like a 4 wheel drive and as confortable ...
InspectorGadget 02.08.2000
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Lexus IS 200 2.0 24v
Advantages: Good looks and sporty appearance Disadvantages: Lack of performance / power
...I was disappointed to get back into my own car. On the whole the car has potential, but Toyota / Lexus have for some reason decided not to release it.
The latest billboards for the IS200 ask:
Going somewhere?? My answer? Yes, but not very quickly!!! ...
Slideways 31.03.2001
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Lexus IS 200 2.0 24v
Advantages: Looks, Engine, Specs Disadvantages: Fuel Consumption, Tyre Wear
I bought my Lexus IS200 SE in January 2006 and it's safe to say it is the best car I've ever had. The build quality is rock solid, it handles brilliantly and as for the cabin, it is an extremely pleasant place to be. The car is aimed squarely at the BMW 3-series, and just like it's main rival, it is a beautifully balanced, rear-wheel drive sports saloon. The engine is a 6-pot peach and this is it's main advantage over the BMW, which in it's 2 litre ... ...them as well. Unlike most Lexus engines, the engine is supposed to be heard and has a refined growl to it and you do find yourself revving it hard just to hear that engine. It's beautiful. Sadly, outright performance doesn't quite match the sound, but if you are really a speed freak, get the 3 litre model. There's nothing to complain about with the ride and the handling either. Under-steer is non-existent and over-steer is easily controlled and never ...
barnardo64 08.03.2007
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Lexus IS 200 2.0 24v
Advantages: Excellent Service, Smooth ride, luxurious interior Disadvantages: Alloy Wheels and CD Changer
...years ago and saw a Lexus for the first time being chaffeur driven and my first impressions were of the brand being a Japanese Volvo both in styling and performance with little extras. I was therefore a little hesitant when purchasing my Is200 from a friend last year but the price was too tempting and I felt I should give the brand a chance. I am glad that I did.
Having owned a number of "Top Name, Performance" cars in my time I was somewhat surprised ... ...the car was easily controllable.
Lexus reparied the car with no fuss and also gave me some extras which one comes to expect from other brands such as Full Valet and a small gifft after the car had been repaired.
After waxing lyrical I have had some problems with the CD player which I am told is not uncommon with this model plus the alloy wheels are prone to deterioration.
Overall the few bad things I have heard about this car are far outweighed ...
scottle77 21.07.2004
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Lexus IS 200 2.0 24v
...previous car was also a Lexus IS200 so really, we have had one of these for 6 years. Firstly, the looks of the car are brilliant for such an old design. This car was released in 1998 and has not had a yearly facelift like the BMWs and Audis you see... this is either Lexus being lazy (very doubtful from the Japanese) or the fact that the design is timeless and always admired. Don't forget that this car started the whole "lexus lights" craze with boy ... ...that the all new look Lexus IS comes out in the UK on the 19th of November so you will have many top spec ISs to get huge discounts on... and also, these cars keep their value well! I often see 1998 examples go for £10000 due to it being seen as a prestige and reliable car... mine is at 82,000 miles after around 3 years and it still drives like new... definitely a well built and beautiful looking car! ...
HBarton 05.09.2005
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Lexus IS 200 2.0 24v
Advantages: Lexus is good looking, jam packed with extras as standard, quite exclusive Disadvantages: Not as fast as a BMW323, doesn't have quite the Snob Factor
...'two horse race' - a Lexus IS200 Sport or a BMW 323SE...
I Test Drove both cars for a weekend, this is my opinion of the two cars:
BMW 323SE - Very nice looking car.
- Well constructed and feels solid.
- It has more standard extras than you would normally expect for a BMW (though this might be the SE badge that is wears).
- It has a good engine (v6 2.5) and a fair level of power/speed. - You still need to buy additional optional extras in order ... ...out from the crowd!
Lexus IS200 Sport - a very attractive looking car.
- It is well built.
- Very well priced - the Sport is GBP23,000 and does not need any extras.
- It's extras are second to none (auto headlights, in-dash multiplay cd, 17inch allows, climate control, the list goes on and on). - It has a 2.0 v6 VVTI engine which is very good (but the 0-60 speed is not brilliant).
- It is still quite exclusive.
To conclude, I now own a W Reg ...
lud 15.08.2000
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Advantages: Lexus build quality, comfortable ride, different... Disadvantages: Engine is refined but lacks power
The Lexus IS200 Sport. I smile just thinking about it. The car is a delight to drive!
It glides over the roads as if it were on a cushion of air, and motorway driving is a dream.
From the outside, the car has distinctive looks (especially with the optional body kit I saw one - wow did it look agressive!) and is certainly not to be confused with a BMW, which seem to have swamped the market nowadays.
The build quality is impeccable leaving nothing ... ...built to last and the doors shut with a satisfying thud. The quality is even apparent in the carefully weighted and effortlessly movable boot lid.
The engine is pleasant as well, sounding good throughout the full rev range. Unfortunatly, that's what it's best at. It has a certain pull to it, but less than would be expected from a 2ltr straight six. The Sport tag only refers to the trim, it has the same engine as all the others.
But, that being ...
Arbiter 30.04.2002 (01.05.2002)
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Advantages: Comfortable, plenty of electronics, looks good Disadvantages: Fuel consumption, little slow from the start
I have found the Lexus IS 200 to be a very comfortable car. I have driven the automatic which means driving in traffic is much more easier and less stressful. The leather interior looks good and setaing is extermely comfortable,with heated setas for those cold winter days. The Lexus has an array of electronics with four settings for the front seat adjustments. Due to it being automatic I have found that acceleartion from start is a little slow and ... ...round the car, once your going it can reach high speeds quite comfortably. There is also a snow button, which is useful when driving in ice/snow conditions, the tyre traction is excellent in these sort of conditions. The fuel consumption seems quite high compared to other cars I have driven, however the comfort and looks of this car makes up for the expense. ...
jaygirl2 16.02.2009
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Advantages: Little outside noise, great stereo, comfort. Disadvantages: None
The Lexus IS 200 is a very sporty car that drives and feels more like a luxury car. The panel instrumentation is original and provides the maximum amount of information in a minimum amount of space. The orange glow of the dashboard at night is very easy on the eyes, and can be dimmed for long trips.
The Sport model has an outstanding sound system, with nine speakers, a six disc changer and a casette player. The air conditioning can be set at temparature ... ...As for performance, with the Lexus IS 200, you get a lot for your money. A 6 speed manual transmission ensures enough range to overtake at just about any speed. You can also get an automatic transmission if you choose. The car hugs the road and makes driving fun. The engine does not lack power or torque, but it does get very thirsty for petrol.
The car is quite stylish and comes in a variety of colors and two models. The Sport class is a little ...
Pharaoh57 08.03.2003
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Advantages: Great to drive Disadvantages: My brother wants to borrow it on the weekend
...So I opted for the LEXUS 200 sport. The long wait was worthwhile and I was not disappointed from the moment I picked her up. Groundhog days are back when you see how her wide tyres hug the ground. But you have only to open the door of this car and listen to the ease of it closing to know you have bought quality. But the perfection for me is the driving. Along with the gear lift of course, top speed, comfort, style..did I mention looks. Yes I think ...
shak_y2k 24.12.2000
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The Lexus IS200 automatic is quite simply fabulous. From the minute, you turn the key you can tell it is going to be a pleasant and enjoyable experience. I have always liked the IS200 and when I was offered a test drive at the weekend, I was well pleased. What struck me was how easy it is to driver. Effortless refined power. The engine and gearbox work together a treat very rare for an automatic. The car has great handling and I think the look is ...
j.cuthell 14.12.2000
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Lexus IS 200 2.0 24v