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Overview

Japanese automakers tend to keep their best stuff for the home market, but occasionally, a crazy performance model will make its way to our shores. That’s what happened in the late 1990s, when Lexus decided to bring the IS (Toyota Altezza) to the United States. The IS 300 was an enthusiast’s dream, though nobody knew it at the time. The car featured the now-iconic 2JZ inline-six engine, rear-wheel drive, and Lexus even made a few of them with a manual transmission. Today, the cars are difficult to find in anything approaching decent condition, but they remain a compelling option as one of the last pure sports sedans from Japan.

Key Features

  • 2JZ 3.0-liter inline-six
  • Rear-wheel drive
  • Lively handling
  • Available five-speed manual
  • Unique interior elements from other Lexus models

Pricing Details

The Lexus IS 300 started at a little more than $30,000 when new. Lexus didn’t offer many options for the car, and upgrades such as all-wheel drive didn’t come until later. That price tag put the IS directly in line with the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Audi A4. Used examples on CarGurus range from $5,900.00 to $32,991.00 with an average price of $0.00.

Specifications

Performance

  • Engine

    3.0-liter I6

  • Transmission

    Five-speed automatic or five-speed manual

  • Drivetrain

    Rear-wheel drive

  • Horsepower/Torque

    215 hp/218 lb-ft

  • 0-60 mph

    7.4 seconds (estimated)

  • MPG

    15 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, 22 mpg combined

  • Curb weight

    3,252 pounds

Dimensions

  • wheelbase

    105.1 inches

  • length

    173.2 inches

  • width

    67.7 inches

  • height

    55.9 inches

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