One-Year Test

2000 Lexus IS 300

So far, everyone on staff loves this ride-it draws looks and positive commentary wherever we go. There's lots to praise: Silken, revvy inline-six, well-mated five-speed automatic, pinned-down chassis, aggressive rolling stock, and an athletic over-the-road feel, all of which qualify the IS 300 as a genuine sport sedan, not a sporty sedanlike wannabe. It's interesting that the IS looks a lot like the new Mercedes C-Class on paper, yet Lexus' target buyer is about 10 years younger than that of its German rival. The 300's styling bears that notion out. The steering-wheel-mounted shift buttons draw mixed reviews. Some like the notion of having the controls on the wheel and being able to accomplish up- or downshifts with either hand. Others prefer a crisp fore/aft floor-mounted stick, as on the BMW's Steptronic unit or in the Acura TL. Same for the chronograph watch-style dash: It's an eye-catching piece of design, but not everyone likes it as well in daily use. A little plastic piece on the E-brake cable broke, which we'll have addressed when the IS goes in for its first service, but everything else is A-OK.

Logbook Quote
"Great handler and a ball to drive. I'm shocked at how much I like this car."

Base price	$30,500
Price as tested	$33,159
Vehicle layout	Front eng, RWD, 4-door, 5-pass
Engine	3.0L I-6, DOHC, 4 valves/cyl
Hp @ rpm	215 @ 5800
Torque @ rpm	218 @ 3800
Transmission	5-speed automatic
0-60 mph, sec	7.4
EPA mpg	18 city/23 highway
Total mileage	4947
Avg test mpg	19.2
Problem areas	E-brake cable protector
Non-warr cost	$0

2000 Lincoln LS

Our pair of LS has continued to give enjoyable and trouble-free service. The V-8 has just about completed its year of duty and has done so with no additional mechanical issues; the V-6 five-speed car has been equally flawless, though it doesn't head back to Lincoln's motor pool for several more months. The V-8 was the subject of another recall notice to check the tightness of the lower front ball joints. This was part of the 15,000 miles service (no charge on either count), though we'd noticed no noises or front-end problems. Said service also included the usual round of fluid and filter changes. The compliment/gripe balance is about the same: Everyone loves the chassis, handling, and value equation; everybody hates the fake wood, the serious lack of interior storage, and the fact that the V-8 jumps to 2500 rpm upon cold startup. We'd also ask for a little shorter final-drive ratio in the V-6 for a little more low-end zing; as it is now, it'll happily roll along on the freeway in third gear. All in all, however, really terrific cars for the money.

Logbook Quote
"A fully loaded LS V-8 costs less than a well-equipped 3 Series. Something to be said for that."

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