Lexus IS Saloon (99-05) - Review Review by Parkers on 01 January 1999 If you fit into Lexus' buyer profile for the IS, you're probably young, affluent and style-conscious. But that was before ex-Rover-driving, sports-casual-wearing Alan Partridge decided to buy one. Image apart, the average buyer opts for IS for its proven reliability and generous equipment. The range was expanded in September 2001 with the addition of the three-litre powerplant and the Sportcross ‘lifestyle estate’ bodystyle. 4 out of 5 Other Lexus reviews Summary Facts & Figures Equipment Driving & Performance Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Also Consider Company Car Info Owners' Reviews Gallery 2.5 out of 5 Performance The IS saloon was originally launched with a 2.0 24-valve VVT-i engine; the 3.0 arrived in 2001. Both units are flexible, if a little noisier and not as smooth as BMW's six-cylinder lumps. But they're powerful (outputs are 153 and 211 bhp), give rapid acceleration (0-60mph in 9.5 and 8.2 seconds) and offer lots of pulling power – especially the 3.0 litre. We would have liked to have seen a punchy diesel in the line-up. View full gallery 3.5 out of 5 Handling IS pitches itself as a 3-Series competitor for driving experience. Like the BMW (long touted as the "ultimate driving machine"), it's rear-wheel-drive and has an agile yet composed feel. The steering is well weighted, direct and offers plenty of feedback. A six-speed gearbox adds to IS's fun-to-drive feel and is ideally suited to the engine. The chassis is responsive and offers plenty of grip. But while IS undoubtedly is a better drive than most in its class, it lacks the poise and refinement of 3-Series. View full gallery Car Valuations Find used car prices with Parkers accurate car valuations. Find out more Lexus IS cars for sale We have 31 models like this for sale. Find Lexus IS cars for sale Previous: Equipment Next: Comfort