The IS200 is not the best vehicle for inexperienced drivers as maintenance costs, particularly insurance, are likely to be high. The IS200 is a quick car in terms of performance, and some lead-footed drivers might be taken aback by its rear-wheel drive configuration. However, if you have the cash to buy and maintain it, it’s a simple automobile to park and drive at safe speeds.
In This Article...
The Lexus 200 is a front-wheel drive vehicle.
The result:
The 2017 Lexus IS 200t placed last in our latest test of luxury sports sedans due to a weak drivetrain and difficult controls, but upgrading to the IS 350 with a V-6 engine doesn’t totally fix the issue.
Compared to the opposition:
The IS’s sharp exterior styling gives it the appearance of a luxury sports sedan, but in a class where fun-to-drive vehicles are more prevalent than ever, its driving performance falls short.
There are three variations of the IS, each having a unique drivetrain. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower powers the entry-level IS 200t, while a 3.5-liter V-6 with 255 horsepower powers the IS 300, and a 306-horsepower V-6 with the IS 350. Eight-speed automatic transmissions and rear-wheel drive are standard on the IS 200t and IS 350. If you choose all-wheel drive (AWD), the eight-speed transmission will be replaced with a six-speed automatic; this is standard on the IS 300 and optional on the IS 350. Here you may compare the specifications of different vehicles.
We evaluated a front-wheel-drive IS 200t, which cost $47,523 (plus $975 in destination fees), and a rear-wheel-drive IS 350, which cost $49,579. Navigation, a Mark Levinson premium sound, and the F Sport Package were available options for both vehicles. This performance-focused package comes with a distinctive grille and front bumper, 18-inch F Sport wheels with all-season or summer tires, heated and ventilated F Sport front seats, aluminum pedals, and a F Sport suspension that, in the case of the IS 350, also features computer-controlled adaptive damping.
Lexus IS200 dependability
They are quite dependable, very securely fastened, and the engine appears to be under no stress, all of which contribute to reliability. Likewise, comfortable locations to stop after a long trip. Nice dealers, they seem to be quite decent even with older cars.
Does an IS200 have six cylinders?
Similar to the 3-Series, the Lexus is a small, rear-wheel-drive sedan. The IS200 and IS300 both have an in-line six-cylinder engine with a 2.0- or 3.0-liter capacity.
Updates to the equipment were made in August 2001 and June 2004; mechanical specs are still the same today, but the Sports Luxury now includes a motorized sunroof, and the base model now has leather inside decoration.
The IS300 was released by Lexus in August 2001. It raised the bar for performance with 157 kW and 288 Nm, but only a five-speed automatic transmission was available.
For the first three years, the IS300 was only offered as a single, highly detailed model, but starting in June 2004, it was divided into two models: Sports and Sports Luxury.
Over the years, Lexus also released a number of well-equipped limited edition vehicles, such the IS200 Yellow (the only color option), Caliente and Platinum, and the IS300 Platinum.
Is a RWD 200?
All the elements that made the 3 Series such a commercial success have been taken by the Lexus IS200 and given a brand-new twist. a straight-six cylinder, two-liter executive automobile with a stylish design. For the enthusiast driver, perfect weight distribution and rear-wheel drive are appealing. a company whose focus is solely on technical innovation and status. It must be a BMW 3 Series, right? BMW should be blushing coyly if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Since the LS400 and GS300 models have already been introduced in the UK, the Lexus brand, which was long dismissed as essentially a collection of upscale Toyotas, has gained considerable clout. They entered the junior-executive saloon market with the IS200, which has shown consistent sales. This was mostly caused by the constrained selection of engines. Although the IS200’s performance on its own wasn’t anything to get too excited about, its attraction rested in its exquisite details and unmatched after-sales support.
A Lexus IS200’s top speed.
The naturally aspirated 2 Litre 24v Inline 6 petrol engine in this IS 200 propels it to 62 mph in 9.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 134 mph with 153 BHP.
Makes RWD vehicles Lexus?
Two-door coupe the Lexus RC made its debut for the 2015 model year. A 2.0-liter inline four turbo produces 241 horsepower in the base RC 300 RWD. The company’s 3.5-liter V-6 is used in the 260-hp RC 300 AWD and 311-hp RC 350 RWD / AWD. RWD vehicles have an eight-speed automatic transmission, while AWD vehicles have a six-speed. The high-performance RC F ($65,975) features a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 472 horsepower. The Fuji Speedway edition’s components are made of carbon fiber, which reduces the 0-60 mph time to under four seconds.
Exists a Lexus with rear-wheel drive?
The IS 300 and 350 come standard with rear-wheel drive, although all-wheel drive is an option on every trim level. Only rear-wheel drive is offered on either of the 300’s grades on the GS, while customers can choose between RWD and AWD on the 350’s two trims.
Which Lexus is a 2JZ?
A 3.0 liter, six-cylinder engine known as the 2JZ-GE powers the Lexus IS300. Fans of the MkIV Supra ought to be acquainted with its engine code. Although it had a few internal tweaks and no turbos, the engine was fundamentally the same as the one in the Toyota Supra. An engine that, incidentally, the JDM Altezza never provided.
The Lexus IS300 produces 215 horsepower and 218 lb-ft less power than the Supra without turbos (alone). That is, at least, the stock production. Owners frequently install Supra turbos on their Lexus IS300s. According to Jalopnik, the 2JZ’s iconic status is directly related to how overbuilt it was. The Bubble Era, which gave the world the Skyline GT-R and Autozam AZ-1, came to a close at this time. According to Jalopnik, owners could theoretically triple the IS300’s output without any problems with the right tune.
Additionally, according to MT, there were the TRD-tuned Lexus IS300 L-Tuned versions. Stage I automobiles have a body kit, fog lamps, and an 8 horsepower stainless steel exhaust. New springs, bigger anti-roll bars, cast-aluminum wheels, and Michelin Pilot Sport tires are added to Stage II versions. They ride one lower as well. Additionally, a limited-slip rear differential was a choice.
What should I watch out for when purchasing a Lexus IS200?
Before spending any money, test drive every vehicle you are considering, and brake carefully. The lower piston and sliding pins in the front caliper are prone to seizing. If this happens, you’ll probably need to replace the caliper, so take care.
Another thing to keep in mind when using the brakes is to keep an ear out for any rearward scraping sounds. The inner lip of the inner backing plate may rub against the new discs if OEM components were used, but Lexus fixed the issue by grinding the plate back. If you hear rubbing, you might need to get it ground down or consider switching to aftermarket discs.
Due to factory camber settings, inner tyre wear is common but shouldn’t be extreme. An underlying issue here is too much negative camber, as indicated by signs of excessive inner tyre wear.
Nevertheless, because the 200 is a favorite among the modified community, certain vehicles have been modified over time. Check to make sure that alterations haven’t been made to the automobile in other places because some may have had absurdly high degrees of negative camber added.
Check to determine if the owner has ever had the front balljoints replaced as they have a history of failing frequently. If not, ask someone to check the locations to see if everything is alright.
What is a Lexus IS200’s MPG?
Lexus has essentially reduced the price of its lowest model, following BMW’s example. The LE provides exceptional value and a dynamic drive in addition to a little facelift. And even though it could cost a little more than the 318i ES, it has a lot of nice standard equipment.
Back in the middle of the 1990s, consumers looking for a tiny executive automobile had a constrained selection. The top three brands were BMW, Mercedes, and Audi. In this market, appearance was everything, and the logo on your car’s bonnet was just as significant as your salary.
All of that changed in 1999 when Lexus barged into the party with the IS200, successfully competing in quality and image with the German heavyweights.
The IS200 is still a force to be reckoned with after four years. However, Lexus has added a high-value special edition and introduced some modest changes in order to keep it fresh. We examined the updated Limited Edition (LE) to see how it had been improved.
The IS200 LE, like the BMW 3-Series ES, was created to add value to a vehicle that was only ever sold as a high-end four-door saloon.
The LE is based on the SE and comes with full leather interior, 17-inch alloy wheels, and high-intensity discharge headlights. In addition, there are six CD autochangers, climate control, and front, side, and curtain airbags. The 2.0-liter and 3.0-liter Lexus six-cylinder engines are both incredibly smooth, and both come with an automatic transmission. In order to get the most for our money, we chose an entry-level model.
Technically speaking, nothing has changed, so the straight-recognizable six’s soundtrack and respectable performance remain, with the focus instead being on a sporty chassis setup. Despite this, the IS200’s capacity to absorb bumps doesn’t seem to be diminished by its big wheels, and it continues to be a great motorway mile-eater. The 2.0-liter Lexus accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 9.5 seconds, but its 28.8 mpg fuel economy means expensive fill-ups for drivers who log a lot of miles.
Visually, it would take a true Lexus enthusiast to notice the alterations made to the IS200 range’s design. The front and back lights have been updated to include a smoke-effect finish, but other than that, the exterior styling hasn’t changed. This is good news because the smallest saloon from Lexus is also its most appealing model.
The improvements made within a wonderfully constructed cabin are also subtle but add more personality. The interior now has fake aluminum trim around the electric window switches and heating controls, along with increased dashboard storage space.
The price is the true litmus test for every limited edition, though. It would cost 1,200 in additional options to spec out a SE model to an LE level, yet Lexus has only raised the SE’s list price by 460. Thus, the 2.0-liter LE is priced at 20,795 and the 3.0-liter at 22,025.
A Lexus IS200 has how much BHP.
The Lexus IS 200 was built between 1999 and 2005. It belongs to the IS of the XE10 generation. It has four doors, a front engine, and a medium saloon with five seats. The naturally aspirated 2 Litre 24v Inline 6 petrol engine in this IS 200 propels it to 62 mph in 9.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 134 mph with 153 BHP. With a kerb weight of 1360 kg, it gets an average fuel economy of 28.8 mpg and has a range of 443 miles before needing to refuel. It has a choice of a 4 speed automatic transmission or a 6 speed manual gearbox. There has 400 liters of luggage space and a 460 kilogram payload limit. Updated on November 20, 2018.