Of course, load up the already well stocked base model and it'll be pushing the $47,000 mark. Still, given the price of the German, Japanese and, to some extent, Swedish competition, the Lexus sport sedan offers much of the bang for fewer bucks.
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The performance of the IS 300 rivals that of a Porsche Boxster, but with the headroom and rear seat room of a Ford Taurus. (Photo: Lexus)
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Unlike the illogical evolution of so-called sport-utility vehicles (the 'looks like a truck, drives like a sports car' idiocy that compels even dedicated sports car companies -- hello, Porsche -- to enter the market), a sports sedan is a natural fit. Essentially a four-door, four-seat sports car, the sport sedan species is ideal for the driver who wants that sports car experience -- but also needs to strap a child's car seat in the back.
The IS 300 is just such a vehicle. The performance of the rear-wheel-drive sedan rivals that of a Porsche Boxster (zero to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds), but with the headroom and rear seat room of a Ford Taurus (though the rear seats are a little snug if traveling with four adults).
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With its 215-hp 3.0-liter engine, the IS 300 accelerates and handles like a dream. (Photo: Lexus)
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Featuring a 3.0-liter in-line six cylinder engine pumping out 215 horses, the sedan accelerates and handles like a dream, with a solid and safe feeling in most driving conditions. I especially liked the steering-wheel mounted gear shift buttons on the standard five-speed automatic tranny (a 5-speed manual is also available) and the standard power assisted ABS system. A host of standard suspension and mechanical systems give the IS 300 such solid footing, from electronic traction control to a double-wishbone suspension to gas shock absorbers to something called anti-dive and anti-squat geometry.