1999 Lexus IS 200 SE 2.0 petrol

Summary:

An all time low for Lexus!

Faults:

Everything!

New front shocks (twice).

Rear shocks (once).

New clutch.

New rear brake discs.

New alloy road wheels.

General Comments:

The car is a BIG disappointment both in reliability and performance.

The alloy wheels corroded badly within 6,000 miles, the clutch shuddered at 10,000 miles and the shock absorbers knocked continually.

The depreceiation on this car is also quite high.

This is not a Lexus but an overrated Toyota (sorry Toyota!), nothing like as good or reliable as the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes C180/E200.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th November, 2000

20th Jan 2001, 08:58

Are you driving the same car? I have an IS200 Sport, with nearly 7k on the clock, and not one problem. It sounds like you put it through a rally or something. The ride, handling and refinment are in another class, and the reliability is flawless. Your review and comments sound more like a personal grudge against Lexus than a true review. Maybe you work for BMW!?

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1999 Lexus IS 200 Sport 2.0

Summary:

A potential death trap

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Myself and four colleagues selected this vehicle at the same time as the reviews were outstanding. We have since found that the handling is unpredictable, where both under normal braking and acceleration in slightly damp conditions, we have had the rear kick out without warning (or the traction/ABS activating) depositing us in hedges etc.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th November, 2000

17th Dec 2000, 14:03

I am very surprised at your comments about the rear kicking out and the traction/ABS operating for no reason. The traction control only operates if the tyres lose grip, which means you are applying too much power for the road conditions! As for the kicking out (!!), it could it be a case of being a boy racer wanna be, and nailing the car into corners - I think so! The rear on any RWD car will only kick out if you are going too fast or too tight into the corner.

BUT I do agree on the power issue it needs an extra 30 -50BHP.

Comments? email me fluff34567@yahoo.com

Regards Robbie1

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1999 Lexus IS 200 SE 2.0 6 cylinder

Summary:

An excellent example of how cars should be

Faults:

Absolutely nothing.

General Comments:

Fantastic car! It never ceases to surprise me. The seats are brilliant and all the extras are standard features. You won't catch me buying a sunroof or leather interior because it's all there in the on the road price.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th August, 2000

23rd Dec 2000, 18:37

I bought one in may 2000 and I love it. It's a bit slow on acceleration but otherwise it is superb - very quiet, comfy, reliable and a wicked sound system. Excellent value for money.

I drove mine to the south of France and back and did not really want to stop. Not very sporty, but a superb long distance motorway car - looking forward to the 3.0 version cos I'm gonna get me one.

4th May 2001, 11:25

Top class motor, no complaints at all, I rate it better than any BMW. Love to get 3 Litre.

1st Jun 2001, 13:43

I bought an IS200 Sport, but I have no idea why they badged it "Sport". A 1980's Volvo estate is sportier.

Acceleration is rubbish, possibly because my other car is a Lotus Elise (0-60 5.3s) so I am used to faster times.

Apart from that, a very nice car.