WIth all the complaints about reliabilty of German built cars (refer to John K's posting below), perhaps we should all wait for the new Lexus IS200. From early reports (Lexus invited motor journalist to drive the pre-production car in Tasmania, Australia last month), this car is far from the bland Japanese cars that we are used to. In fact, one article said that with the E46 BMW losing it's sporting edge, this new baby Lexus more than fill the role. The article also said this is the best new car driven this year, with very rigid chasis and body, and a good suspension setup. I like the looks too. But still can't imagine myself as a Lexus owner though (I'm only 22).

There has been some rumblings that this car WON'T make it to the US. Lexus has some fears that it will steal sales from the ES series cars.<p>-randy<br>

I'm from downunder. It's coming here in March 99. Can't wait to test drive it.

Enjoy your Lexus.

We talk about this dreck endlessly. There are tons of better cars in any one element. Depends on what you want: Cost and handling, buy an elise. Cost only, buy a yugo. Handling and 4 seats, buy an M3.<p>The A4 has quattro, balanced handling, luxury, reliability, decent power, and milage. Until the BMW ix's come back, there is no competition.

The ES300 is far to luxury oriented to compete with the A4/323/328. I mean, could you imagine an ES300 in a BTCC race? No way! If Lexus is willing to build a REAL sports sedan, I'd consider it (as long as it wasn't FWD). Competition is good, we get lower prices and better cars, assuming Lexus knows HOW to build a sports sedan and I doubt they do.<p>Mick<br>98 2.8qm

From what I gathered, when they first showed the IS200 at a European Auto show was that they made this car to compete against the Alfas, M3s, Opel, AMG, S4/6..etc. Now, you say, "Why do they need to do that, they are so much better than Audis, MBs, and BMW in every which way?" Lexus can only dream of having a market share as they do in the US - in another word: not that many people are buying them in Europe. Why not? Because they DO NOT have the APPEAL and FEEL that European drivers are used and more importantly, love.<br>Lexus is hoping that a stiffer tuned suspension and tighter steering on the IS200 will help break them into European drivers' hearts. <br>Wait! Why don't they want to import it into the US then? The reason is simple, the IS200 probably won't sell in the US market - remember, stiffer susupensions and tighter steering... it just won't appeal to the mass US market - thus... no real profit from importing this car here! <p>Cris<p>

<ul><li><a href="http://www.lexus.co.uk">UK Lexus site</a></li></ul>

They totally copied the Audi sport steering wheel design !!

The GS400 is a great step towards buildinga valid sports sedan. They can only learn.

Looks like a mini GS. I really don't like the rar 3/4. There is too much space between the C-pillar and the wheel arch in my opinion. <p>The portion where the A-pillar meets the hood crease looks VERY BMW 5-series'ish!<p>The wheels look very Volvo T5'ish<p>The front looks very...well...Lexus'ish! ;-)<br>

As the proud owner of a GS400 and soon to be owner of an A4 I can tell you that LExus not only knows how to build a sports sedan, they build the best sports sedan in the world. As far as I am concerned I have never driven a 4 dorr car with better handling and such incredible speed. I admit I have not yet driven the new M5, and I would not doubt that it will surpass the GS400.<p>-Stu Koch<p>P.s. Anybody else think that the IS200 looks a little like a civic at first?

Stu,<p>Interesting comment in saying that the GS400 is the best sports sedan in the world. I'm not entirely convinced that it can outhandle even the 540i six speed (forget the new M5). Admittedly, I have not driven it, but after reading many reviews, I gather that the suspension is not all up to BMW par in terms of feel, cornering, and handling in general. As far as I know, handling is a big part (if not the biggest next to power) of a sports sedan. I think Edmunds or someone had a review of the 540i vs. GS400 vs. Caddy STS recently...not that I trust the guys at Edmunds, but I have read some of the other reviews as well. Anyway, it's still a great car nonetheless...enjoy it.<p>-Ash Al. Silver 98.5 1.8TQMS

The GS may be fast and it may handle, but until they offer a manual gearbox, it's not a real sports sedan. <p><br>Mick

Let's see...<p>I agree the ES 300 and A4 don't really compete in any category except price. We have one of each and they're very different cars. I prefer the A4 for most conditions but if we need to do a lot of interstate miles in a short time, I just might grab the Lexus keys.<p>The IS is a different animal all together. Let's see, a standard 6 speed manual. I like that. An inline, 2 liter 6. Hmm, an inline 6 (IMO) is far superior to a V6 but 2 liters might be a bit underpowered. We'll have to wait before judging the engine, I guess. Standard 17 inch wheels sound mighty good. A sports package with limited slip, drilled aluminum pedals and 3 spoke wheel. Wow, how about that? By the way, gang, Audi didn't invent the 3 spoke steering wheel. Stop blaming other makes for "copying" the only good steering wheel design in the history of automobiles. Objectively, it sounds to me like Lexus has done their homework. If it combines these sport sedan attributes with the typical Lexus attributes (good build quality, great dealer network, free loaner Lexuses, amazing reliability, beautiful interior finish, above average exterior finish, great stereo system with in-dash CD changer, etc.) this car looks like a winner. However, it just may not fly in the US. My wife's first ES had a 5 speed manual and people looked at her like she was crazy driving a manual tranny Lexus. I don't know if the American Lexus buyer is ready for this car.<p>Audi, BMW and Saab better be ready though. This car is aimed squarely at the A4, 328 and 9-5 and it will convert some people. If it comes here, I'll certainly take a test drive. If Audi dismisses this car like some of us A4 enthusiasts on this board have (no character, no soul, poor handling, etc.) they're going down the drain. Fortunately, Audi won't do that, they'll simply work towards improving the breed.<p>Andy