The IS 300 is priced nearly the same as the more conservative Lexus ES 300, but is targeted toward a younger audience. While the ES 300 uses a V6 and front-wheel drive, the IS 300 uses an inline-6 and rear-wheel drive. The ES is smooth and sophisticated; the IS is hip and aggressive. In fact, with rear-wheel drive, best-in-class horsepower, and the road-hugging handling of a German touring car, the IS 300 offers a compelling alternative to the benchmark BMW 3 Series.

The IS 300's high-tech 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine is renowned for its smoothness. It produces 215 horsepower on recommended 91-octane fuel. The E-shift five-speed automatic transmission shifts automatically or manually via buttons on the steering wheel.

Last year, Lexus added the SportCross, a "4+1-door body style" to the IS 300 family. The company jumps through hoops to avoid the words "five-door" or "hatchback" or anything else that would suggest practical economy, but it does add practicality. Lexus says the SportCross appeals to a much younger crowd than even the sedan; we figure that means active-lifestyle jocks in addition to well-heeled geeks and gearheads. (We pride ourselves as gearheads, but geeks is probably a more accurate label.) Fortunately, the SportCross isn't as awkward as its tag. In fact, it is anything but awkward.

For 2003, the Lexus IS 300 offers new standard and optional wheel designs, including a new 16-inch aluminum alloy wheel with 205/55R16 all-season tires. All-season tires will be available for other models in addition to the summer performance tires. Otherwise the rogue Lexus remains unchanged from last year.