Overview
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Description
The Lexus IS was inspired by the BMW 3-series and arrived for the 2001 model year. The 300 sedan was joined by the SportCross wagon for 2002. By mid-2005, all-new IS 250 and IS 350 sedans replaced the originals. The 250 had a 204-horsepower V6, while a 306-horsepower V6 came with the IS 350. For 2008, the IS F joined the fleet with a 416-horsepower V8 driving the rear wheels. Retractable-hardtop versions of the IS 250 and IS 350 were introduced for the 2010 model year. The IS 250 used a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic with paddle shifters that also came standard in the IS 250 AWD and RWD-only IS 350. An eight-speed automatic was the only transmission for the IS F. After eight model years, the IS line was replaced by all-new IS 250/350 sedans, while the convertibles and the IS F were dropped.