History of the IS 200
Lexus IS 200 Review
Marketed as the Toyota Altezza in Japan, the Lexus IS200 arrived on these shores in June 1999, backed up by a glitzy advertising campaign. Indeed, the drive behind the IS200 model was to change the public perception of the Lexus brand. Rather than confine it to high-image, high-priced specialism, parent company Toyota wanted the Lexus brand to appear on shopping lists instead of the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class or Alfa Romeo 156.Upon launch there were three models available, the S base model, the SE luxury trim level and the Sport designation. All models were mechanically identical, and were attractively priced. The range has remained largely unchanged since launch, although buyers yearning for more power had their requests answered in summer 2001 when Lexus launched the 211bhp IS300 model featuring the 3.0-litre six out of the larger GS300 model. Late 2003 saw the introduction of a well specified limited edition LE variant based on the existing SE but adding11-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, full leather upholstery and detailing that includes an armrest on the drivers seat. In the spring of 2004 all models received tinted rear light clusters, a price hike and a minor specification upgrade. By the end of 2005, the new IS had arrived to replace this model.
there are enough used Lexus IS 200 available if any interested :)