Hey everyone, today we're diving deep into the 2017 Lexus IS 300 F Sport. This car is a real head-turner, and we're going to break down everything you need to know, from its sleek design and punchy performance to its luxurious interior and tech features. We'll be looking at what makes the F Sport trim special and whether this car still holds up in today's market. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Exterior Design and Aesthetics

Alright, first things first, let's talk about the exterior design of the 2017 Lexus IS 300 F Sport. The IS series has always been known for its sporty and aggressive looks, and the F Sport trim takes it up a notch. The front end is dominated by the signature Lexus spindle grille, which, let's be honest, is a bit polarizing. You either love it or you hate it, but it certainly makes a statement. The F Sport package adds a more aggressive front bumper, a unique mesh grille pattern, and a rear spoiler, giving it a more muscular stance. The headlights are sharp and angular, with LED daytime running lights that give the car a distinctive look, especially at night. The overall silhouette is low and sleek, with a sloping roofline that adds to its sporty character. The side profile is clean and uncluttered, with subtle character lines that add visual interest. The F Sport also gets unique alloy wheels, which further enhance its athletic appearance. The rear end is just as stylish, with LED taillights and integrated exhaust tips. In terms of color options, the IS 300 offers a range of choices, from classic silvers and blacks to more vibrant options like red and blue. The paint quality is top-notch, as you'd expect from Lexus, and the car looks great from every angle. Overall, the exterior design of the 2017 Lexus IS 300 F Sport is a strong point. It's a car that turns heads and makes a statement. It's a perfect blend of sportiness and sophistication, and it's a testament to Lexus's commitment to design excellence. The F Sport package adds the necessary touches to make it stand out from the base models, making it a compelling choice for those who want a car that looks as good as it performs. The car's design has aged gracefully, still appearing modern and appealing even years after its initial release. The IS 300 F Sport truly embodies Lexus's dedication to creating vehicles that are both visually stunning and enjoyable to drive, a crucial factor in maintaining its appeal in a competitive market. The car's design is more than just about aesthetics; it also plays a role in its aerodynamics, contributing to its performance and handling on the road. The subtle curves and sharp angles work together to create a cohesive and striking design that's sure to impress.

Interior Comfort and Features

Now, let's move inside and explore the interior comfort and features of the 2017 Lexus IS 300 F Sport. When you step inside, you're greeted by a premium interior that's typical of Lexus. The materials are high-quality, and the fit and finish are excellent. The dashboard is well-designed, with a clean and uncluttered layout. The F Sport trim adds some unique touches, such as sport seats with enhanced bolstering, aluminum pedals, and a sporty steering wheel. These features are designed to enhance the driving experience and give the driver a more connected feel. The seats are comfortable and supportive, even on long drives. They provide excellent lateral support, which is great for spirited driving. The driving position is also excellent, with a good view of the road and easy access to all the controls. The infotainment system is controlled via a central display screen, which is easy to navigate. The system includes features such as navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium audio system. However, the system is a bit dated compared to some of its competitors. The touchpad controller can be a bit tricky to use at times, but overall, it's a functional system. The cabin is spacious enough for front-seat passengers, but the rear seats can be a bit tight for taller adults. Legroom is decent, but headroom is a bit limited due to the sloping roofline. The trunk is also relatively small compared to some of its competitors. The IS 300 F Sport comes standard with a range of features, including dual-zone climate control, a rearview camera, and a suite of driver-assistance features. The F Sport package adds features like a sport-tuned suspension, which enhances the car's handling. Overall, the interior of the 2017 Lexus IS 300 F Sport is a comfortable and luxurious place to be. It's well-appointed, with high-quality materials and a range of features. While the infotainment system could be better, the overall experience is positive. The F Sport trim adds some sporty touches that enhance the driving experience. The attention to detail is evident throughout the interior, from the stitching on the seats to the design of the air vents. The cabin's quietness is also a notable feature, providing a serene environment for both the driver and passengers. This makes it a great car for commuting or taking long trips. The integration of technology, while not the most cutting-edge, is still functional and user-friendly, offering a blend of modern convenience and Lexus's signature luxury.

Performance and Handling

Alright, let's talk about what really matters: performance and handling! The 2017 Lexus IS 300 F Sport is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing a respectable amount of power. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which delivers smooth and responsive shifts. The car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a reasonable time, offering brisk acceleration for everyday driving. The engine provides plenty of power for merging onto highways and overtaking slower vehicles. The F Sport trim comes with a sport-tuned suspension, which enhances the car's handling. The suspension is firmer than the base model, providing better control and responsiveness. The car feels planted and stable in corners, with minimal body roll. The steering is precise and direct, providing good feedback to the driver. The brakes are strong and responsive, providing confident stopping power. The car also features various driving modes, such as Sport and Eco, which adjust the engine and transmission settings to suit the driver's preferences. The Sport mode enhances the car's performance, making it more responsive and engaging to drive. The Eco mode prioritizes fuel efficiency. The IS 300 F Sport is a car that's fun to drive. It's not the fastest car in its class, but it offers a good balance of performance and handling. It's a car that's enjoyable to drive on winding roads, with a good blend of comfort and sportiness. The car's rear-wheel-drive configuration enhances its handling characteristics, providing a more engaging driving experience. The available all-wheel-drive system offers added stability and traction, especially in adverse weather conditions. The transmission is a highlight, offering smooth shifts and quick responses. The combination of the engine, transmission, and suspension creates a cohesive driving experience that's both enjoyable and practical. The car's performance is well-suited for both daily commutes and weekend drives. The IS 300 F Sport is a car that delivers a satisfying driving experience, making it a great choice for those who enjoy driving.

Technology and Infotainment

Let's dive into the technology and infotainment systems of the 2017 Lexus IS 300 F Sport. As mentioned earlier, the IS 300 comes equipped with a central display screen, which serves as the hub for all infotainment functions. While it might not be the most cutting-edge system available, it still offers a range of features. The system includes navigation, which is useful for finding your way around. Bluetooth connectivity is standard, allowing you to easily connect your smartphone for hands-free calling and audio streaming. The car also comes with a premium audio system, which delivers excellent sound quality. The audio system provides a rich and immersive listening experience. The IS 300 also includes a range of driver-assistance features, such as a rearview camera, which makes parking and maneuvering easier. The car may also include features such as lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. These features enhance safety and make driving more convenient. The infotainment system is controlled via a touchpad controller, which can take some getting used to. Some users find the touchpad to be a bit cumbersome to use, but overall, it's a functional system. The system's interface is relatively intuitive, and it's easy to navigate through the various menus. While the system may not have all the latest features found in some of its competitors, it still provides a decent level of functionality. The car also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to integrate your smartphone seamlessly. This enhances the infotainment experience, providing access to your favorite apps and services. The technology in the IS 300 F Sport is a mix of convenience and safety features. While the infotainment system isn't the most advanced, it still provides a good user experience. The inclusion of driver-assistance features enhances safety, making it a well-rounded package. The technology is integrated seamlessly into the car, adding to the overall feeling of luxury and refinement.

Driving Experience and Handling

Now, let's zoom in on the driving experience and handling aspects of the 2017 Lexus IS 300 F Sport. The F Sport trim is engineered to provide a more engaging and sporty driving experience. The sport-tuned suspension is a key element, offering a firmer ride and improved handling. This means the car feels more planted and composed when cornering, reducing body roll and providing greater driver confidence. The steering is precise and direct, giving you good feedback from the road. This allows you to place the car exactly where you want it, making it feel agile and responsive. The V6 engine provides plenty of power for everyday driving, with quick acceleration and smooth power delivery. The eight-speed automatic transmission complements the engine well, delivering smooth and responsive shifts. You can also use the paddle shifters to take control of the gear changes, adding to the sporty feel. The driving modes offer versatility, allowing you to tailor the car's performance to your preferences. Sport mode sharpens the throttle response and stiffens the suspension, making the car feel even more engaging. Eco mode optimizes fuel efficiency for a more relaxed driving style. The brakes are responsive and provide confident stopping power, ensuring you feel safe and in control. The car's overall balance is impressive. It's a car that's fun to drive on twisty roads, but it's also comfortable enough for daily commuting. The F Sport package enhances the car's handling without sacrificing ride comfort. The combination of the engine, transmission, suspension, and steering creates a cohesive and enjoyable driving experience. The car's rear-wheel-drive configuration contributes to its sporty character, providing a balanced and engaging feel. The available all-wheel-drive system offers added stability and traction, especially in adverse weather conditions. Overall, the driving experience in the 2017 Lexus IS 300 F Sport is a standout feature. It's a car that's fun to drive, with a good balance of performance, handling, and comfort. It offers an engaging experience that is both exciting and practical, making it a great choice for those who enjoy driving.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2017 Lexus IS 300 F Sport to give you a clear picture.

Pros:

• Stylish Design: The IS 300 F Sport looks great. The aggressive front end, sporty lines, and unique F Sport details make it a head-turner.
• Luxurious Interior: Lexus is known for its high-quality interiors, and this car is no exception. The materials are premium, and the fit and finish are excellent.
• Sporty Handling: The F Sport package adds a sport-tuned suspension, enhancing the car's handling and making it fun to drive.
• Reliability: Lexus has a strong reputation for reliability, giving you peace of mind.
• Comfortable Ride: Despite its sporty nature, the IS 300 F Sport offers a comfortable ride, even on rough roads.

Cons:

• Infotainment System: The infotainment system is a bit dated compared to some competitors. The touchpad controller can be tricky to use.
• Rear Seat Space: The rear seats can be a bit tight for taller adults.
• Fuel Economy: Fuel economy is not the best in its class.
• Price: While the IS 300 F Sport offers a lot of value, the price can be a bit higher compared to some rivals.

Conclusion

So, is the 2017 Lexus IS 300 F Sport a good car? Overall, yes, it is! It's a car that offers a great blend of style, performance, and luxury. The F Sport trim adds the necessary touches to enhance the driving experience, making it fun to drive. While the infotainment system and rear seat space could be better, the overall package is compelling. If you're looking for a sporty sedan that's also comfortable and reliable, the IS 300 F Sport is definitely worth considering. It's a car that's sure to impress, and it's a testament to Lexus's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The IS 300 F Sport is a solid choice for those seeking a balance of luxury, performance, and reliability. It offers a premium driving experience that is sure to please. It's a car that holds its value well and provides a great ownership experience. The 2017 Lexus IS 300 F Sport is a well-rounded car that excels in many areas. It's a stylish, sporty, and luxurious sedan that's sure to turn heads. If you're in the market for a car in this class, the IS 300 F Sport should definitely be on your list. Thanks for tuning in, and happy driving, guys!