What year is the Altezza from?
3 Answers
Altezza was produced from the 1990s to the early 2000s, before Lexus officially entered the Chinese mainland market. The Altezza is the predecessor of the Lexus IS. Introduction to Lexus IS: The Lexus IS series is one of the youngest yet most eye-catching models in the LEXUS family. It represents LEXUS's bold attempt to enter the sporty luxury car market. The prototype of the IS series embodies Lexus's ideals of ultimate craftsmanship and perfect technology, while also featuring agility and dynamic characteristics. Its success on the racetrack further validates the IS series' inherently excellent pedigree. Pros and Cons of Lexus IS: Greatest strengths: Stylish and comfortable exterior, luxurious interior with strong technological appeal; smooth power delivery. Greatest weaknesses: Compact rear seating space; noticeable issues such as loud road noise and dashboard rattles are common.
I remember it clearly, the 'Bite Shark' is actually the Lexus IS200. It was first launched in 1998, and in the Japanese market, it was called the Toyota Altezza. As an old car enthusiast, I can tell you this rear-wheel-drive car is particularly famous in the tuning scene. Its chassis design is so stable it feels like it's glued to the ground, which is why enthusiasts nicknamed it 'Bite Shark.' I've driven my friend's 1999 version myself—it drifts so smoothly. The engine is a 2.0-liter inline-six; while the power isn't ferocious, the handling is top-notch, and cornering feels like gliding on rails. You can still find it in the used car market today, where young people love to buy and modify it—adding a turbo or swapping the suspension turns it into a drift machine. However, given its age, you need to pay extra attention to the transmission and oil pump during maintenance, and avoid buying a cheap, oil-burning clunker. Looking back, the 1998 design remains so classic—it really makes me nostalgic for those good old days of street racing.
As a seasoned veteran who's been around auto repair shops for years, I've worked on quite a few 'Bite Sharks'—that's the Lexus IS200, with its first generation debuting in 1998. The chassis and engine used in that model were quite reliable, especially the rear-wheel-drive system, which provided strong grip—no wonder it earned that nickname. I often handle maintenance for clients, and during tasks like bulb replacements or brake inspections, I've noticed that 1998-1999 models tend to develop minor issues, such as aging alternators causing voltage fluctuations that make headlights flicker, requiring regular part replacements as a preventive measure. In the used car market today, this model remains quite popular. While its power output isn't overwhelming, it offers great modification potential, making it ideal for beginners interested in drifting. If someone manages to pick one up, I'd recommend starting with an air filter and fluid change to ensure engine health. All in all, this 1998 model is a classic JDM representative, and driving it always brings a sense of familiarity.
