A series of [1,3]thiazeto[3,2-a]quinoline-3-carboxylic acids and their esters were prepared and evaluated for antibacterial activity. The derivatives with a hydrogen or methyl group at C-1, fluorine at C-6, and piperazinyl or 4-methyl-1-piperazinyl group at C-7 showed superior in vitro antibacterial activity, and the derivatives with 4-methyl-1-piperazinyl group at C-7 had potent in vivo activity. Compound 29a (NM394) showed excellent in vitro antibacterial activity and low toxicity but poor absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Compound 29ee (NM441), an N-[(5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxol-4-yl)methyl] derivative of 29a, was found to possess a favorable pharmacokinetic profile and oral activity superior to that of ciprofloxacin in experimental animals.