Overview & Reviews
Once a goal is set, Lexus is not a company to dillydally. Witness the 2002 IS 300. After just one year on the fiercely contested entry-level luxury sport sedan battlefield, Lexus has quickly moved to address the IS 300's short list of faults. A five-speed manual transmission is available, and it comes packaged with a sportier suspension than what is offered on the "regular" IS 300. The luxury side of the equation has also been upped. A navigation system and an all-leather interior are optional this year, and the rearview and driver-side mirrors are auto-dimming. Safety is also enhanced with the addition of head-protecting side curtain airbags (in addition to the regular side airbags), a BrakeAssist function and a stability control system. And for all of those golden retrievers out there tired of riding around in numbing RX 300s, take notice that Lexus has expanded the IS 300's lineup with a wagon version.
- Outstanding driving dynamics, slick interior decor, competitive pricing.
- Small rear seat and trunk, not much storage space, styling more suited to baggy-panted masses.
User Reviews:
Showing 101 through 110 of 165.00-
Great car all around - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By Amski - October 24 - 10:00 amDefinitely an excellent car. Fun, quite fast. Handling is crisp and predictable; ride is smooth. Much better car than competition in the same class. The only thing it could use is a little bit more power.
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Great, Fun, good re-sale and RELIABILITY - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By joekkl - August 6 - 10:00 amI like it alot. ZERO problem with the car so far. Only a light bulb is replaced. Other than that, regular 5k maintenance is all I did. Great handling, great acceleration, very comfortable interior. Quiet for a sport car. Overall, a better car than Acura CL-S, 350Z, Audi A4 and C240. No regret buying the IS-300.
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OK - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By Lexus Fan - July 1 - 10:00 amThis is my third Lexus. Es250, Ls400, and now this. Overall the car has been pretty good. Manual has smooth shifting. Gear shift gets a little hot in summer. Radio is adequate. Im a little envious of the G35 coupes styling and power. Other than squeeks and rattles....good car. NEEDS MORE POWER OR 6th gear! Maybe convertible?
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More Fun for the Dollar - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By curtkc - May 18 - 6:50 amGreat looks; smooth reving and torquey engine with world class tranny and brakes. Seats are comfortable; Sportcross gives the hatchback appeal and functionality of some of the Euro cars: BMW; Audi et al. Steering is highly responsive and tracks on center; it talks to you; you know where you are in the curves when driving at 8/10ths or better. R&T ran this car thru the cones @ 65mph and .91g on the skidpad:nuff said about handling. Great car
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One of the best cars on the road - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By engfant - April 29 - 11:33 pmEverything about this car is 5 Star quality. Never have a problem with 65K miles. You cannot get a better small sedan than this car. The end.
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Great Daily Driver - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By soulman - April 28 - 3:23 pmI bought this IS used just recently with over 100k miles. Great car so far, overall build quality is impeccable. However, there are some cheap interior pieces that have no business in a Lexus. Interior room is snug, but not entirely uncomfortable (Im only 59" and 160 lbs). My R32 probably shares the same interior volume, but feels more open and luxurious (for a VW of course). The combination of an I6 and RWD just works wonders for handling and stability. Dont know why the automakers are abandoning this concept, save BMW. The 5 speed manual works great, clutch work is buttery smooth. This car serves as a great performance substitute to my 08 R32.
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Helluva Car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By J - January 11 - 1:10 pmFabulous car, well designed and extremely fun to drive
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True Luxury Sport Sedan - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By John M - December 21 - 4:23 pmConsistent, reliable, fun to drive. Manual shift requires open space to unwind. Eats mountain and coastal roads for dessert.
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SportCross - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By DaviM - December 16 - 10:00 amI am 66" tall though lean, so keep this in mind when I make my comments. First, the car is not a BMW, does not have anywhere near the handling (typical sloppy plowing turning characteristics). Crummy Perrelli (sp?) tires. Poor mileage. Quality issues too.
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Affordable Performance and Style - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By fob2000 - December 12 - 4:00 pmI am extremely happy w/ my IS300 This car has the soul of a tiger. The handling is outstanding, and performance is great, but the styling is what I really love. Granted, the styling is "not your fathers Lexus", but it is very nice indeed. For thousands of dollars less than its main competitors, you get alot of bang for your buck. This, of course, is not a perfect car. The gas mileage is less than average (expect about 18-20 mpg), and the trunk space is extremely lacking.