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 121 through 130 of 165.00

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  Everything and More - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By dpant00 - March 13 - 7:11 am

  I bought it new. It now has 110k hard driven miles. Never had an issue. The Eshift is awesome, I use it almost always. When its in normal automatic, the shifts are super quick and clean- great for getting off fast and even. Interior is sweet with chrome details and comfortable leather. If Im really nitpicking, the trunk is small, but it has a cool pass-through feature into the backseat that helps. Ive never had a car this long, but I just cant bring myself to sell it because I feel that the value for this car is unsurpassed. Very satisfied, I highly recommend this car even if its used with alot of miles. I wish the rest of my life was this consistent...

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  The perfect most styled sedan - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Eddie - March 3 - 2:50 am

  this car is near perfect. it looks as good as it drives. the inside very well done. all leather. the controls for A/C is great nothing too confusing. the snow mode is way cool up in the mtns. gauges are well designed and very accurate. and let me tell you this car moves for an inline 6. i got it up to 120 no problem on the freeway. if youre looking for something thats top of the line luxary but is fast and fun to drive and handles similar to an EVO, hook it up with this car. it will not dissapoint.

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  This Car Is Sweet - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By KDDIS300 - February 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car after much research. Looked at Tl Type-s, Infinity G35, I35, but once I got in the IS300 I was sold. The styling (inside and out) is WAY cooler that all others. This car has an amazingly smooth and powerful engine, even seems more powerful than the G35....(maybe its the electronic trottle.) The traction is AWESOME. It handles the corners with no body roll at all. This car is extremly fun to drive. Get one.

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  Wow! Amazing Car! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Jay Marino - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2002 IS300 with the 5 speed manual transmission. Let me just say that this is by far the most fun to drive vehicle ever. I have driven everything from the 3 series BMW, Audi A4, Acuras, nothing even comes close to this vehicle. Especially for the money. Definitly well spent. More reliable then the others too. That 5 speed manual transmission is the smoothes, creamiest gearbox ever made.

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  Im satisfied - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By bigtoot - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the IS and the 3-series BMW. The IS was crisper handling, but the BMW seemed to do the "little things" better, particularly quality of materials. But by the time you got them comparably equipped, the BMW was $4-5000 more expensive. While I think that the BMW is slightly better, its just not $5000 better! Ive been driving the IS since last August and even now I still havent found any annoying flaws. Count me satisfied.

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  Awesome - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By two187form3 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car, well worth the money, very sleek but fun, just amazing car inside and out!

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  Expectations - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By chrisKY - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Meets or exceeds all expectations of quality and driving experience. Fantastic roading handling and comfort for a car of this size. Dont see many of these on the road (at least where we live) and brings a lot of positive comments. Agree with other postings: FUN to drive.

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  Chose it over a 3 series - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By CEB - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Nice smooth engine and crisp 5sp. transmission. Great brakes. Very solid feel and very well built. Smooth power with better low end than 330. Sporty interior. LSD a must. Great value compared to BMW and Audi.

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  Fun, Reliable Car, Expensive to Maintain - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By 2001isowner - October 30 - 7:50 am

  Its a quick fun car to drive on dry surface. Worst car on the road in snow with high performance tires installed. Running into high maintenance cost down the road. I have a 2001 IS ... be prepared to drop $500+ at the dealership on the timing belt at 90k and $300 when the oxygen sensor goes. Rims and tires are a nightmare.

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  Wonderful Car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By KTM - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Two weeks in and I love this car. I traded in my BMW 323i for this and have no regrets! This has more room, horsepower, and smooter ride. I love hatch-backs...owned a Saab at one time...good car--but not even close to Lexus in any aspect.