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 141 through 150 of 165.00

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  Great Car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Great Car - February 1 - 3:03 pm

  It just does everything well. Its a blast to drive, and it cruises like a big car. Navigation system needs to be more intuitive, and fuel economy isnt great, but overall were super happy with this little sedan!

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  Awesome Car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By IS300NYC - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This car is hot. I love it, and would not trade it for any other car in its class. I test drove both the 3.2tl and g35 as well as the 328i. This car has no comparision to any of these.

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  Great Entry Level Sports Sedan - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By IBP - January 21 - 10:00 am

  This car reminds me of the 3-series of old. Driving fun factor is a 10, while a little practicality is lost (gas mileage, trunk space). But this is an awesome car to own and drive. I highly recommend this vehicle to spirited drivers who want Lexus realibility and great service. The IS may appear to be "flashy" by some, but this is an automobile for true car enthusiasts who enjoy driving and sees having luxury ammeminites as a bonus.

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  Cant, CAN NOT, ask for ANYTHING more! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By David1575 - January 17 - 10:23 am

  This has to be the BEST car i have ever gotten into(and bought) that is under 45K! I Swear! How in the hell did they price it at 31k! witht he nav system and Graphire polished wheels, which i personly love better then crome, are just done beautifaly. theres only one low point...EVERYONE has one now, lol, but that says something...Its the best!

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  Good Car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By ste - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, handling is super, and it very fun to drive and always great to look at. However, even family cars like Altima and Accord already have 240hp, Lexus should give some more horsepower to the next generation IS(around 260-280 would be good enough)... Performance aside, this car is very reliable, I had this car for more than two years and no find problem at all..

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  Hats off to Lexus - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Driver8 - October 3 - 9:16 am

  Im closing in on 200,000 trouble-free miles. Every mile has been a delight. Wish I could give a vehicle score of 11 for the reliability and fun-to-drive categories.

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  Excellent Car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Pauly - September 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a very fun car to drive and is built for speed and luxury. I love driving this car. I used to drive a honda civic and that car doesnt even compare to this one.

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  SportX is fun - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By jmess - September 21 - 10:00 am

  After 3 months with the SportX I really enjoy this car. I wish it had some features like memory seats but I smile every time I drive the car. I find the hatchback to be really useful. I am happy with the good balance of performance and handling. The car is pretty quiet and smooth for a sport car. The car has had zero problems and feels like it will easily last 100K miles.

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  Should have kept my Audi - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By StikW/AUDI - September 10 - 10:00 am

  If all cars drove as poorly as mine wed all take public transportation. The dealership, when they can be bothered to return my calls, tells me its normal for a Lexus to have an extreme amount of vibration in the steeringwheel, even on the smoothest roads you can find in southern California.

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  From BMW 3 series to Lexus IS 300 - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Ralph - September 3 - 2:00 am

  As a previous owner of a 2000 BMW 323i, it was a pleasure to finally turn it back at the end of the lease and purchase a 2002 IS 300. This Lexus is fun to drive, all of the controls are within easy reach, everything seems to be in the right place and the inside and outside styling is refreshingly contemporary as compared to the aging 3 series. The Lexus has been problem free from day one. The outgoing 323i was a great automobile but was ridden with broken window regulators, stuck moonroof shades, horrible window creaking when driving and poor quality leather seats which required frequent shop visits.