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 151 through 160 of 165.00-
Solid as Gibraltar - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By Thrilled owner - August 8 - 2:00 amBought as a demo w/9k miles on it. Now has 188K and havent had any unscheduled maintenance on it yet. Runs like new. Unbelievable reliability. Cant recommend enough. All the fun of a sports car in a sedan. 5-speed manual is a must for driving enthusiasts. My gas mileage is nearly identical to the window sticker rating, so I dont know why people gripe about the mileage. Besides, even though I might save $500/year in gas with a BMW 3-series, it would be offset by the several thousand per year extra I would have to spend on repairs. Im willing to pay a tad extra for peace of mind.
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IS300 - best in class - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By houstonlex - August 3 - 10:00 amThis car has been excellent. It has terrific reliability, superb handling, plenty of power and is extremely fun to drive. The transmision is excellent and is matched well with a smooth powerful inline 6 engine
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Is300 - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By Big Blur - July 21 - 2:00 amIve had my IS300 for about a year. There seems to be a problem with steering the car on wet roads and uneven surfices. In fact at times Im even afraid t drive it. Also you cn smell the exhust of the car in front of you while waiting at lights.I dont recommend th car to new drivers. Good luck
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Love it - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By imspud - June 21 - 10:00 amgreat car, handles like a go-kart
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IS300 Battle of power - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By is300driver - June 18 - 10:00 amGreat, fun, exiting, beautiful, love it... i have owen these car for 2 years now and 42,000 miles WOW i drive a lot! she has good power, she realy needs MORE about 60-80 horse more to take on the most recent "japanese imports" add intake and she BRUUUMMMSS like a kitty, Suspention wise stiffer sway bars and bingo! TRD or Hotch are good choises, Brakes are AWSOME, interior is well apointed less plastic please ecsaine is gorgeus, the dulops are hard to get and $$$ Bad Parts: iterior ligth blew up, CD player(it ate my CDS!)free under warranty recently shes transmition upset? shifting so hard it hurts
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Oooh la la!! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By paul - May 22 - 3:16 amI bought it new and still love it like crazy. After 150K miles, the leather looks great, the engine, tranny, and suspension feel better than the day I bought it, and I havent had an unscheduled repair yet. All I have done, besides driving it like I stole it every day, is changed the fluids regularly, replaced several sets of brakes & tires, the clutch at 110K miles, and replaced the timing belt w/water pump at 100K miles. If this car ever gets stolen, Im buying another one. It is the most fun car to drive that I have ever owned. And Ive owned Supras, Camaros, Talon TSIs, a 911, a 280Z, a Celica All-trac Turbo, an SC 400 and a Suzuki Swift GT.
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Excellent Vehicle - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By jtork2 - May 17 - 7:58 amI was lucky enough to purchase my 2002 Lexus IS300 as my first car with my own money my junior year in high school. Car had 120k miles on it and Im now in college and Ive put almost 23k more on it because I just cant resist driving it. Smooth ride, smooth shifting, comfortable seating, love the alcantara! Drilled aluminum pedals are a nice touch. I actually get about 25 mpg when i drive long highway distances at 75 mph, but average right at about 23 mpg on a normal fill-up. Few complaints about this car. I have only had to take it in to the shop for regular maintenance (oil changes, new tires, etc..) Could not recommend this car enough.
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A sportier 3 series for $10 grand less - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By Zeus - May 4 - 10:00 amThe car is a pleasure to drive. Love the manuel stick. Engine revs nicely and steering is laser sharp. Feels well put together and trust that it will easily last 10 years. An excellent buy.
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Its a great car but not a 3 Series - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By SantiB - April 22 - 2:00 amThis has been a fun car to drive. Very reliable and solid.
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my sportcross - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By jlim - March 18 - 10:00 amOverall great driving experience, handles well with plenty of acceleration when you need it. Quality throughout, with great sport suspension albeit on the firm side. Quite ride on the highways, minimal tire/wind noise, and nice throaty exhaust only during quick 0-60mph gas pedal action.
