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 161 through 165 of 165.00

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  bread and butter of sport sedans - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By NOLA - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Got rid of my VW Jetta GLX and got this. No more ridiculously expensive parts -- this is Japanese reliability and price with German performance. Who can beat that???

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  Whats a Bimmer? - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By April B - February 14 - 1:13 am

  I think this car is at the top of the sport sedan list!

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  My IS300 - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By dfitzsim - January 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. Especially when you consider that the direct competition (BMW 330i) is several thousand more for a comparably equipped model. Highly recommended. I purchased the vehicle at JM Lexus in Margate, FL and wouldnt hesitate to buy there again. Their professionalism was second to none.

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  IS 300 5spd - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By ProfessorP - January 10 - 10:36 am

  Bought new in spring 03 & still love to drive it. Flawless reliability. Has 80K+ miles, but feels & looks new. Replaced two sets of tires & one set of brake pads. A blast to drive. Sold my SC 400 6 mos after buying this car, because I never drove the SC anymore. Handles better than most sports cars, turn-in is crisp and fast, steering is not overboosted. Could use a bit less body roll in stock form. Swapped in Eibach springs and handling is noticably improved. Power from the inline 6 is smooth & the sound of the engine is a wonderful purr. Interior layout is perfect, fits like a good racing glove. A true drivers car. I also enjoy the fine Nav System w/easy to use controls at my fingertips.

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  A Miss - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Off the mark - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Give this one a miss. Cant hold a candle to the new Infiniti G35, Acura TL etc..