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 21 through 30 of 165.00

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  Yeah baby! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By lightning - October 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is outstanding to drive. Its handling is great, especially when going into a curve. At least once a week I have someone asking me about the vehicle. Get one of these.

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  a great deal for the price - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By mmkm - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven the Mercedes M-class and S-class and the new 7-series BMW at home but these cars dont make me feel the IS any worst. It has a great look and excellent performance in an affordable price. The navigation system is much better than the mercedes and BMWs. However, the only bad thing is the small trunk space and uncomfortable back seats.

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  Great Car with few Exceptions - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Vishal - October 3 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car, but I have had a couple problems with it. No matter what the dealer tells you about rear wheel cars, dont believe it. I had a $13,000 front wheel drive car for 7 years. I lived in NJ, PA, IL, and SD (Yes, South Dakota). I lived in rain, snow, sleet, and ice. Out of the 7 years, I never got in an accident and never get stuck. I then traded it for a $33,000 rear wheel Lexus last year. Since I have had this rear wheel drive car, I have fishtailed a dozen times, got stuck in the snow 3 times, and yesterday (the cherry on top of the sundae) slid off the road into a telephone poll.

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  Sporty and Solid - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By jonsey - August 8 - 5:00 pm

  I compared the sportcross with the BMW wagon and hands down the sportcross was the better deal - not just in terms of price but the performance was excellent. I love this car and disagree with the edmund reviews that this is more suitable for the "baggy pant masses". This is definitely NOT your parents wagon, but its a great car for someone who wants the flexibility/cargo of a wagon without the wagon look.

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  Awesome - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By VivaDnA - August 3 - 3:20 am

  Other than the average fuel economy, everything about this car has met or exceeded our expectations. With the five-speed its a blast to drive!

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  Second IS300 - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By cubsfanct - July 6 - 5:41 am

  This is my second IS300. I have owned 63 cars in my life (I am 33 and get bored easily). I have owned 12 BMWs and thought myself to be a lifelong BMW addict. The IS300 changed all that. The styling, the responsiveness and dependability won me over. I have never had an issue with either IS300 I have owned. They are the only cars I have kept longer than three months. My current one I am tastefully modifying. Owning a GS300 in between the IS300s I am now a Lexus (2JZ) convert. All around service all my have-to-haves. Sportiness, Luxury, Speed and Dependable. The IS300 is truly the complete package.

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  Terrific Car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By chippy - May 4 - 11:50 pm

  Utterly reliable. Near supercar braking. Superb handling and ride with L-Tuned performance springs and swaybars that makes stock car seem too soft. Silky smooth engine. Crisp 5MT. Very comfortable driving position. Good controls layout.

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  great fun car but not a BMW - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By hog4oc - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I had this car for 1 week, my wife and I love driving it, we also own BMW 5 series, it is definitly not a BMW, but different kind of fun car to drive around. It is a good experience for us, much better than any Toyota cars around.

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  Youll love it! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By HokieCovey - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I just got this car last November. It is a fun, fast, and reliable car. The car is quick off coners and fast. Before purchasing this i looked at BMW330, Volvo S60, and Audi A4. All the cars had good things about them: Bottom line: BMW: Best Preformence, lacked styling and pricey Volvo: Most Confort, lacked sproty feel Audi A4: Great Exterior, but lacked performance and confort. Lexus IS300 offers: Great Syling, simple and easy to use controls, great road feel and control, quiet engine, fast engine, and higher quality then any of the competition for the best price. You wil not be disappointed.

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  Fantastic sports sedan - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By James Bond - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a BMW, until I drove this car! It is beautifully equipped for thousands less than a comparable 330i and the performance is outstanding. It never fails to get comments wherever I go, and I love to drive it.