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 41 through 50 of 165.00

• 

  Nice all around - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By dmoney - August 16 - 9:10 pm

  I bought this car used with 76k miles on it. Traded in a Mitsu SUV and I was on a budget. I found this car for under $11k. Car is very fun to drive with quick acceleration and great handling. Ride is a little stiffer than what Im used to, but hey I went from an SUV to a compact sport sedan. Auto tranny shifts nicely, the interior is nice and has an easy layout.

• 

  Great Car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By CB - August 8 - 5:23 am

  Mechanically robust. Silky smooth engine. Manual Transmission. Enough aftermarket parts to turn the car into the real sports sedan it is supposed to be. Rare.

• 

  Just needs a supercharger - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Bertrand - July 12 - 10:20 am

  I own a 99 BMW 328i manual and a 2001 IS 300 sedan; here is my take on the two cars. Lexus has better performance all around except for acceleration. Brakes and handling are amazing on the IS and the build quality has been very good. Dealer experience with JM Lexus of Florida has been the best part of owning this car! Bottom line, give this Lexus a manual and a TRD supercharger and it will compete with an M3 on the performance front while costing 10K less after the supercharger.

• 

  MY VIEW ON IS300 - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Glenn Sussman - June 17 - 11:46 am

  EXCELLANT CAR, WELL EXECUTED INSIDE AND OUT

• 

  Excellent all around Sports Sedan - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By ACLC - April 26 - 12:16 am

  I wanted a car that was fun to drive and was different than any other car on the road. The IS was the answer to both of my needs. Its smooth shifting 3.0L 6cyl engine is responsive and the E-shift comes in handy for highway passing. DONT drive this car if you are someone who likes to blend in with the crowd...this car is a POSITIVE attention getter!!!

• 

  I like it more today than when I bought - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By griffmac - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! This car doesnt get the respect it deserves from auto journalists - its like they didnt want to belive Lexus could build such a great sports sedan on its first try. I have several 3-series in my family and this car is more communicative and fun to drive than any of them (even the 330i w/sport package). When you compare this to the 325i (same price), I cant give the nod to BMW in any area other than maybe the dash design.

• 

  So far, soooo good! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By jockoB - April 2 - 10:00 am

  A blast to drive. Could be a little roomier, but I can still squeeze in the rear facing infant car seat. It is more sport than sedan. AGAIN, a blast to drive.

• 

  Impressive Sport Sedan from Lexus! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By dave1122 - February 17 - 10:00 am

  After owning a BMW 323i and having to stay in that same price range, i decided not to go for the 325i and pay an extra 3000 for a 14 hp improvement over the 323. I test drove the lexus and fell in love with it. Very comfortable, handles great, engine is nice (would have like a few more horses), but overall, an EXCELLENT sport sedan for the price. Oh, and did I mention, it is sooo fun to drive.

• 

  The right car for me - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By feendog - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I looked long and hard for a car. thought about the acura rsx - was too small. thought about a bmw - im sick of bmws, so i decided on the lexus is. i like it alot. its a pleasure on the highway. only complaint - its a bit of a gas guzzler, and the rear seats dont fold down, make storage small. but id buy/lease it again if i had to do it over...

• 

  Our 2002 Lexus Sportcross - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By WFLaidlaw - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Ours is full of add-ons to include navigation, leather, heated seats, etc, but the most appreciated add-ons are the Limited-Slip Differential coupled with Vehicle Skid Control. Cornering is uncanny and with superior braking makes a very competitive vehicle. Service is poor locally, so we drive 2 1/2 hours one way to the Charleston dealership. It is of the same quality as the car.