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 51 through 60 of 165.00

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  Loaded 2002 IS300 - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By rslewis - October 19 - 3:29 pm

  Ive had mine since 2012, after I bought it I changed ALL fluids and did the timing belt... havent looked back. This site doesnt allow you to choose a model that has navigation for 2002 which mine has.. also has full blk leather interior, sunroof, 5 speed manual, LSD rear end, heated seats, power everything. Whoever bought this car initially ordered it from the dealer with all those options b/c I havent seen one like it in person or online.. I love it. 5 speed is the way to go in this car, but finding one is getting hard, nice city power to get thorough traffic, not the best MPG, but im heavy footed and you get the trusty Toyota build quality. Great Car!

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  Best car I have ever owned. - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By NJ LAWYER - October 19 - 7:56 am

  Hands down the most fun I have had owning a car. Drive it 100+ miles daily, for 6 years and still loving it. Other than normal maintenance no problems. I have never kept a car this long, usually 4 years and out, but I am looking forward to 4 more years with this one.

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  Not Quite - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By McClenahan - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Automatic transmission is slow to respond, jerky, and is often slow to shift when starting from a stop. Understeer and an over-active traction control never allow any rear-wheel drive fun. Seats are unconfortable (to me.) Lots of wind noise. Poor gas mileage. Occassional squeaks/rattles. Interior materials feel/look cheap.

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  IS 300 Outstanding - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By lugbolt - October 3 - 2:46 pm

  This has been a great car, with a fun driving experience. I test drove everything higher and lower in price, but I found nothing more exciting. Lexus quality is evident in ride and performance.

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  Overall - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By NeverSatisfied - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Quiet interior. Beautiful exterior. Nice exhaust note. Excellent stereo. Solid riding. Rear drive!

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  Wow for the money!!! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By kaspr1 - July 20 - 10:23 pm

  Great car, fun to drive with a touch of class. Cant get any better than this! Love my IS 300 black manual.

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  Best car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By berticus23 - July 13 - 10:00 am

  Its no M3, but thats only because it doesnt have the horsepower. My father likes it better than his 3-series. In its defense, however, I dont drive it on a racetrack, so when do I ever need 300+ HP?

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  IS300 - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By dfitzsim - June 14 - 1:16 am

  Description: 2002 Lexus IS300 4d 5spd. Silver/Tan cloth. This is a great car. I test drove this and the BMW 330i on an autocross and was amazed when I walked away saying I liked the Lexus better. Highly recommended.

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  Quarter Million Mile IS - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By woodworking101 - June 13 - 2:35 am

  Cant believe its been 11+ years w/my car. I still remember the rush of the test drive. I took an on-ramp aggressively w/the salesman next to me & we both smiled. I couldnt believe I was in a sedan, let alone a Lexus. It was better handling than my old Eclipse Turbo. Better road feel, more grip, similar body roll & much faster turn-in. After a little negotiating, she was mine. Ive been a Toyota guy since 88, but even I cant believe how reliable this cars been. Oh, thereve been the usual tires, brakes & oil changes along w/one timing belt & one clutch. My odo is @ 248K mi & the only unscheduled maintainence Ive done is a set of o2 sensors, ball joints & a fuel pump.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Golfkat - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best car I have ever owned (and I have owned 7). The car is fun to drive, it handles great and beats most around. There are only a few minor things I would change about this car and none of which are performance. Lexus hit the money on this one.