2002 Lexus IS 300 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.48/5 Average
165 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • Outstanding driving dynamics, slick interior decor, competitive pricing.
Cons:
  • Small rear seat and trunk, not much storage space, styling more suited to baggy-panted masses.

User Reviews:

Showing 61 through 70 of 165.00
  • Best in class - 2002 Lexus IS 300
    By -

    Im 36 and not small by any means. I thought the IS300 was for younger folk. Then I went for a test drive. Its lagrer inside than the Volvo, BMW, and Audi. Its also funner, faster and a blast to drive. The sound system is is better than my home theater system. I have had the car for over a month now and have zero complaints. I live in a area with too much traffic, and the IS300 lets me zip through it when I can. Its also nice when you can blow past a Mustang GT, and get better miledge while doing it.

  • chrono - 2002 Lexus IS 300
    By -

    This car is really sporty looking but it fails to deliver in terms of straight line speed. Even when I floor it, it seems to hesitate. An increase in torque would be called for.

  • IS 300 - 2002 Lexus IS 300
    By -

    This car is an awesome thing to drive...havent had this much fun for a while. Although I genuinely cannot stand the material used for the interior, I think the performance more than made up for it. More linear acceleration would be nice though.

  • Next Generation Lexus. - 2002 Lexus IS 300
    By -

    It has amazing handling and feels much more nimble than other cars in its class. The factory stereo is the best Ive heard and crushes any of the German cars. The aluminum drilled pedals, the chronometer display and the suade side panels get more attention then any wood trim. Also the exterior catches the eye of everyone around. It has a very long wheelbase with respect to its length which makes it look even faster than it is. It isnt nearly as common as a BMW or Audi. Lastly, Lexus makes the most reliable cars in the world. This is no exception. Fuel efficiency - This is a sports car. If you want an economy car buy a Civic.

  • Call me IMPRESSED! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
    By -

    Original owner here with over 200,000 very enthusiastically driven miles on my IS300. Still runs and looks great. Only unscheduled maintainence was swapping out all of the O2 sensors at about 120K. Bought Denso universals for about $60 ea and soldered them in myself. Did clutch at 100K with aftermarket parts and saved $$$ vs. OEM parts. Aftermarket clutch and flywheel holding up much longer than original, which started to slip a bit at 90K miles. Lots of great aftermarket support for this popular car due to its great driving dynamics, good looks, and wonderful inline 6 motor. Highly, highly recommended. Great drivers car, especially with the manual trans.

  • Used Lexus - 2002 Lexus IS 300
    By -

    Got the Lexus used with 67k. Love the Nav system, leather, power seats. Car has plenty of power and handles perfectly, while the car is still smooth and quiet. Would have gotten a BMW but went with the Lexus quality. For 21.5K OTD, much better than a base model new accord and camry.

  • Awsome - 2002 Lexus IS 300
    By -

    hey. my dad has an is300 that is fully loaded and bright yellow. i love it because no matter where you go when you stop at a stop light people stare at it. awsome car, great interior and exterior design, great interior features, perfect sedan (for lexus and most other companys). best stereo i have ever heard! p.s. i heard that lexus is bringing out a new is called the is370 i believe. it is supposed to be basically the same with about 345 hp.

  • Awsome - 2002 Lexus IS 300
    By -

    hey. my dad has an is300 that is fully loaded and bright yellow. i love it because no matter where you go when you stop at a stop light people stare at it. awsome car, great interior and exterior design, great interior features, perfect sedan (for lexus and most other companys). best stereo i have ever heard! p.s. i heard that lexus is bringing out a new is called the is370 i believe. it is supposed to be basically the same with about 345 hp.

  • Drives like a BMW - 2002 Lexus IS 300
    By -

    It was the test drive won me over. Totally surprised by the feel and how the car handles.

  • Exactly Fits The Bill - 2002 Lexus IS 300
    By -

    The car is a blast to drive, I love the 5 speed and the power to get around just about anything I want to. The styling is edgy enough to keep the Buick buyers away, and sedated enough to be take seriously. The back seat is perfect for carting around friends in luxury while I enjoy the trip.

Lexus IS 300 Reviews By Year:
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