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:
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Better Than People think - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By shadowy1 - May 4 - 10:00 amThis is my first Lexus and Im hooked traded a 95 Volvo 850 turbo. The IS300 rocks, great power, handles like its on rails. I looked at an Audi S4 and Acura TSX before getting the Lex, and Im not sorry. People talk about the rear seat being small, SO I dont want a bunch of free loaders riding with me anyway. Just me and my lady riding with the tunes blasting. The dealer didnt look down their noses at you the way those Euro dealers do, bunch of snobs. Anyway back to the point. This car may not be for everyone but its not your Daddys Oldsmobile. Lexus may not have hit the bullseye but they came damn close.
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Not an SUV - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By EDOman - April 23 - 10:00 amI have had this car for 14 months. It still attracts attention here in Los Angeles and is alot of fun to drive. Tested it in rural New Mexico where it handled very well on a straight stretch of open road at 130 mph. The car apparently was not designed for sport conditions as I have beat the hell out of the front dam on curbs and crossing intersections in the city and the cute low profile tires do not hold up to either urban or cross country conditions. Why call it a sportscross if you cant drive it that way without the tires falling apart!!!!
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This car RULES - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By Devnull - April 9 - 10:00 amIve owned my 5-speed for almost a year (minus a month and a half for some repairs ;)), and I can easily say its the most fun-to-drive car Ive ever driven. The car handles superbly; I love the way it hugs the road in a turn, the squeel of the tires as I round a bank, the roar as I downshift to pass someone who shouldnt have been in the fast lane. The VVT-i engine is really noticeable in a launch (push that TRAC button to see what I mean).
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Satisfied - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By DJ IMPACT - February 25 - 10:00 amThe center console does not have an arm rest, fortunately those who purchased or plan to purchase the 2002 model will have the center armrest to enjoy.
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I love my Car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By IS300owner - February 13 - 2:00 amIt was the handling that sold me on this car.
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still fun to drive after 1 year - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By JBD - December 1 - 10:00 am15000 miles and one year later, I still enjoy driving this car. That is a first for me. Considered BMW and I glad I got this instead. Great handling, quick, just fun. Now, how about a convertible version??
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Love the 5 speed - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By Matt 2 - October 28 - 2:00 amThis has been a great car. I bought it for my 30th Bday present to myself. Handles great, looks great and is bullet proof.
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Great Car with few Exceptions - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By Vishal - October 3 - 2:00 amThis 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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great fun car but not a BMW - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By hog4oc - March 21 - 10:00 amI 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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Just needs a supercharger - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By Bertrand - July 12 - 10:20 amI 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.
