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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  Not quite a Lexus - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By jpreski - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Overall the car is great with some issues I cant believe Lexus missed like usable storage and room, amenities like memory seat, more adjustable steering, and tire replacement difficulty. I have a BMW and they can get these items right. Great handling doesnt forgive these items since most people dont push the handling to the limit.

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  Nice car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By billy - September 30 - 7:40 am

  so far, Ive raced with a M3(98 or 97 model) a few other BMWs, some modified rice car, and guess what, with the superior handling and cornering that this car can do, I beat them all! enough said!

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  2001 IS300 - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Mike Marshall - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Excellent value for the money. Transmission electronics and shifter design need improvement. 5-speed manual should be offered on the SportCross. Cheaper IS200 should be brought here from overseas market.

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  Better Then BMW - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Better Then BMR - May 8 - 1:20 am

  I shopped around for some time before I decided on my IS 300. What brought me to it at first was the Lexus name and good looks of the car and once I drove it!! WOW!! This is a great car!! Fun to drive, smooth as hell and at times almost seems to know what youre going to do before you do it! Inside the car offers great comfort and you almost forget youre in a sports car. Every friend of mine that has sat in it has used the word WOW a few times! After having this car for a few months Im so glad I didnt buy a BMW!

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  Im satisfied - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By bigtoot - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the IS and the 3-series BMW. The IS was crisper handling, but the BMW seemed to do the "little things" better, particularly quality of materials. But by the time you got them comparably equipped, the BMW was $4-5000 more expensive. While I think that the BMW is slightly better, its just not $5000 better! Ive been driving the IS since last August and even now I still havent found any annoying flaws. Count me satisfied.

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  Fun, Reliable Car, Expensive to Maintain - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By 2001isowner - October 30 - 7:50 am

  Its a quick fun car to drive on dry surface. Worst car on the road in snow with high performance tires installed. Running into high maintenance cost down the road. I have a 2001 IS ... be prepared to drop $500+ at the dealership on the timing belt at 90k and $300 when the oxygen sensor goes. Rims and tires are a nightmare.

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  Sportcross - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Bertrand - April 9 - 3:43 pm

  Just bought a black on black Sportcross and I am really enjoying it. Handles and brakes better than anything else with this much cargo flexibility (bar none). All it needs is a low pressure turbo or supercharger and it would run with an M3.

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  A sportier 3 series for $10 grand less - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Zeus - May 4 - 10:00 am

  The car is a pleasure to drive. Love the manuel stick. Engine revs nicely and steering is laser sharp. Feels well put together and trust that it will easily last 10 years. An excellent buy.

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  my sportcross - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By jlim - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Overall great driving experience, handles well with plenty of acceleration when you need it. Quality throughout, with great sport suspension albeit on the firm side. Quite ride on the highways, minimal tire/wind noise, and nice throaty exhaust only during quick 0-60mph gas pedal action.