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 31 through 40 of 165.00

• 

  Get The IS - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By SirFreeze - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the A4, 330, Maxima, S2000, TT and even waited 6 weeks to test drive the G35. All the above had thier plus/minuses. I thought the IS offered the most complete package of power, styling, handling and value. Great car !!

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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!

• 

  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.

• 

  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.