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 41 through 50 of 165.00-
Overall - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By NeverSatisfied - August 26 - 10:00 amFun 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 pmGreat 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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IS300 - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By dfitzsim - June 14 - 1:16 amDescription: 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 amCant 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 amThis 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.
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Best in class - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By Tukkus - June 7 - 10:00 amIm 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.
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Next Generation Lexus. - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By dirtymartini - March 27 - 10:00 amIt 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.
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Call me IMPRESSED! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By elijahp - February 13 - 2:35 amOriginal 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.
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Used Lexus - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By pdiddy - December 4 - 6:43 pmGot 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.
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Awsome - 2002 Lexus IS 300
By NOS2006 - November 30 - 2:00 amhey. 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.
