Overview & Reviews

Other than having some new wheel designs, the IS 300 is unchanged this year.

• 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 1 through 10 of 126.00

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  Could be a bit faster, but I love mine - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By TerenceL - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Cheaper than the 330i, more fun to drive than most smaller sedans, but can also be used to drive clients or parents around (unlike say the Impreza WRX). I love mine. I was also considering the G35, but the reliability differences between Toyota and Nissan put my money on the Lexus.

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  Bought it used, but it still had zero problems! - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By gpokhare - January 26 - 11:19 am

  Bought it w/ 120,000 KMs and as a rebuilt title. Amazingly fun car to drive in the summer, and is extremely reliable. In 2 years owning it, outside of having to change the brake pad and battery, I only had to come in to the shop for oil changes and tire changes. However, the car is not good for heavy winter driving. Because its RWD and fairly light, you have to be extremely careful when driving it in heavy snow roads as it tends to slide. The stock stereo is unbelievable. I tried a 2014 BMW this year, and the stereo on that didnt even match the 03 Lexus IS stereo. Also, this cars safety features protected me very well when I was t-boned by another car. I would highly recommend this car.

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  Perfect city car. - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By jsu888 - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Im probably the least likely buyer for this car. My last car was a BMW 7 series. I just got tired of all the repairs required by the German cars. This year alone I spent over $10K on over 7 trips to Dinan on everything from leaking transmission oil gasket to air conditioner rebuild. Im returning to Japanese models. I wanted something small for San Francisco and with navigation system. Not too many to choose from. I evaluated Mercedes C230, Toyota Prius, BMW 3 series. This is the only one with DVD navigation system. That means only one disk is required for the entire North American continent, and about $6K less than a comparably equipped BMW 325.

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  2003 IS-300 review - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Todd - January 27 - 3:16 pm

  The car is outstanding - fun to drive, and absolutely reliable. Mine has a 5-speed transmission. Quality of everything is top-notch. My only complaints were the way the transmission shifted for about the first year - clutch was very difficult to engage smoothly, but it eventually broke in and is now fine. There has not been a single thing wrong with the car since the day I drove it out of the showroom.

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  Fun and affordable - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By David - December 21 - 11:36 am

  The IS 300 is fun to drive, it handles really well. I have the 5 speed so its quicker than the automatic (I drove both). The interior is sleek and I love the exterior. All around I have been very pleased with this car. I have had a couple isolated issues that fell under warranty, but Ive talked to other owners who didnt have the same issues.

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  Lexus Sport Cross - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By kokomokid - December 14 - 10:00 am

  What I wanted in a car when I bought the IS 300 Sport Cross was a car that would drive like a sports car, but transport R/C model planes easily. It fills the bill, except that a manual tranmission is not available in the Sport Cross.

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  Home-Run - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By 03is - November 21 - 10:07 am

  Ready? Love the car, but since I just recently bought it, Ive had to do some work getting it up to par as the prior owner didnt take great care. However, its a Lexus, so a blind monkey could drive it into a lake and itd be better than anything on the road. A few cosmetic issues inside and out, and 90k service hadnt been done. When something breaks on this car, its costly. But if you take care of it, itll take care of you. I wish they had that mentality! That said, Its a joy to drive. Slightly heavy and a bit sluggish, but with 200+hp, you dont lack for power. Finding low-mileage units is just about impossible, and when you purchase yours, youll see why.

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  Better relialility and looking than euro - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Supra Boi - August 31 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is very nicely built. With innovative designs like the chrono dash and the clear tail lights that started an entire trend in the import scene. Although the performance is not head and shoulders above euro competitions, the price isnt either. And with BMW and Audis bad history of reliability and MBs outrageous pricing, the IS 300 is a clear choice for a smart buyer thats in the market for a luxury sport sedan.

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  Tons of fun - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By snaik1 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  For the money this is a great car. Lots of fun. I have the tickets to prove it.

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  Whats next? - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By DMC90025 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I drive alot! 2-3K per mo. Heavy LA traffice or flat out on a freeway. Car handles both very well. Got 21K on the clock. New Yokohamas to replace the crap Potenza tires that are over rated, at 20K. In summary, the biggest beef I have is the ability to adjust the drivers seat to my needs. Nada! Beef #2, as the trans shifts in to 2nd under kickdown , acceleration goes flat! Paint finish is not to the standard of the other Lexus cars, ie lots of rock damage, paint readily nicks down to the metal. Suggest new buyers put a small bra on the nose when they first get it.