Overview & Reviews

For years people associated Lexus with quiet, refined and luxurious automobiles backed by a competitive pricing strategy. "Sporty," however, was far from anyone's mind. Then, in 2001, the Lexus IS 300 sport sedan came along and toppled that image. Lexus wanted this one to be an extrovert and an athlete. With every throttle input and every turn of the steering wheel, this compact, rear-wheel-drive sedan sought to communicate with its driver. With its firmly tuned suspension and sticky high-performance tires, it had the running gear to back up those aspirations.

It also had the styling. One look at its wedge shape, clear-lens taillights and dramatic color palette, and it was obvious this sedan was intended for a younger, more trend-conscious buyer than other Lexus models. A sport wagon version called the IS 300 SportCross was added for 2002, and although it offered a little more utility, outward aesthetics still took precedence over function.

Inside, the compact Lexus IS 300 looked and felt different, too, thanks to its racy watch-dial-style instrumentation, drilled aluminum pedals and chrome shifter ball. By no means was this an elegant cabin, though. Hard plastic covered the dash and console, and feature content never quite measured up to the standards of the class. This half-hearted approach to luxury was the major criticism leveled against the IS 300 during its five-year run.

Although imperfect, the Lexus IS 300 and IS 300 SportCross did get the attention of younger, more performance-minded consumers, which set the stage for their carefully executed successors, the IS 250 and IS 350.

Most recent Lexus IS 300

Based on the Japanese-market Toyota Altezza, the Lexus IS 300 was not originally designed to be a luxury car. When the automaker decided to sell a version of this compact, rear-drive sedan in the U.S., it was retrofitted with additional luxury content and a larger engine -- the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder already used in the midsize Lexus GS 300 sedan.

This 3.0-liter six was capable of 215 horsepower and 218 pound-feet of torque, and paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Although this drivetrain propelled the IS 300 to 60 mph in the low 7-second range, a small but vocal niche of consumers and automotive writers cried foul when Lexus initially failed to offer a manual transmission. The company rectified this oversight in 2002, adding a five-speed manual gearbox option for the sedan. The IS 300 SportCross wagon, which also debuted for '02, was automatic only.

In road tests of the Lexus IS 300 sedan and wagon, our editors noted that their stiff body structures allowed Lexus to tune their double-wishbone suspensions for sharp handling without making the ride too stiff for commuters. "But the IS 300 is a car that needs to be exercised regularly," we wrote at the time. "Well balanced due to its rear-wheel-drive layout, it's an easy car to pilot aggressively, thanks to the responsive steering and braking, nimble size, excellent driving position and 3,280-pound curb weight. The steering isn't quite as precise as a BMW's, but it's close. Very close."

Inside, the IS 300's not-so-upscale cabin was snug, even by the indulgent standards of the premium compact car class. Tight legroom and narrow footwells made it difficult for adults to get comfortable in back, and storage space was minimal. Of the two body styles, the SportCross wagon was the more practical choice, thanks to its 21.8-cubic-foot cargo bay.

Past Lexus IS 300 Models

As a used car choice, the IS 300 makes a lot of sense. Sold from 2001-'05, it hasn't held its value as well as competitors like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G35 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but it offers equal or better performance in most areas. Build quality was always above average on the IS, and reliability is consistent with Toyota's typically strong reputation.

First-year Lexus IS 300 sedans were light on content, so it might be a good idea to confine your search to 2002 and newer models. Side curtain airbags, stability control, auto-dimming mirrors and a center armrest were all added to the standard equipment list for '02, while full leather seating and a navigation system became optional. Notably, stability control was only available on models with the automatic transmission. Changes were minimal in the years following.

Despite all the fuss the enthusiast crowd made about the manual-transmission option, manual-shift IS 300 sedans are rare commodities on the used car market, as the vast majority were sold with automatics.

User Reviews:

• 

  My Most Fun Car in 50 years! - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By Gina Hudson - February 13 - 12:16 pm

  Ive been driving 50 years and have driven a Lexus automobile since 1993. This IS 300 is undoubtably the most enjoyable car Ive ever owned to drive, exceeding even the Lexus 400. As a rather "vertically challenged" woman, Ive never, until the IS 300, been able to see over a hood of any car Ive driven (scary thought). This automobile allows me to sit high enough to have a clear view of the front of the car. It makes driving fun and much more comfortable for me. In todays market, this automobile is a bargain!

• 

  Youll love it! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By HokieCovey - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I just got this car last November. It is a fun, fast, and reliable car. The car is quick off coners and fast. Before purchasing this i looked at BMW330, Volvo S60, and Audi A4. All the cars had good things about them: Bottom line: BMW: Best Preformence, lacked styling and pricey Volvo: Most Confort, lacked sproty feel Audi A4: Great Exterior, but lacked performance and confort. Lexus IS300 offers: Great Syling, simple and easy to use controls, great road feel and control, quiet engine, fast engine, and higher quality then any of the competition for the best price. You wil not be disappointed.

• 

  Fantastic sports sedan - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By James Bond - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a BMW, until I drove this car! It is beautifully equipped for thousands less than a comparable 330i and the performance is outstanding. It never fails to get comments wherever I go, and I love to drive it.

• 

  Much to love for price paid.. - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Previous 6-spd drivr - January 28 - 10:00 am

  5spd auto "Sport Design", it is very tourqy for what its worth. Excellant gearing, performance will not be lost due to poor gearing as seen in most autos. Smooth shifts, and tourqiness. 0-60 in over 7 seconds, you wont soil yourself but spirited enough. Handling is as good as its going to get while maintaining a comfortable ride. Handles corners well, with slight body roll. Ride quality a shade behind the bimmers. Overall, im very pleased, even in 04 this car still recieves compliments. Options available for straight bolt on turbos, 300-500HP from stock internals, when warrenty expires.

• 

  Easily best in its class - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By ricois300 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  The IS easily beats out the BMW330 and the Audi A4 considering the extra thousands youll be putting down for the same options. I got the 5spd, leather, NAV, everything but heated seats. Thats because I found the only 5spd with NAV in all of Atlanta at the time. Looks great, pretty good power, great brakes, handles like a beast. Interior could use some more luxury for my taste, some wood here and there, but the stereo is powerful, and the Nav is great and easy to understand. Excellent performance/luxury rear drive car for the money.

• 

  Whos supposed to buy these things? - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By Lmigliore - January 24 - 3:30 am

  The IS 300 seems conceptually confused. Its an imitation 3-series BMW but Lexus had to muffle its road feel and give it unreadable instruments. The instrument cluster on this car is the ugliest and least functional I have ever seen. The traction control cuts the power on city street corners. It burns much more premium gas than a car its size should. It beeps if I get out of the car wrong. I guess if I wanted a Toyota I should have gotten a Corolla.

• 

  add those turbos - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Aaron J. Lexus - January 14 - 2:00 am

  The 5-speed is definitely the way to go. Add aftermarket air induction, a turbo, and a back-cat exhaust. This alone will up the performance value to a 10. I want to directly port a 50- shot or 100-shot bottle of NOS on mine for some real big horse power gains. Some aftermarket turbos, although reaching about $6,000, offer a boost of up to 500 horse power! Improved handling and a slammed stance can be found in an AEM suspension system. I would think that this car would have a little more room in the cabin since it is a sedan. And Ive always liked 2 door coupes so much more. Its still really phat for being a Lexus.

• 

  IS 300 Superb!!! - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Carlos Dextre - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I do love this machine.

• 

  Eye Candy!! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By erik - December 26 - 11:46 pm

  SportCross is a head turner and as well as roomy! Fast, super smooth, super reliable, (had an A4 before and everything broke at 50K, this has 82K and tires, oil are that have changed). I hate when people complain about gas mileage.You knew what the gas mileage was when you bought it! I have gotten over 20 in city and 30 on highway.

• 

  Awesome - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Artier - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Its awesome!