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:

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  2003 Lexus IS300 Sport Design - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Justin - November 9 - 12:26 pm

  I bought my 2003 black on black Lexus sport design in 2009 with 86k miles on it. The car drove and performed awesome the whole time i owned it. The interior is classy/sporty and stylish. Every girl Ive taken on a drive loved the car. The cars chrome shift ball is F1 inspired i love the look. The door stiles have silver step plates. Car never fail me but the previous owner never changed the factory battery and it died on me twice. Thats the only problem i had but the battery was 6 years old so go figure. Love the car had to sell it because i need money. The sport design is 300 is a great car. Get you one!

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  German fun - Japanese reliability - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By thomasrex - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Excellent handling makes fun out of any canyon roads. Engine is like butter, and the 2002 Auto is smooth

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  TOO MUCH ROAD NOISE. - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By dgomez - October 27 - 10:00 am

  THE 03 LEXUS I OWN HAS TOO MUCH ROAD NOISE, I DONT KNOW IF IT HAS TO DO WITH THE TIRES OR UNDERBODY INSULATION. THE PERFORMANCE MIGHT BE MUCH BETTER WITH THE MANUAL SHIFT AND THE "E" SHIFT I HAVE IS SELDOM USED, I THINK IF THEY HAD MADE IT TO BE USED WITH THE SHIFT LEVER, AS IN THE ACURA, IT WOULD BE A LOT MORE FUN TO DRIVE. OVER ALL I AM PLEASED WITH THE CAR.

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  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!

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  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.

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  Not Quite - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By McClenahan - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Automatic transmission is slow to respond, jerky, and is often slow to shift when starting from a stop. Understeer and an over-active traction control never allow any rear-wheel drive fun. Seats are unconfortable (to me.) Lots of wind noise. Poor gas mileage. Occassional squeaks/rattles. Interior materials feel/look cheap.

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  rollin in style - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By horace - October 14 - 2:00 am

  i would recomend this vehical to any one between ages of25-38 has all of the features you need four doors if you have kids easy to get them in and out it also has style no need for station wagon not to mention power 215hp and lot of rear wheel fun with TRAC CONTOL OFF you know what i mean and to finish it off drivers and passanger front and side air bags to keep every one safe

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  great car - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By mikeinlosangeles - October 9 - 10:00 am

  this car has supurb pick up and feels better than any BMW

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  Great styling reliable - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By lexy - October 9 - 10:00 am

  love it. handles great and the design gets much attention turning heads. engine could have more power.

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  Great CAr - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By bob1234 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  It is a great car. Fun to drive and great hanndling.