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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  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.

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  Sports 4 door Sedan - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By Onyx IS300 - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Driving, the car feels like a well balanced sports car, Braking system rivals BMW. Beautiful interior fabrics and high build quality, keeping with the Lexus name.

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  Perfection - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By Awesome Vehicle - September 22 - 3:36 am

  Great car! Purchased two weeks ago, and loving every moment behind the wheel. Test drove the BMW 325i and Acura TL. I was unimpressed with the acceleration of the 325i, and didnt like the feel of leatherette. I did like the TL but, didnt care too much for the front-wheel drive. Driving enthusiasts will love the IS300, as it seems to be the most well rounded vehicle in its class. Good acceleration, smoooooth Inline 6, classy, yet trendy interior, handling and braking comprable to the 325i, and unbelieveable customer service at Lexus dealerships. For the money, BMW didnt offer much more than the name, and Acura didnt do enough with the TL to win driving enthusiasts over...

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  Done Right - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By mikefas - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Loving almost everything about this car. Fit and finish is superb. Loads of features make the driving experience terrific. My only gripe is lack of power. G35 coupe had a lot more uder the hood.

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  Quality, Value and Reliability - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By haja1994 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Smooth driving and beautiful design. Ideal for young professionals with taste who do not want to spend too much.

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  Overall - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By NeverSatisfied - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Quiet interior. Beautiful exterior. Nice exhaust note. Excellent stereo. Solid riding. Rear drive!

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  Just buy one !!!! - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By Stevo - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought the IS300 after driving the BMW325i, Mecedes 240, and Audi A4. The Lexus had the best styling and most standard features, and on Road testing the best raod manners and supple yet firm suspension. The only thing I would like to see improved about this car is more power though the standing start take off was enough to shock my BMW driving friends ! I have never enjoyed drivin as much as in my IS.

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  is 300 - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By centex229 - August 13 - 2:00 am

  really a trend setter, model for many vehicles avaiable now. Could use more power. Dealer service, follow up is AAA+

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  Well designed car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By mountainman - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I test drove several other vehicles (Acuras, Infiniti, etc...) The Lexus is by far the best. Handles like a dream, well made and the instrumentation is intelligently designed. It has a beautifully smooth ride, but feels "tight" when you want to drive aggressively. By far the best car for a young adult with more mature needs (family etc...) but having that sports car drive. Kudos.

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  IS 300 is a solid car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Waggy - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the IS 300 for only a week and have never before owned a Lexus. Already my family has agreed we will never be without another Lexus in our garage. The IS 300 is a SOLID car. It has magnificant handling. If you check out the slalom times this thing is as quick as stock vette. The interior is incredibly beautiful and I feel like Lexus is very focused on the driver.