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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  Good but needs improvements - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By Dude007 - December 27 - 10:00 am

  Love its sleeky look, handling and interior of course. Engine needs to be replaced with something better. Wasnt the toyota all about reliability, quality and economy? Well Im a Honda lover but this car cought my attention right from the begining, basically I love eveything about it except gas mileage. This car has a worst gas mileage in its class and if you compare it to the performance it really shouldnt burn so much. Even Maxima with 3.5 Liter engine uses less gas and gets far better performance and really Maxima seems to be a better bang for your buck.

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  It was love at first sight - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By helen - December 16 - 11:56 am

  I was so in love with this car when I first saw it and took a look at all the features, but the only downside was the mpg. Not a big deal at the moment, I thought. So WRONG. The mpg is the only reason I dont want to own this car anymore. I feel safe driving in this car and everythings nice (although the inside could be bigger), my brakes squeak a lot too. Everytime I ask someone who works at the dealership whats up with it, they keep saying its brake dust, and I dont buy it.

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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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  IS300 - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By MarkS13ct - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Traded a 2001 BMW 325xi for the IS300 after I was told I needed my 3rd transmission. I was a previous Lexus owner and missed the reliability, build quality and service missing from most of the industry. I am very pleased with this car even after giving up the all wheel drive. There is nothing like a Lexus.

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  The little lexus that could - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By radardodger - June 23 - 3:13 pm

  This car is a blast to drive! It feels so light and nimble on twisty back roads its just plain fun! It never feels like its going to get away from you, even when the front tires are pushing into a turn. Little "step outs" from the rear end are easily corrected on dry roads. The only thing this car needs to be the ultimate entry level "luxury sport", in my mind, is another 50 hp. Very quiet inside, even with 19s. The tiptronic auto works well, although 2nd gear could be a bit taller. Traction control is a bit intrusive, but does its job, even if it stays on to long when it kicks in. The motor, although lacking power, is silky smooth! And thats an understatement.

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  good looking car - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By cholodeperu - May 25 - 9:03 am

  Bought the car brand new back in January 04. Got it in black and when I first saw it, I loved it. Now the paint is kind of dull and some scratches are starting to show. I say my favorite color now is the white one, the charcoal and red color is nice too. The car is fast every now and then and very uncomfortable in long trips. The mpg is not so bad if the gas prices stay low. If the car came with 18" or 19" wheels it would be a 10 in looks.

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  Second times the charm! - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Froman - May 22 - 10:36 pm

  After testdriving the IS a year ago I was talked into purchasing an SUV, big mistake and have regretted it ever since. Fed up with the SUV after only a year I listened to my gut and made a bee line for the IS and have fallen in love with the car!

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  Better Than People think - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By shadowy1 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Lexus and Im hooked traded a 95 Volvo 850 turbo. The IS300 rocks, great power, handles like its on rails. I looked at an Audi S4 and Acura TSX before getting the Lex, and Im not sorry. People talk about the rear seat being small, SO I dont want a bunch of free loaders riding with me anyway. Just me and my lady riding with the tunes blasting. The dealer didnt look down their noses at you the way those Euro dealers do, bunch of snobs. Anyway back to the point. This car may not be for everyone but its not your Daddys Oldsmobile. Lexus may not have hit the bullseye but they came damn close.

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  Not an SUV - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By EDOman - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for 14 months. It still attracts attention here in Los Angeles and is alot of fun to drive. Tested it in rural New Mexico where it handled very well on a straight stretch of open road at 130 mph. The car apparently was not designed for sport conditions as I have beat the hell out of the front dam on curbs and crossing intersections in the city and the cute low profile tires do not hold up to either urban or cross country conditions. Why call it a sportscross if you cant drive it that way without the tires falling apart!!!!

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  This car RULES - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Devnull - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my 5-speed for almost a year (minus a month and a half for some repairs ;)), and I can easily say its the most fun-to-drive car Ive ever driven. The car handles superbly; I love the way it hugs the road in a turn, the squeel of the tires as I round a bank, the roar as I downshift to pass someone who shouldnt have been in the fast lane. The VVT-i engine is really noticeable in a launch (push that TRAC button to see what I mean).