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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  Our 2002 Lexus Sportcross - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By WFLaidlaw - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Ours is full of add-ons to include navigation, leather, heated seats, etc, but the most appreciated add-ons are the Limited-Slip Differential coupled with Vehicle Skid Control. Cornering is uncanny and with superior braking makes a very competitive vehicle. Service is poor locally, so we drive 2 1/2 hours one way to the Charleston dealership. It is of the same quality as the car.

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  ok...but, missing somthing. - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By JMan - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Good but not great. I think this car is going to have to step it up to continue to compete with the big boys. I think it looks a little to much like boy racer cars (i.e. civic and such). Does not really stand out in the looks department.

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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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  i like it, but - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By yashka - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Thiss my third lexus (GS,SC,IS). Allways had very good expirience with cars and service dept. up to this point. One problem that no one seems to be talking about and help me with. Its the 17" tires by Good Year that came with IS. 24K miles and 10(ten) tires*$280 a pop later Im p..sed off as one can be!!!! BUUUUBLLLLLLES and blow outs twice (all hwy driving).Lexus refused to deal with it from day 4. Taking a big hit on $$$ and trading in. Lexus refused to deal with it from day 4.

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  Best car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By berticus23 - July 13 - 10:00 am

  Its no M3, but thats only because it doesnt have the horsepower. My father likes it better than his 3-series. In its defense, however, I dont drive it on a racetrack, so when do I ever need 300+ HP?

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  The perfect Mix - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By acumenhokie - January 22 - 8:00 am

  I bought my IS 300 in June and have been driving it as my daily driver for 7 months now. So far the car has lived up to or exceeded all of my expectations. Its not going to out perform some of the new sports cars (G35, 330, etc.) but the IS 300 has what a lot of those cars lack. The Lexus name. Not saying I drive a Lexus Im better than you but the Lexus name that says this car was quality built, reasonably priced and fun to drive. The 2JZ-GE engine is under powered compared to a lot of todays sports sedans but it is easily modified to be an unstoppable street machine. I highly recommend this car. You will not be disappointed.

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  Great Used Car - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By ISDriver - December 27 - 6:23 am

  Bought In 05 with 80,000 miles. It runs great and is lots of fun to drive. I get a lot of compliments on the style of the car. I drive it daily to work and get about 18 mpg and have driven the car to South Dakota and to Florida and if I kept the speed around 75 I got about 27 mpg. I cant complain about that. If I average closer to 85 it drops to 23. I dont mind the miles since it is a Lexus.

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  For a specific purpose - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Titans Fan - December 20 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for a big car that has alot of room to haul around cargo and people, then you shouldnt be looking for a sport sedan. But if you are truly interested in a vehicle that makes you part of the road then look no further. This cars ability to grip the corners at high speed is rivaled only by your local theme park. Its the most fun you can have in a car.

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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.