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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  Great Sporty Luxury Car - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By Stephen - November 1 - 9:00 am

  My friend picked up this car after crashing his Passat. After he took me for a ride, I had to get my own. Although its not as fast as the 250/350 series, I think the exterior is more attractive. I bought mine with a ground effects package, custom rims, and spoiler. Later, I added tinted windows. Overall, especially with the customization, it is a very attractive and sporty car. It is fast with great handling except for occasionally slipping in wet spots. The price was right for a luxury vehicle. The mileage isnt great for a small car. After 30,000 miles, I havent had a single problem.

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  They almost have it... - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By terpfan - October 25 - 10:00 am

  This is a really super car for a 1st year. The swade-ish leather interior is a good feature because it is never too hot or too cold. It is fun to drive and handles real well (except for traction control...which I always turn off). The only downsides are bad fuel mileage, no center armrest to speak of, and no telescopic steering.

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  IS LOVER - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By ndr71 - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Owned for a little over 3 years and very satisfied. Had a BMW325 before and is very comparable with performance and handling. Shouldve waited for the manual tranny. The only problem is the CD player which had to be fixed/replaced three times. I live in the Midwest and I need Snow tires if its over 3/4" of snow.

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  Nice car - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By Nice IS300 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I have the car for 3 year with 16,000 miles on it. Is nice car but it have a few complaint such fuel economy I got about 16 mpg in the city. So far this car have replaced driver side power window motor because when I pull the up position the window go up but it go back right away bring back to dealer for warranty repair. Last month I have to bring the car in to check front brake because when I go on freeway over 55mph and try top step on the brake a little and the steering have lot of vibration. Bring back to the dealer and they have to replace the front brake pad and rotor.

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  Drives like a BMW - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By pixmation - September 6 - 2:00 am

  It was the test drive won me over. Totally surprised by the feel and how the car handles.

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  Better relialility and looking than euro - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Supra Boi - August 31 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is very nicely built. With innovative designs like the chrono dash and the clear tail lights that started an entire trend in the import scene. Although the performance is not head and shoulders above euro competitions, the price isnt either. And with BMW and Audis bad history of reliability and MBs outrageous pricing, the IS 300 is a clear choice for a smart buyer thats in the market for a luxury sport sedan.

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  Tons of fun - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By snaik1 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  For the money this is a great car. Lots of fun. I have the tickets to prove it.

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  Whats next? - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By DMC90025 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I drive alot! 2-3K per mo. Heavy LA traffice or flat out on a freeway. Car handles both very well. Got 21K on the clock. New Yokohamas to replace the crap Potenza tires that are over rated, at 20K. In summary, the biggest beef I have is the ability to adjust the drivers seat to my needs. Nada! Beef #2, as the trans shifts in to 2nd under kickdown , acceleration goes flat! Paint finish is not to the standard of the other Lexus cars, ie lots of rock damage, paint readily nicks down to the metal. Suggest new buyers put a small bra on the nose when they first get it.

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  very nice car, but crappy service - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By whatsnext - May 7 - 10:00 am

  cons: interior materials are poor quality. My steering wheel leather started cracking after a couple months. THe oem tires were terrible and blew up on me. one blew up after a couple thousand miles. Another one blew up later on. The tire recall didnt help either since they killed the new tires which I bought to replace my old tires. My center console plastic started fading. pros: very solid car. great handling. bottom line: dont expect to be reimbursed for any parts that are built below standard. Be prepared to shell out quite a bit of money to fix little things like interior parts, paint chips, tires, and so on.

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  Road trip - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By KJsIS - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I took a road trip from Texas to NY and back about 3 weeks after buying this Sportcross. I found that I had to use cruise control on long drives, otherwise the seat would become very uncomfortable for my gas pedal leg. Ive taken this trip before in a GTI VR6 and didnt experience any discomfort. Of course, this problem wouldnt be noticed during day to day driving, only on 600+ mile cruises. Besides that, the paint chipped much more than I expected for a premium car (GTI fared better). Other than those issues, Ive truly enjoyed the 2 months with this car.