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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  add those turbos - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Aaron J. Lexus - January 14 - 2:00 am

  The 5-speed is definitely the way to go. Add aftermarket air induction, a turbo, and a back-cat exhaust. This alone will up the performance value to a 10. I want to directly port a 50- shot or 100-shot bottle of NOS on mine for some real big horse power gains. Some aftermarket turbos, although reaching about $6,000, offer a boost of up to 500 horse power! Improved handling and a slammed stance can be found in an AEM suspension system. I would think that this car would have a little more room in the cabin since it is a sedan. And Ive always liked 2 door coupes so much more. Its still really phat for being a Lexus.

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  IS 300 Superb!!! - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Carlos Dextre - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I do love this machine.

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  Eye Candy!! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By erik - December 26 - 11:46 pm

  SportCross is a head turner and as well as roomy! Fast, super smooth, super reliable, (had an A4 before and everything broke at 50K, this has 82K and tires, oil are that have changed). I hate when people complain about gas mileage.You knew what the gas mileage was when you bought it! I have gotten over 20 in city and 30 on highway.

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  Awesome - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Artier - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Its awesome!

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  IS300 Blends youth and luxary into one. - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Yanger - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought an IS300 5-speed Transmission: Being a previous owner of a Honda S2000, I was not overly impressed with the shifting in this car. The shifts could be shorter and just a bit smoother (less notchy). Mind you, I am comparing the 5-speed shifting with that of the Honda S2000s. Overall, the 5-speed manual drives very similar, if not better, than my friends 330ci. Interior/Exterior: Very nice, except for the plastic dash. Lexus needs to upgrade to some sort of rubber like the Audis and Beamers. Exterior is Excellent! The smoked tail lights really help differentiate between boy racers and young professionals.

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  The best - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By slav - December 10 - 2:30 am

  Awesome to drive and really nice on a round smooth and perfect in winter this car is best for a teenager looking to race and customize the car sweet ride have fun.

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  Great car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Wolve91 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Great car, I traded in my 2000 Corvette for this little machine. In outhandles the vette, less acceleration but more fun to drive, heads turn just as much as in the vette

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  A real SportCross owner! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Weber - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Our SportCross is our 1st Lexus and most definately will not be our last! The transmission shifts like silk and the handling is superb and sharp. The other so-called SportCross owners above are most assurredly bogus and probably will never experience Lexus quality and dependability. We love Our Lexus IS300 SportCross! P.S For the owner above who wanted to disable their vehicle skid control just push the TSC button on the dash.

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  best car ive ever had - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Erol - November 15 - 2:00 am

  this is the perfect car for those of you who want something larger than a coupe but still want something sporty and fun to drive, and catchy. this car has great acceleration, handling, and features

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  Get One! - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Seepage - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I drove the Ifniti G35 coupe and sedan and the Acura TSX. I really liked the G35 coupe and didnt think anything would compare. I drove the IS right after the G35 Coupe and was actually still impressed with it. Couldnt get any kind of deal on either the Infiniti or the Acura because they are just "too hot" right now. Remembered my Lexus test drive, went back to Lexus to revisit the IS and it was the greatest decision Ive ever made. Good deal, awesome performance, sick handling, long standard feature list and the excellent service of the Lexus dealership. Get one!