Overview & Reviews

On the outside, look for a new wheel design and smoked surrounding trim for the headlights and taillights. Inside, Lexus has added a memory function for the driver seat, a maintenance indicator light, a new storage compartment on the dash (for cars without the navigation system) and new trim highlights.

• Outstanding driving dynamics, slick interior decor, competitive pricing.

• Small rear seat and trunk, not much storage space, styling could be "tragically hip" by some accounts.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 101.00

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  Dont Do It! - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Linda G. - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I like driving this car. That being said: 1) tires. The car comes w/performance tires which means they are soft -- i had to replace them at 20,000 miles. there is only one replacement tire right now -- it cost over $1,000 for 4 tires. 2) reliability. a few weeks ago the car died in as i was accelerating in an intersection. it was towed to lexus who tried to fix it for 2 days to no avail. on the 3rd day the car miraculously started ... no explanation whatsoever. lexus customer service was not helpful and pitiful. i am thoroughly disappointed with this car.

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  Terrible gas mileage, no back seat room - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By slow_jim - March 19 - 2:44 pm

  Surprisingly little room for a luxury car. My wifes 2010 Insight had more room. We bought this hoping that the gas mileage would be better than rated, as I had heard some owners were getting 30mpg highway. We did not find that to be the case. Even without the PWR button on, we were only getting ~22mpg highway on premium. Simply unacceptable for such a small car. Also the dash on these has a chronic melting issue on the passenger side airbag cover. Interior really does not hold up well over time. My car was an 04 but felt more like it was 15-20 years old. Got rid of it in less than 6 months and gladly took a loss on the sale. Maintenance at Lexus dealerships is expensive, take it to Toyota

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  Not impressed - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By not impressed - June 22 - 7:26 pm

  Bought new in 04, hated it so traded my mom for her Audi, shes got 49K on it now and likes it. The car doesnt have the driver/road connection like my Audi or Saab and doesnt feel expensive like other Lexus cars. Around town speed is good but above 60 mph has no power. Original suspension had so-so handling & comfort. Suspension was replaced 3X by dealer bc it kept squeaking, now has K&N suspension & handles & rides better. Other then that no problems, not even brakes. Interior materials & design are cheap. MPG is pathetic. Auto trans is overeager to upshift into 2nd gear which dulls acceleration unless you stay heavy on the throttle- which eats more gas. Manual mode is worthless.