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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  Well designed car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Mountainman - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I test drove several other vehicles (Acuras, Infiniti, etc...) The Lexus is by far the best. Handles like a dream, well made and the instrumentation is intelligently designed. It has a beautifully smooth ride, but feels "tight" when you want to drive aggressively. By far the best car for a young adult with more mature needs (family etc...) but having that sports car drive. Kudos.

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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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  Wow for the money!!! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By kaspr1 - July 20 - 10:23 pm

  Great car, fun to drive with a touch of class. Cant get any better than this! Love my IS 300 black manual.

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  Everything I wanted - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Saz - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because I wanted some utility but not an SUV. The car is FUN to drive, very comfortable, at least for front seat occupants and is so different from anything else on the road. Its nice to have such a unique vehicle. I look forward to driving it every day. Steering/handling, and brakes are excellent and it has PLENTY of power for me vs. my old 4 banger. You can go 80 and feel you are not pushing the car at all. I am perfectly willing to but snows on in the winter for the RWD experience.

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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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  Reliability and fun - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By DaveIS300 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Its been 4 months and Im loving every second Im in it. Luxury plus sporty features, its just great. Has great handling, looks great, and built to last with that Toyota quality. The only thing is gas mileage. Your better off driving leisurely with it to get better gas mileage. Driving it all city would hit you in the gas budget really fast. Otherwise, I love my full package deal all leather. Comfortable and has good speed not great, but something a modifaction of an exhaust and intake can help.

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  EJM - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By ejm - June 27 - 2:03 pm

  It had been a long time since I purchased a new car. Driving the IS 300 is like a breath of fresh air. It is manuverable, responsive, and quick off the line. It is quick to deliver whatever I ask it to do. It performs so well that I rarely require the use of some of the other high-performance options.

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  IS300 - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By dfitzsim - June 14 - 1:16 am

  Description: 2002 Lexus IS300 4d 5spd. Silver/Tan cloth. This is a great car. I test drove this and the BMW 330i on an autocross and was amazed when I walked away saying I liked the Lexus better. Highly recommended.

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  Quarter Million Mile IS - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By woodworking101 - June 13 - 2:35 am

  Cant believe its been 11+ years w/my car. I still remember the rush of the test drive. I took an on-ramp aggressively w/the salesman next to me & we both smiled. I couldnt believe I was in a sedan, let alone a Lexus. It was better handling than my old Eclipse Turbo. Better road feel, more grip, similar body roll & much faster turn-in. After a little negotiating, she was mine. Ive been a Toyota guy since 88, but even I cant believe how reliable this cars been. Oh, thereve been the usual tires, brakes & oil changes along w/one timing belt & one clutch. My odo is @ 248K mi & the only unscheduled maintainence Ive done is a set of o2 sensors, ball joints & a fuel pump.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Golfkat - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best car I have ever owned (and I have owned 7). The car is fun to drive, it handles great and beats most around. There are only a few minor things I would change about this car and none of which are performance. Lexus hit the money on this one.