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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  Best in class - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Tukkus - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Im 36 and not small by any means. I thought the IS300 was for younger folk. Then I went for a test drive. Its lagrer inside than the Volvo, BMW, and Audi. Its also funner, faster and a blast to drive. The sound system is is better than my home theater system. I have had the car for over a month now and have zero complaints. I live in a area with too much traffic, and the IS300 lets me zip through it when I can. Its also nice when you can blow past a Mustang GT, and get better miledge while doing it.

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  chrono - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By graphite - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is really sporty looking but it fails to deliver in terms of straight line speed. Even when I floor it, it seems to hesitate. An increase in torque would be called for.

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  IS 300 - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By leadfoot - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is an awesome thing to drive...havent had this much fun for a while. Although I genuinely cannot stand the material used for the interior, I think the performance more than made up for it. More linear acceleration would be nice though.

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  Worth every penny - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Heather Dixon - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is a dream. I generally buy new every 2 years and I plan to have this one and probably a newer maybe different model in the future. The timeless design and the incredible reliability is amazing. I encourage anyone to invest in a Lexus, they are truly worth every single penny.

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  IS300 Experience - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By E. Winter - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Just an incredible and fun car to drive. You ask for a little power and it gives it to you without hesitation. It looks beautiful and attracts attention wherever you go. I can honestly say I love my car....

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  An affordable Lexus thats a Blast! - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By fob2000 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Make no mistake about it, this is not your fathers Lexus. The look of the IS300 is both sporty and unique, and alot of other car manufacturers are starting to copy its styling. This car is a blast to drive, and will truly benefit those who are looking for a great driving experience in addition to quality craftsmanship.

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  IS joy - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Rotech7 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Alot of fun, seats dont go back as far as I would like with my long legs, but other than that, its all good under the hood.

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  Great Car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By A. J. - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Just got the IS 300 E-style, black/black, lots of options and out the door at $29,000. Fun to drive, smooth ride, great handling and looks great.

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  Fast and Comfortable - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By d12ew99 - May 19 - 2:00 am

  LEXUS IS 300 Is a great car. Great pick up and beautiful design. Looks more expensive than what i paid for it. LSD, RWD, 215hp, 5speed,17inch graphite rims, with a lip spoiler. This Car has it all for performance! :LUXURY wheres the wood? hahah.. SAVING THE TREES? Full Leather Interior with attractive Gauges for Speedo! Full Spare with rim included!

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  IS300 - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By DJ jr. - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I knew as soon as I test drove the IS I was going to take it home. Its inline six makes it super quick, and suspension and handling are far better than BMW 3 series and the Infiniti G35. The polished alloy 17s complete the beautiful exterior. As far as the interior, well its just awesome.