Overview & Reviews

Lexus continues to change gears, moving away from single-minded relentless pursuits of perfection to chase performance. The new IS 300, complete with rear-wheel drive and a 215-horse inline six, chases the BMW 3 Series in the entry luxury sport marketplace, and will continue to do so until a proper manual transmission is available.

• Near ideal weight distribution, slick interior decor, competitive pricing.

• No manual transmission, small rear seat, lacking a telescoping steering column.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 70.00

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  Fun to Drive! - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By GB - March 10 - 10:03 am

  Bought new. Currently 58,000 miles. Only one problem related to an ignition switch that was very hard to diagnose. Paint is very prone to chips and swirls. Graphite polished wheels prone to damage when tires are mounted. fuel economy isnt fabulous for HP level. A little small for infant seat when rear facing. Oil filter difficult to extract without a mess. Other than these items above, this car has been a joy. Still makes me smile when I blast an exit ramp.

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  Honest opinion 2 year owner - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By kpostman - July 6 - 10:00 am

  High quality car, great styling with a slightly above average performance (engine). It is very smooth, quiet, and handles great. I would like to see Lexus increase HP to match other cars in the class.

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  decent car, but........ - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By ugmike - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Only 1 trip to the dealer for a plastic piece falling off under the car. The main problem I have had with this car, is that the transmission acts confused sometimes. Sometimes when you press the gas, nothing happens for a second! Its like the engine/transmission programming is wacked or something. I read a couple magazines that mention this also. WAKE UP LEXUS! Also, this car shared too many parts with the Corolla, just look at the steering wheel. Performance is not great, its definitely no M3 by any means. For the price/performance, Im going to look at one of the new Acuras, they are incredible. it go. But it has been a good car.

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  Tight & Good - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By smcfly - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Great driving experience. Feels like youre a pilot locked in for flight - seats, instrumentation, position all put the driver in position to command the car. Intuitive steering and acceleration. Limited slip differential is a must have option.

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  Awesome Car - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By Rob - April 25 - 1:20 pm

  I just bought an 01 with 30900 miles on it. I do wish it had a manual. I hate the lag time from pushing the accelerator to the time your car goes. An armrest wouldve been nice. But I love the feel and handling of this car. Also once you get going this car has all the power you need right at your foot. This is one of the benefits of having a Supra engine even though it is downtuned from what it was in the Supra. I love how everything you could want is a standard feature. The gauge cluster takes some getting used to, though.

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  Still turning heads... - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By SeattleSheila - August 16 - 10:00 am

  18 months/15,000 miles; NO rattles or squeaks. Only problem: Drivers side door pin popped out a couple of times...the dealer replaced the hinge. No more trouble. The back seat is cramped, but since I rarely have passengers, it isnt an issue for me. I was looking for reliability and driving fun...within my budget. I found it. Even though the new car smell is gone, I am still taking the long way wherever I go. I just hate to stop driving it. It is a thirsty little beast, but its hard to muster up any concern about it. The mileage for stop and go driving has been 19.6 miles a gallon. Nothing prettier than my fresh-washed, blue IS300...she still turns heads.

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  Done right, but missing things - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By Biggy B - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Have had for almost 3 years, and wanted to give a lease end review. The 2001 model didnt have armrest!! Biggest complaint, by far!!!!!!! Fuel economy is horrid. Experienced alot of paint chips? Not sure...maybe bad luck, but only have 25k miles, over 3 years...not too much highway driving...I think the paint is suspect. Overall, car is very fun to drive, gas mileage isnt great, but turns heads like you wouldnt believe. P.s. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE IN THE SNOW, with the 17inch wheels....and please dont opt for the 16inch wheels!! Buy an Accord or civic if that is what you want.

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  Winter/Wet Driving - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By jtrock - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Being rear drive and very light this is the worst car I have ever had for snow/wet road driving. Even with the standard 16" tires the car would not move away from the curb in the first snowfall. I put Blizzaks on it and it is somewhat better but this vehicle is not recommended for northern climates. the TRACS system also sucks. It makes starting out on wet pavement chunky. It also seems to have a hesitation on acceleration at times.

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  Eye Catcher - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By SHK - January 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought the IS 300 to replace 2001 Mustang GT which had so many problems, interior and exterior. Initial crush with interior and exterior design still stays with me. It draws everyones attention wherever I go. The car has one of a kind design, superior fit/finish and quality in all aspects.