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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  IS300 - An Almost Perfect Sport Sedan - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By BigLou - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Comparing the Lexus(vs BMW): Pros RELIABILITY - an friends 325is had problems (transmission and driver seat). My Camry: 10+ years, 150k miles, excellent record "Razor-sharpness" - everything is "sharp." Ride, shifter, clutch - all project a sporting nature Price - almost $10k less. It is easier to deal with Lexus Less ubiquitous - Everybody and his cousin drives a BMW 3 or 5 series. Too "me-too," (except M3 or M5) Better NAV - only one better is on the Acura CL Cons Less prestige - especially in the eyes of girls/non-car-enthusiasts/those fixated on the badge Less power - the 10hp difference (as rated) between the two somehow feel more

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  Lexus IS 300 --Impressed! - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By jajeep - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 2001 brand new and it has been an awesome car. It is fast and sporty while still having the luxury. It is a car that gets looks all over town and people remarking how nice it looks. The fuel economy is good for it being a sports car, but it does drink more than I expected. The engine is great, one that Toyota has been using for the past 20 years in other models like the Supra. I would highly recommend this car, it is a car that has class and will still run great in ten years due to the high quality Lexus has put into it.

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  Next Generation Lexus. - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By dirtymartini - March 27 - 10:00 am

  It has amazing handling and feels much more nimble than other cars in its class. The factory stereo is the best Ive heard and crushes any of the German cars. The aluminum drilled pedals, the chronometer display and the suade side panels get more attention then any wood trim. Also the exterior catches the eye of everyone around. It has a very long wheelbase with respect to its length which makes it look even faster than it is. It isnt nearly as common as a BMW or Audi. Lastly, Lexus makes the most reliable cars in the world. This is no exception. Fuel efficiency - This is a sports car. If you want an economy car buy a Civic.

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  Lexus IS300 - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By Dianna - March 23 - 9:20 am

  I love the way it drives. It handles great and can accelerate quickly. The E-Shift makes it really fun to drive on the highway.

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  2004 IS 300 review - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By novagator - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Love the interior and the handling of car. It is very responsive.

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  Lexus IS300 - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By LexusIS3OO - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Awesome little car with a lot of luxury

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  Nice car - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By slotmaker - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Great car with smooth inline 6, as smooth as a Honda or a BMW. Edgeier looks for a younger audience.

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  Great Car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By IS3Driver - February 24 - 2:00 am

  This should be on anyones list who is looking for a sport sedan in the low 30k range.

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  I LOVE MY IS3 - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By SXE-10 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Not only the IS300 is fun to drive but Lexus Customer Service is one of the best!

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  Call me IMPRESSED! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By elijahp - February 13 - 2:35 am

  Original owner here with over 200,000 very enthusiastically driven miles on my IS300. Still runs and looks great. Only unscheduled maintainence was swapping out all of the O2 sensors at about 120K. Bought Denso universals for about $60 ea and soldered them in myself. Did clutch at 100K with aftermarket parts and saved $$$ vs. OEM parts. Aftermarket clutch and flywheel holding up much longer than original, which started to slip a bit at 90K miles. Lots of great aftermarket support for this popular car due to its great driving dynamics, good looks, and wonderful inline 6 motor. Highly, highly recommended. Great drivers car, especially with the manual trans.