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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  Exactly Fits The Bill - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Darrenstl - July 31 - 10:00 am

  The car is a blast to drive, I love the 5 speed and the power to get around just about anything I want to. The styling is edgy enough to keep the Buick buyers away, and sedated enough to be take seriously. The back seat is perfect for carting around friends in luxury while I enjoy the trip.

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  Tons of fun - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By snaik1 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  For the money this is a great car. Lots of fun. I have the tickets to prove it.

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  Sportcross Hunting Brake - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Terralunatic - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I like the overall appearance, the scale of the car and the tail gate within which to throw all your stuff. The Sportcross is quite rare and still gets a lot of looks, especially with the summer 17s on. The E-Shift is ridiculous and I just ignore it now, however I would have loved to get a 5 speed manual but Toyota/Lexus doesnt offer it in the Sportcross. One irritation though is all the squeeks. I have eliminated most with shimming or lubrication, but the belt anchor still squeeks. Not quite Toyota quality.

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  IS 300 Rating - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By R. Freudberg - July 3 - 7:16 am

  A beautifully constructed vehicle, fun to drive, great looking and very comfortable for a sports sedan vehicle.

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  Solar Spectacular - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Maylatht - June 20 - 2:00 am

  My baby is so worth the cost of having him! Even with the increasing price of premium in the Bay Area. I cannot wait until Lexus comes out with the IS430! Theyd better not have just been toying with me in LA at the Auto Show! Thatll be a quantum leap. Id expect 10s in everything but gas. FYI: I got it in 2002, not 2003.

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  Whats next? - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By DMC90025 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I drive alot! 2-3K per mo. Heavy LA traffice or flat out on a freeway. Car handles both very well. Got 21K on the clock. New Yokohamas to replace the crap Potenza tires that are over rated, at 20K. In summary, the biggest beef I have is the ability to adjust the drivers seat to my needs. Nada! Beef #2, as the trans shifts in to 2nd under kickdown , acceleration goes flat! Paint finish is not to the standard of the other Lexus cars, ie lots of rock damage, paint readily nicks down to the metal. Suggest new buyers put a small bra on the nose when they first get it.

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  Love this car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By bosco - May 26 - 11:56 pm

  Bought this car with 29,000 miles on it. Love the styling inside and out. Seats are very comfortable with high quality leather. Dash and instruments have a great design and cool orange color at night. Also love the 6-disc in-dash CD changer. Low profile tires look awesome, but the stock tires rode rough, so I switched to similar tires with lower speed rating which ride much smoother. I get compliments on this car all the time. Other than oil, tires, and brakes have had absolutely no issues. I did get a disc stuck in the changer - think I jammed it in there, my fault - but the dealer replaced the whole unit under warranty in 2 days. Engine rocks, especially around 3-4k RPM.

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  Worth every penny. - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Lemnkr8 - May 26 - 11:43 am

  IS 300 has great looks and great performance and with the five-speed transmission is is every reason I needed to never purchase the low quality , poorly conceived product offered by the "Big 3" automakers. Every detail has been addressed by Lexus engineers to make a high quality product that is fun to drive and easy to maintain. This car is worth every dollar you pay for it.

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  Dream Car - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By Lexy - May 23 - 4:26 am

  Incredible handling, style, and capabilities. I loved the look of this car and had to have one. I love the way it drives even more, and would buy another, if I had a bigger garage!!!

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  Hot Godsend - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Editor - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This car not only turns heads, it keeps your head assured that itll always be reliable with a furious performance.