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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  the car - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By yellow is 3 - December 30 - 10:00 am

  my lexus is 300 is bright yellow it turns more heads than any other car i have driven i like to make the cars i drive a little jazzed up so since the is300 is an import car i can get tons of parts and acessories for it

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  Overall, best bang for the buck! - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By HIGHAUDIO - December 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my third lexus; had an ES300 then went to the GS400 -- AWESOME!!, and now stepped down to the IS300 because I wanted a stiffer, smaller car. Its been EXCELLENT and with its track record, id recommend nothing else in the price range (except for an older GS -- i love them.)

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  Impressive - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By JayC - December 13 - 8:16 pm

  Having test driven an IS300,I can attest to the high-quality and sporty appeal of this car.The engine being equipped with a 3.0-liter inline six put a smile to my face when I mashed on the gas.The chassis was remarkable delivering stability and control.The interior makes this a great road car without losing the sporty look and feel.Quijote–The reason your friend smoked the IS300 with a BMW325 is because the person driving the IS300 cant drive!The 325 has 189 hp while the IS300 has 215 hp.

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  motor city is300 5speed - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Chris300 - November 17 - 10:00 am

  2,000 miles later I am happy I picked the IS300 over the BMW 330i. Even after the $2200 chrome wheel option, I saved almost $3k versus the BMW and the car has received more attention than its popular counterpart. Potholes in the Motor City are plentiful, but the stiff ride is confident and composed. Im 6 4 and have ample headroom even with the moonroof option. Strong braking and acceleration compare favorably to the BMW but the shift gate can be a bit tight at full throttle. Nonetheless, this car is a pleasure to own.

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  MY WHEELS - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By NUNZ - October 25 - 10:00 am

  LOVE,LOVE,LOVE EXTERIOR DESIGN. G35 COPIED IT,CADILAC COPIED IT.GREAT PERFORMANCE IN THE HANDLING DEPT AND GREAT PICK UP SPEED FOR EVERY DAY DRIVING.COULD HAVE A LITTLE MORE HORSEPOWER. INTERIOR OK,AGAIN A LITTLE MORE TO COMPETE WITH BMW.LOVE MY WHEELS......P.S WHEN IS THE IS 430 COMING, IM IN LINE.

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  Love this car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By James Taylor - October 25 - 10:00 am

  This is the car I have been waiting for forever.

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  IS has it all - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By archtctura - September 18 - 2:00 am

  The overall performance and handling of the car is superb given that its lexus first shot into the mid-size sport category. I have driven the car in the heat of arizona summers and the cold of chicago winters and truely say it starts without a complaint. The build quality is what you would expect from toyota, plastic to fill in the voids, and a horrible paint job! The design aspects of the car such as aggressive lines on a 5 star 17" low profiles is great to look at in the parking lot and interior was cutting edge and the first of its kind.

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  Favorite Car Ever - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By jroosh - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car, my second Lexus. It is fun to drive and trouble- free, and you dont see very many on the road. Loaded for the money. Everything a 3-series is without the constant trips to the service department. Great dealerships.

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  LOVE IT ON PURPOSE - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By uraboob - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Love this car because of racey styling,Not in spite of it! Superb Toyota reliability and quality Tight and quick. I smile every time I wind up that smooth inline 6.

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  IS300 SportCross Experience - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Habu55 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  After 6 months I have been pleased with the purchase. Ride quality is very good, seats comfortable and supportive, transmission smooth and easy to use in the Sportshift mode. I like the Ecsaine fabric because it warms up quickly and keeps me from sliding in the seat. The car is quiet, the sound system very good and the 6 disc changer in the dash is handy. I average 22 to 23 mpg on premium fuel in town driving). I have yet to observe highway mileage. The interior space is well designed for hauling cargo when necessary. The car remains tight and rattle free as I approach 4k miles.