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:

• 

  Slick Design - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By GGP - May 26 - 2:00 am

  The Lexus IS300 is such a fun car to drive, the handling is awesome and the car looks great! A lot of people complain about the 215hp but I have no problems merging and zipping around. Did I mention that this car looks great?

• 

  Great Car 5+ Years W/NO Major Problems - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By ProjectMayhem - May 25 - 11:53 am

  I bought this car brand new and have had no majors problems. The only issue I had was my CD changer broke last year, but Lexus replaced it for free! I was more than a year out of warranty -thats customer service! This was my first Lexus but wont be my last. They have the great Toyota quality and even better Lexus styling and prestige. You wont find a better car for the money!

• 

  Buyers Remorse Gone Sweet! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By mead300 - May 13 - 1:28 pm

  I bought this car almost a month ago and was ripped off by a flipper who committed odometer fraud. After kicking myself in the butt for falling for it, I realized this is one amazing car. Great handling, lots of power, stylish, A REAL HEAD TURNER! I estimated it to be at about 171,000 miles at the moment but you could never tell because it still hauls better than my 05 Accord with 115K miles. Very comfortable. Cant wait to take a road trip in it. Stylish as it comes but the aftermarket parts are all over if you feel the need. I am putting on a K&N cold air intake to hear that engine purr nicer. Already has a nice soft roar. I plan to keep this car until it dies!

• 

  What I Expected - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Carolina Rocket - May 4 - 6:53 am

  Car is exactly what I expected except the gas consumption. Tried to save money by using mid grade instead of the premium required. Have gone back to premium and expect mileage to improve. Sound system is fantastic. Steering is equal to the S2000. Room in the rear is much better than expected.

• 

  Great buy - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By NickD - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Great buy, with recent incentives.

• 

  Great deal - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By LexusLover - April 16 - 3:30 pm

  I have had this car a little over 2 years now, purchased senior year in HS. Have never had any problem other than battery replacement. My friends love to ride in it/drive it. Good for sporty design and driving but also the ability to put decent cargo in it. My friend built me a custom woofer box and I still have ample space in trunk. I plan on driving this car until it cant drive anymore, which, if it keeps up like it has, will be a long time from now.

• 

  IS300 finally a car for the "twenties" - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By BostonBadBoy - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Classy yet fun! Lexus would have a hit a home fun if they offered a v8. I would die for a v8 coupe which is rumored to be coming out next summer *drools* I absolutely love the handling of this car the only downfall is the lack of power and I have a 5 speed manual! Also this car gets loose very easily be careful!

• 

  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.

• 

  ***Transmission Review *** - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By Billy Thomas - March 4 - 12:13 pm

  Ignore the cons about the transmission of this vehicle. The transmission is the best setup ever thought of. its manual, true slap shift, and digital triptonic on the steering wheel with no delay in it. I think the 3 options of shifting this car is what makes it so unique and amazing to drive. Hands down its the stand out option of this vehicle. you honestly must drive it to understand how talented this car is

• 

  Its a lexus? its not a lexus family - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By ShoeBox - February 26 - 10:00 am

  If you can afford IS300, Im pretty sure you have many other car to buy. I already bought IS300 on 2001, I didnt have that choice back then. IS300 looked the best at that time, but now If you want to buy a new IS300, I dont think you should consider getting one. Why? The seat lumbar support sucks for 6 ft tall people. Its too low. Its too small. Handling is okay. Engine is good, but for that low hp with the bad gas milleage, thats a big no no. Small power with crazy gas milleage? You should consider about that. You can buy Acura TL, Infinity G35 coupe, Audi A4, Saab 9-3, etc. I regret buying IS300.