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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  Great, Fun, good re-sale and RELIABILITY - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By joekkl - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I like it alot. ZERO problem with the car so far. Only a light bulb is replaced. Other than that, regular 5k maintenance is all I did. Great handling, great acceleration, very comfortable interior. Quiet for a sport car. Overall, a better car than Acura CL-S, 350Z, Audi A4 and C240. No regret buying the IS-300.

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  If Cheetah was a car, this would be it - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Benign - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Best Dealer i have ever known, friendly and handy. Car is very agile and responsive, engine was the quitest on its class. Back draws: addiction for driving the car in every chance possible.

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  OK - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Lexus Fan - July 1 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Lexus. Es250, Ls400, and now this. Overall the car has been pretty good. Manual has smooth shifting. Gear shift gets a little hot in summer. Radio is adequate. Im a little envious of the G35 coupes styling and power. Other than squeeks and rattles....good car. NEEDS MORE POWER OR 6th gear! Maybe convertible?

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  my review - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By thisflyguy - July 1 - 10:00 am

  grows on you after you drive it!

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  Understand what youre buying - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By 03is300 - June 27 - 8:14 pm

  Note: I am a car guy, Im not even 30 and this is my seventh car (not an idiot, just an enthusiast with a few extra nickels to burn on car payments), this is not a worthless review where I talk about how I dont like the cupholders or the color..... Aside from a few minor issues, this vehicle is a great choice, especially now that the prices have dropped dramatically. This is not your grandfathers lexus, it does not ride like its on rails and a lot of the luxury options are simply not included with this model. Previous vehicle: 2005 Audi A4 with every option imaginable, the two are not comparable on any level beyond purchase price. Overall a fantastic car, just understand what ur buying

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  best car for the money - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By kobe - June 25 - 10:00 am

  test drove A4 1.8, Acura TSX, and Acura TL Type-S and none of them were as fun to drive as the IS. At the time of purchase, the Type-S has 2.9 apr which was why it was in my price range, but it was too big for my taste and the styling was not aggressive enough. Although the Type-S is an excellent car, it didnt turn the heads like the IS.

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  8 months with IS 300 (and going...) - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By max - June 17 - 2:00 am

  First impression from this sleek sports sedan is something I would never get from any other car. Great exterior design, flashy speedometer/tachometer, sporty shift nob and pedals help you cope with the size of available space. All options suit well with the outfit, just pick whatever suit you best. Service is excellent, acceptable maintenance cost, not as bad as BMW, but not as good as Toyota. Last time I went by the dealer, 2002 special edition looks so good I want to beat myself for not waiting for it. Bottomline: Best car for the price, find the right dealer that will give you services. Grab the key, and lets have some fun. -^_^-

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  8 months with IS 300 (and going...) - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By MaX - June 17 - 2:00 am

  First impression from this sleek sports sedan is something I would never get from any other car. Great exterior design, flashy speedometer/tachometer, sporty shift nob and pedals help you cope with the size of available space. All options suit well with the outfit, just pick whatever suit you best. Service is excellent, acceptable maintenance cost, not as bad as BMW, but not as good as Toyota. Last time I went by the dealer, 2002 special edition looks so good I want to beat myself for not waiting for it. Bottomline: Best car for the price, find the right dealer that will give you services. Grab the key, and lets have some fun. -^_^-

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  a great car if you fit it - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By cizeta - June 17 - 2:00 am

  a great car for me, but maybe not quite right for you.... its a car for those who want that balance of fun-to-drive with reliability... a car to go to luch with business associates then release it on windy roads on the way home... it takes a bit of getting used to- it doesnt seem to feed back, but it never goes out of control... you learn it, and can push it to great limits... awesome slalom capabilities- compare slalom speeds- their porsche like... but i dont haul people in the back seat to often... its greatest drawback. second would be gas milage... it sucks fuel when you open it up...

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  Retired teachers dream car - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By icirttu - June 12 - 2:00 am

  As a retired teacher, parkability, fuel economy, safety, reliability, capacity and comfort are important. The zippy performance and quick brakes get me out of tight spots. I can park it anywhere; the steering is responsive, and I can park in any compact space. Ive had the car for three months and Im still on my second tank of gas. I recently moved a couple of large boxes which fit in the SportCross just as easily as in my daughters RX300. Interior trim is great,lots of fitted extras. A great buy for anyone who wants a manageable, economical, safe vehicle with more than a bit of style.