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 best ever - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By emily - March 31 - 7:00 pm

  i got my car for my birthday and its awesome it is really fun to drive and soo sleek looking how can u not love it!!!!!!

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  Lexus Review - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Dalaxman - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I own this car and i love it. It is fun to drive and handles like a dream.

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  IS 300 - none better in its class - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By cvp7878 - March 29 - 11:16 pm

  Excellent handling and great acceleration. The dash gauges are like no other car. Built solid and lets face it its a Lexus. I have had for over a year and I love it. It can run with any car in its class.

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  Love our Lexus - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Jim&Michelle - March 21 - 10:00 am

  We had a couple of BMW 3 series before this car and have been extremly pleased with the quality and conveniences of the Is300. I would suggest to those looking for an alternative to the BMW and Acura to test drive this car!! The reliabilty, along with the unreal pampering of Lexus has spoiled both my wife and I.

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  No destination needed, just roads - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Yoyogi1 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Take this to a twisty mountain road, then you know why youll stay off the interstate whenever possible. the steering is fast but accurate. limited body rolls let you challenge each corner with confidence. Because of its extremely effective brakes, you get to explore the full potential of the engines wide and linear power band.

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  Everything and More - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By dpant00 - March 13 - 7:11 am

  I bought it new. It now has 110k hard driven miles. Never had an issue. The Eshift is awesome, I use it almost always. When its in normal automatic, the shifts are super quick and clean- great for getting off fast and even. Interior is sweet with chrome details and comfortable leather. If Im really nitpicking, the trunk is small, but it has a cool pass-through feature into the backseat that helps. Ive never had a car this long, but I just cant bring myself to sell it because I feel that the value for this car is unsurpassed. Very satisfied, I highly recommend this car even if its used with alot of miles. I wish the rest of my life was this consistent...

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  GREAT CAR - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By IVAN MARIO - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR.. I LOVE THE WAY IT HANDLES.. I LOVE THE PERFORMANCE.. AND I LOVE THE LOOK

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  The perfect most styled sedan - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Eddie - March 3 - 2:50 am

  this car is near perfect. it looks as good as it drives. the inside very well done. all leather. the controls for A/C is great nothing too confusing. the snow mode is way cool up in the mtns. gauges are well designed and very accurate. and let me tell you this car moves for an inline 6. i got it up to 120 no problem on the freeway. if youre looking for something thats top of the line luxary but is fast and fun to drive and handles similar to an EVO, hook it up with this car. it will not dissapoint.

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  Love The IS - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By mario navarrete - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Amazing to drive. There is only one thing that I would improve on this wonderful vehicle and that is its horsepower. Fortunatly the IS430 will be here soon enough. If everyone drove an IS I think the road would be a lot safer; sincerely. It feels like I have a less margin of human error when I drive my IS.

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  Good Car needs more power - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Rick Romano - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I love the car. The sterio system kicks ass. The driving experience is fun and comfortable. It handles like its on rails and its got some guts. The only lack luster part of the vehicle is the undersized engine.