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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  BabyLexus - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By Tony Santini - October 29 - 8:56 am

  I bought the IS300 5 speed back in June 2005. The experience so far is excellent. No complaints aside from the poor reception from the radio; specially when you turn the rear window defroster. The suspension makes this car to stick to the ground at higher speeds. Everyone has complimented me on the great looks of the car.

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  All the car w/o the snob of BMW - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By DanG - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I just drove my home the IS300 sportsdesign in Thundercloud Gray color. All the bells and whistles that come standard on the sportsdesign minus the Navigation system. I swapped out the 11 spoke rims for the orginal 5 spoke style because I liked the sporty look of the 5 spoke much better. This Car is a very smooth ride, and fast! I drove the BMW330 and the Audi A4 1.8T. Forget the A4 if your looking for performance! The beemer was pretty even, but the Lexus was roomier in the front seat and just a much less old man feeling car. The all weather tires handle like rails. not sure what the big deal some make about that is. I highly recommend this car!

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  Wonderful Car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By KTM - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Two weeks in and I love this car. I traded in my BMW 323i for this and have no regrets! This has more room, horsepower, and smooter ride. I love hatch-backs...owned a Saab at one time...good car--but not even close to Lexus in any aspect.

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  lexus - great job! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Clay - October 5 - 10:00 am

  i have 3 automobiles in my household. bmw 328i, lexus es300,lexus rx300. when we do get our car serviced both dealers give us rental cars to drive while being serviced,, we often ask for the is300 on purpose because that car is so much fun to drive,,i love it,,,i want to get a bmw330 because of the power and of course i am still a bmw die hard fan,,but i really love this is300,,,if they make a lexus is330- i am so there. clay-dallas,tx

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  Great, Fun and Exciting Car... - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Willb - September 28 - 2:00 am

  After taking this car for a test drive, I was sold. So far after a year and 2 months I have had no problems and I feel like a kid everytime I get into it to drive. The mixture of the auto transmission with the optional E-shift feature is down right awesome. I find the E-Shift is best used when you are on the interstate and want to drop a gear to fly by someone. The mixture of the sound system and DVD Navigation and all the other features really make this a fun and exciting car. The ladies like it as well. ;)

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  NOT a bad car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By EvilJ - September 28 - 2:00 am

  First of all, I would like to make some comments to people who dont like the car: 1) Its a Lexus, but its not supposed to be luxurious; its a sports sedan. If you want a luxurious interior, buy an ES300. 2) You can get it with all leather seats, so thats your mistake if you dont like the partial leather seats. I have had no trouble with my IS300. I expect Lexus quality and thats what I get. The car is very fun to drive!

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  I love this car! - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Nickel - September 22 - 2:00 am

  This car has satisfied every penny that I have spent on it, especially its style. The headlights and the tail lights just amaze me every time I see them. In fact, everyday I cant wait till it gets dark just to have a reason to turn them on. The interior maybe a bit small, but what do you expect from a luxury compact sport sedan? The orange dashboard lights against the black really looks good too. The car rides very smoothly and nimbly through the forest of cars on the highway at rush hour. Overall, I think this is a better buy than a BMW 3 or a Mercedes C.

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  IS 300 - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Johathan - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! I had to replace my last BMW 328i and with the reviews of seen of the IS 300, I just had to buy it. I love the handling of this car. Its a great combination of style, performance and luxury! I would not hesitate to buy it again. Sporty RWD and double wishbone suspension makes handling great, nice torquey 3.0L I6 engine makes for perfect balance and smoothness, luxurious interior that comes along with plethora of options and comfort, exterior styling very rich and lively.

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  LOVE THE LEXUS - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By KENDL - August 23 - 10:00 am

  GREAT VEHICLE, GETS LOTS OF LOOKS!! SPORTY DESIGN BOTH INSIDE AND OUT.

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  Sportcross 1 year review - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By JoeyL - August 11 - 2:00 am

  For a station wagon, it is at the top of its class. It hauls whatever I need it to and is comfortable for my whole family. Its too early to tell, but the reliability rating seems good, and Lexus was one of the best rated for this. I considered the BMW but too many friends have multiple problems with theirs. Reliability is my most important factor.