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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  Excellent balance of perf. and luxury - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Brians01 - April 22 - 10:00 am

  Even after a brief period of ownership, I am very happy with the car. Handling and brakes are excellent, I6 is very strong, and the vehicle is full of features. My previous vehicle was an Audi TT Quattro, and the only thing I really miss is the AWD. However, I love the RWD dynamics and the excellent Torsen differential in the IS.

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  I Love this Car... - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Duncan164 - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had my IS300 for a short time but have enjoyed every minute I spend in it! It is the perfect combination of luxury, style, sportiness and size. I went on an exhausting search for a small sports sedan. After each test drive (cars other than the IS), I kept coming back to this car! It is the perfect car for me. The handling is great. Accleration is even better. Perfect for my daily commute along a very busy six lane highway. I can get in and out and around other cars without any problem.

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  new car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By playmaker - April 10 - 2:00 am

  If this is entry level, then Im not much interested in what else Lexus has to offer. Ride was excellent but they saved money inside. Seat was not all leather, dash was worse than a ford.

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  problematic ride - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Navigation - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car and the next day I had to take it in because the car wasnt going where I steered it. Not sure what the problem was. Service was great, but expected a perfect ride from a 1 day old new car.

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  Sportcross - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Bertrand - April 9 - 3:43 pm

  Just bought a black on black Sportcross and I am really enjoying it. Handles and brakes better than anything else with this much cargo flexibility (bar none). All it needs is a low pressure turbo or supercharger and it would run with an M3.

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  fine car back dealersip service - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By good car bad service - April 4 - 2:00 am

  The car overall is fun to drive, its fast and great when going around corners. The body looks great and interior is cool looking. BUT BOY DOES THE DEALERSHIPS HAVE BAD SERVICE...so BEWARE!! ex. watch for door digs and when they give u an oil change, cause they cracked my under carriage and wont fix it!

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  Best Balanced Car - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By E. Griffith - March 29 - 7:16 am

  I got married & was looking for a sedan to replace my Honda Prelude, but I didnt want to give up the quickness and great handling. The IS 300 weighs 300 lbs. more than the Prelude but certainly doesnt drive like it. I was not afraid to buy one with over 100,000 miles because my family has owned several Lexus models. They rarely need repairs. I had to replace a cracked wheel (previous owner abuse) and found $200 for a re-manufactured one much easier to swallow than $500 from Lexus. Someone installed metal brake pads and cheap Kuhmo tires. After switching to ceramic pads and Pirrelli P Zero tires, the car is back to its surprising potential.

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  Sportcross in want of manual 6 speed - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Dan Moon - March 18 - 10:00 am

  With the conflicting personality traits of family responsibilty to a wife and two children and woeful levels of lingering adolescent car lust I have nearly found the ideal combo. Lexus is 9/10ths there, but not quite. They need M3, S4 hotcha, sports suspension, and a 6 speed manual in the Sportcross. With a bit better marketing and spec., Lexus would do really well with this car.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Kevins Lexus - March 7 - 2:00 am

  I had to downsize my budget nd wanted a sportier ride, so I traded in my 1997 LS400 for 2004 IS300. This car performs great (quick, responsive, sporty) and has lots of style. Its definitely sporty, not cushy like most Lexuses, so understand that going in. Cornering ability is fantastic due to tires and suspension. It comes loaded with features - unlike BMWs - and is 000s less with great reliability. Not many people think to buy a small Lexus sportcar - their loss - but it allows for some pretty good discounts at the dealerships.

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  I wanted so bad to like this car! - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By mjf - March 2 - 4:20 pm

  Where do I startÂ… I have had this car at the Lexus shop 7X in the past year for numerous rattles & squeaks which still arenÂ’t fixed. I have had the clutch on the AC replaced, the AC/heater fan motor replaced, the heating/AC control unit replaced, & the sunroof track system replaced. I wanted so bad to like this car but it has been nothing but a pain. Performance wise, it just OK. The 5-speed manual shifts hard & the traction control is bad, kicks in when taking off or cornering hard & then stays activated too long causing lack of power. The car handles well on dry & wet pavement, however, its downright scary on any remotely slippery roads. I wished Id bought a BMW again.