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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  Quick Silver! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By CPN - February 24 - 12:00 am

  I LOVE this car! Bought it back in august of 01, put about 3k miles on her since then. The ride is smooth, the seats fit your body wonderfully. Tight handling. Beauty of an engine, quite when you cruise and absolutely PURRs when you give it the gas. Sound system is solid. Sunroof is a MUST on this car, no exceptions. Heater works very well in the cold.

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  is 300 - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By p - February 10 - 10:00 am

  the is 300 is one of the best lexus. I have Two of my own the Gs 300 and the Is 300 and the both have the same exact engine and i love them both and there great cars to buy.

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  Excellent - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By chuyee Thao - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle just takes up more gas than what Im use to.

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  AWESOME CAR! HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT! - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By REDD - February 4 - 10:00 am

  THE REVIEW OF IT SAYS IT ALL. THE ONLY DRAWBACK IS THE GAS MILEAGE.

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  Great Car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Great Car - February 1 - 3:03 pm

  It just does everything well. Its a blast to drive, and it cruises like a big car. Navigation system needs to be more intuitive, and fuel economy isnt great, but overall were super happy with this little sedan!

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  solid investment - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By boogerman - January 30 - 8:26 am

  The best thing is the low maintenance - this is a modest luxury wagon, but is a great alternative to the bmw saab audi or vw wagons. It is quiet, smooth and incredibly responsive. The tight steering and ample 215 horsepower make for an exciting drive.

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  Awesome Car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By IS300NYC - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This car is hot. I love it, and would not trade it for any other car in its class. I test drove both the 3.2tl and g35 as well as the 328i. This car has no comparision to any of these.

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  Love It - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Gema - January 25 - 1:03 am

  After driving a honda accord for seven years I decided I wanted a new car. After looking at the BMW 3 series and Audi A4 I went to look at a Lexus ES. Once inside I saw the IS and I said that is the car I want.

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  Great Entry Level Sports Sedan - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By IBP - January 21 - 10:00 am

  This car reminds me of the 3-series of old. Driving fun factor is a 10, while a little practicality is lost (gas mileage, trunk space). But this is an awesome car to own and drive. I highly recommend this vehicle to spirited drivers who want Lexus realibility and great service. The IS may appear to be "flashy" by some, but this is an automobile for true car enthusiasts who enjoy driving and sees having luxury ammeminites as a bonus.

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  Cant, CAN NOT, ask for ANYTHING more! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By David1575 - January 17 - 10:23 am

  This has to be the BEST car i have ever gotten into(and bought) that is under 45K! I Swear! How in the hell did they price it at 31k! witht he nav system and Graphire polished wheels, which i personly love better then crome, are just done beautifaly. theres only one low point...EVERYONE has one now, lol, but that says something...Its the best!