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 Car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By RHjohnny - January 3 - 10:00 am

  No comparison. Great car, great value, outstanding performance. A++++

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  Good Car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By ste - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, handling is super, and it very fun to drive and always great to look at. However, even family cars like Altima and Accord already have 240hp, Lexus should give some more horsepower to the next generation IS(around 260-280 would be good enough)... Performance aside, this car is very reliable, I had this car for more than two years and no find problem at all..

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  Really fun. - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By Yahoo - December 16 - 10:00 am

  Its always a joy to start the engine. Ive had more fun in this car than any other Ive had...and believe me, Ive had some great cars. Turn of the Traction control for more fun on windy roads...and dont worry about storage space...the trunk is very large.

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  My Lexi is GR8! - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By Lexi - December 8 - 11:10 am

  I never mind paying the monthly note on this car. I am currently living in Germany and get to take this car out on the Autobahn. It runs so smooth at speeds that are not legal in the states! I just wish Lexus would have put on longer lasting tires as a standard feature. I love this car!

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  Love it. - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By DevinE - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I just love this car! I never really enjoyed driving until now. The handling is excelent, engine and acceleration too. I barely touch the gas as I leave a stoplight and still leave everyone else in the dust. Some people say the back seat isnt roomy enough, I only sat in it once in the showroom and it seemed O.K. to me with better headroom than my friends 2002 ES300. I love the way all the controles are designed around the driver so that the car simply becomes an extension of yourself. That was the number one reason I preferred it over the BMW 325i.

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  Its a Lexus afterall! - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By Michael - October 31 - 6:53 am

  A very athletic 4-door sedan with many luxury standard features which are expensive options in her class. Both the ride and feel are so good that I can drive it all day & still have fun. Trouble free still and well built with no rattles after over 14000 miles with only the 2 scheduled oil change service calls.

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  04 Sport Design Auto5 Sedan - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Black Sport Design - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Moving on from 6spd manual sports car. Ride comfort is as good as itll get while maintaining this wonderful handling. During sharp cornering, moderate bodyroll. Acceleration very responsive, will not down shift needlessly due to high torque and close ratio gearing (even Auto). Highway very stable, good throttle response. tourque is very high due to inline-6, HP is just enough to give spirited ride. The lack of performance is balanced by luxury and handling. You wont regret value VS price paid. Purchased for invoice price, other test drives include Subaru wrx Sti, BMW330, Maxda RX-8, Infinity G-35, Acura TL.

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  lexus is - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By matt pickett - October 5 - 10:00 am

  love the look handling and performance of the car

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  Hats off to Lexus - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Driver8 - October 3 - 9:16 am

  Im closing in on 200,000 trouble-free miles. Every mile has been a delight. Wish I could give a vehicle score of 11 for the reliability and fun-to-drive categories.

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  04 IS300 - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By A Pham - September 22 - 2:00 am

  For the price that I paid, it was well worth it. The car handles well and has comfort.