Lexus IS 300 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.58/5 Average
507 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 471 through 480 of 507.00
  • Excellent Car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
    By -

    This is a very fun car to drive and is built for speed and luxury. I love driving this car. I used to drive a honda civic and that car doesnt even compare to this one.

  • SportX is fun - 2002 Lexus IS 300
    By -

    After 3 months with the SportX I really enjoy this car. I wish it had some features like memory seats but I smile every time I drive the car. I find the hatchback to be really useful. I am happy with the good balance of performance and handling. The car is pretty quiet and smooth for a sport car. The car has had zero problems and feels like it will easily last 100K miles.

  • One happy IS owner - 2003 Lexus IS 300
    By -

    The drive to work is not quite as painful anymore. This car is so fun to drive. The drive is smooth, and very quiet. It handles bumps like a champ, and takes the corners beautifully. I love my car! Im one happy camper!

  • Should have kept my Audi - 2002 Lexus IS 300
    By -

    If all cars drove as poorly as mine wed all take public transportation. The dealership, when they can be bothered to return my calls, tells me its normal for a Lexus to have an extreme amount of vibration in the steeringwheel, even on the smoothest roads you can find in southern California.

  • From BMW 3 series to Lexus IS 300 - 2002 Lexus IS 300
    By -

    As a previous owner of a 2000 BMW 323i, it was a pleasure to finally turn it back at the end of the lease and purchase a 2002 IS 300. This Lexus is fun to drive, all of the controls are within easy reach, everything seems to be in the right place and the inside and outside styling is refreshingly contemporary as compared to the aging 3 series. The Lexus has been problem free from day one. The outgoing 323i was a great automobile but was ridden with broken window regulators, stuck moonroof shades, horrible window creaking when driving and poor quality leather seats which required frequent shop visits.

  • Way better than a BMW - 2003 Lexus IS 300
    By -

    Its simply awesome. I test drove the BMW 325CI but this car is way more fun to drive. It has a bigger engine, a lower sticker price and the Lexus nametag. The handling is awesome. Its just a joy to ride. If u r in the market for a BMW, test drive an IS and u will know what I am talking about. This car is the real deal.

  • Grams fun car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
    By -

    Since purchasing this car 18 mos. ago with 7000 mi on it, it has been one of the most fun, reliable cars I have ever owned. My grandchildren love riding in it and I can haul my plants and flowers with seats folded down. I get so many compliments on the looks, even from total strangers.

  • Solid as Gibraltar - 2002 Lexus IS 300
    By -

    Bought as a demo w/9k miles on it. Now has 188K and havent had any unscheduled maintenance on it yet. Runs like new. Unbelievable reliability. Cant recommend enough. All the fun of a sports car in a sedan. 5-speed manual is a must for driving enthusiasts. My gas mileage is nearly identical to the window sticker rating, so I dont know why people gripe about the mileage. Besides, even though I might save $500/year in gas with a BMW 3-series, it would be offset by the several thousand per year extra I would have to spend on repairs. Im willing to pay a tad extra for peace of mind.

  • Done right, but missing things - 2001 Lexus IS 300
    By -

    Have had for almost 3 years, and wanted to give a lease end review. The 2001 model didnt have armrest!! Biggest complaint, by far!!!!!!! Fuel economy is horrid. Experienced alot of paint chips? Not sure...maybe bad luck, but only have 25k miles, over 3 years...not too much highway driving...I think the paint is suspect. Overall, car is very fun to drive, gas mileage isnt great, but turns heads like you wouldnt believe. P.s. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE IN THE SNOW, with the 17inch wheels....and please dont opt for the 16inch wheels!! Buy an Accord or civic if that is what you want.

  • IS300 - best in class - 2002 Lexus IS 300
    By -

    This car has been excellent. It has terrific reliability, superb handling, plenty of power and is extremely fun to drive. The transmision is excellent and is matched well with a smooth powerful inline 6 engine

Lexus IS 300 Reviews By Year:
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