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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  Is300 - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Big Blur - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my IS300 for about a year. There seems to be a problem with steering the car on wet roads and uneven surfices. In fact at times Im even afraid t drive it. Also you cn smell the exhust of the car in front of you while waiting at lights.I dont recommend th car to new drivers. Good luck

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  Not impressed - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By not impressed - June 22 - 7:26 pm

  Bought new in 04, hated it so traded my mom for her Audi, shes got 49K on it now and likes it. The car doesnt have the driver/road connection like my Audi or Saab and doesnt feel expensive like other Lexus cars. Around town speed is good but above 60 mph has no power. Original suspension had so-so handling & comfort. Suspension was replaced 3X by dealer bc it kept squeaking, now has K&N suspension & handles & rides better. Other then that no problems, not even brakes. Interior materials & design are cheap. MPG is pathetic. Auto trans is overeager to upshift into 2nd gear which dulls acceleration unless you stay heavy on the throttle- which eats more gas. Manual mode is worthless.

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  Love it - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By imspud - June 21 - 10:00 am

  great car, handles like a go-kart

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  IS300 Battle of power - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By is300driver - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Great, fun, exiting, beautiful, love it... i have owen these car for 2 years now and 42,000 miles WOW i drive a lot! she has good power, she realy needs MORE about 60-80 horse more to take on the most recent "japanese imports" add intake and she BRUUUMMMSS like a kitty, Suspention wise stiffer sway bars and bingo! TRD or Hotch are good choises, Brakes are AWSOME, interior is well apointed less plastic please ecsaine is gorgeus, the dulops are hard to get and $$$ Bad Parts: iterior ligth blew up, CD player(it ate my CDS!)free under warranty recently shes transmition upset? shifting so hard it hurts

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  Luxury Toy! - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By storres - June 18 - 10:00 am

  The drive is smooth and comfortable. Fun to drive!

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  U GOTTA GET THIS CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By In LOVE w/ my IS300 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I drove a Civic DX for 8 years. The last 2 of those years I was getting the new car itch. I would get excited about some other car models but would shortly lose interest. BUT as soon as I seen the IS300 - I KNEW it was the one! It was like love at first sight. I bought one in Feb04 and couldnt be happier. Love the fact that not many people have this car. People ask me all the time "Is that a Lexus?"...or ask much or say how much they love it. Lexus out did itself w/ the IS300. It handles like a dream. Its the perfect combo of luxury and sport. Euro-car kids wanna race when they see me...LOL. Ive never owned the same car twice, but when I do go to get a new car it will be ANOTHER IS300.

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  Oooh la la!! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By paul - May 22 - 3:16 am

  I bought it new and still love it like crazy. After 150K miles, the leather looks great, the engine, tranny, and suspension feel better than the day I bought it, and I havent had an unscheduled repair yet. All I have done, besides driving it like I stole it every day, is changed the fluids regularly, replaced several sets of brakes & tires, the clutch at 110K miles, and replaced the timing belt w/water pump at 100K miles. If this car ever gets stolen, Im buying another one. It is the most fun car to drive that I have ever owned. And Ive owned Supras, Camaros, Talon TSIs, a 911, a 280Z, a Celica All-trac Turbo, an SC 400 and a Suzuki Swift GT.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By jtork2 - May 17 - 7:58 am

  I was lucky enough to purchase my 2002 Lexus IS300 as my first car with my own money my junior year in high school. Car had 120k miles on it and Im now in college and Ive put almost 23k more on it because I just cant resist driving it. Smooth ride, smooth shifting, comfortable seating, love the alcantara! Drilled aluminum pedals are a nice touch. I actually get about 25 mpg when i drive long highway distances at 75 mph, but average right at about 23 mpg on a normal fill-up. Few complaints about this car. I have only had to take it in to the shop for regular maintenance (oil changes, new tires, etc..) Could not recommend this car enough.

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  great car - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By sam song - May 6 - 10:00 am

  very good experience. beautiful inside and out.

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  A sportier 3 series for $10 grand less - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Zeus - May 4 - 10:00 am

  The car is a pleasure to drive. Love the manuel stick. Engine revs nicely and steering is laser sharp. Feels well put together and trust that it will easily last 10 years. An excellent buy.