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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  Fun - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By robarakira - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Perfect for midlife crisis.

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  ANNOYING TRANSMISSION HESITATION - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By e. marks - April 30 - 10:00 am

  The handling is extremely capable for sporty driving and the brakes are unrivaled. The power is adequate and smooth, though it tends to lug a little at lower RPMs. The E-shift allows only limited control over shifting (gears 2-5) and far too often down- shifts on its own. A HESITATION PROBLEM occurs in many IS300s as a result of the vehicles ICU (onboard computer) malfuntioning -- a major issue considering it is not detectable during the intial test drive, gets progressively worse, and according to Lexus, is not correctable.

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  Cant go wrong with a Lexus. - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By Chinese Guy - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my IS300 used with 22K miles, about 6 months ago and so far Ive havent had any problems with it. I used to drive a Honda Prelude with massive modifications so the IS cannot compare to that car. Off the line the IS is slooooow but the V6 will catch up to any other car. I really wish it had a center arm rest, that would help alot. Also bigger cup holders. Forget about getting Big Gulps from 7- 11. I considered a BMW 3 series but read awful ratings about it. Im glad I chose the IS300 over the 3-series. Fin!

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  Winter/Wet Driving - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By jtrock - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Being rear drive and very light this is the worst car I have ever had for snow/wet road driving. Even with the standard 16" tires the car would not move away from the curb in the first snowfall. I put Blizzaks on it and it is somewhat better but this vehicle is not recommended for northern climates. the TRACS system also sucks. It makes starting out on wet pavement chunky. It also seems to have a hesitation on acceleration at times.

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  Its a great car but not a 3 Series - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By SantiB - April 22 - 2:00 am

  This has been a fun car to drive. Very reliable and solid.

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  A Different Breed of Lexus - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Modder - April 12 - 7:20 am

  I buy cars for their performance and moddability (and this car is very moddable having the Supras 2jz and all), but Ill rate this car from a consumers point of view, since you are probably interested in buying this car. This is not your average type of Lexus. Lexus are usually known for their comfort and amenities, but this car is different. The IS 300 was designed to compete with the 3 series, and that it does. This is a SPORT sedan, so it drives like one, do not buy this car expecting the usual laid back handling of the other cars in the Lexus fleet. This is definitely the car to buy, if you are looking for a RELIABLE car that will add some excitement to your daily commute to work.

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  my sportcross - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By jlim - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Overall great driving experience, handles well with plenty of acceleration when you need it. Quality throughout, with great sport suspension albeit on the firm side. Quite ride on the highways, minimal tire/wind noise, and nice throaty exhaust only during quick 0-60mph gas pedal action.

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  Funnest Wagon Ever - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Bertrand - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought my IS300 Sportcross about 10 months ago and have over 15,000 problem free miles. This cars engine gets stronger and stronger as it breaks in at it jumps off the line well. Just did a 14.83 second 1/4 mile at 95.66 mph. 0-60 mph was recorded at 6.54 (compared to the magazine/Lexus number of 7.4). My 0- 60 foot time was 2.257, better than I could manage with my 02 Corvette Z06 on the same night! We also own an 01 IS300 with 46,000 problem free miles. Great car

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  Nothing but fun!!! - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By javi01 - March 10 - 2:00 am

  From day one this car has been nothing but fun. It’s so much fun to drive that I think I’m addicted to taking unnecessary trips to the store. I expected a very good car bearing the Lexus name. I got even more than I expected. The IS fusses luxury, performance and value. Plus the great reliability of the proven 3.0L Lexus engine (Used in the GS300 as well) gives me peace of mind.

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  bread and butter of sport sedans - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By NOLA - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Got rid of my VW Jetta GLX and got this. No more ridiculously expensive parts -- this is Japanese reliability and price with German performance. Who can beat that???