Overview & Reviews

Lexus continues to change gears, moving away from single-minded relentless pursuits of perfection to chase performance. The new IS 300, complete with rear-wheel drive and a 215-horse inline six, chases the BMW 3 Series in the entry luxury sport marketplace, and will continue to do so until a proper manual transmission is available.

• Near ideal weight distribution, slick interior decor, competitive pricing.

• No manual transmission, small rear seat, lacking a telescoping steering column.

User Reviews:

Showing 61 through 70 of 70.00

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  Best Balanced Car - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By E. Griffith - March 29 - 7:16 am

  I got married & was looking for a sedan to replace my Honda Prelude, but I didnt want to give up the quickness and great handling. The IS 300 weighs 300 lbs. more than the Prelude but certainly doesnt drive like it. I was not afraid to buy one with over 100,000 miles because my family has owned several Lexus models. They rarely need repairs. I had to replace a cracked wheel (previous owner abuse) and found $200 for a re-manufactured one much easier to swallow than $500 from Lexus. Someone installed metal brake pads and cheap Kuhmo tires. After switching to ceramic pads and Pirrelli P Zero tires, the car is back to its surprising potential.

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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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  Done right, but missing things - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By Biggy B - August 4 - 2:00 am

  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.

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

  Perfect for midlife crisis.

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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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  sweet ride - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By jimmyd - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle! Fun car in the mountains and an even better ride zipping through rush-hour traffic

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  Eye Catcher - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By SHK - January 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought the IS 300 to replace 2001 Mustang GT which had so many problems, interior and exterior. Initial crush with interior and exterior design still stays with me. It draws everyones attention wherever I go. The car has one of a kind design, superior fit/finish and quality in all aspects.

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  A True Match for BMWs - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By pd - January 16 - 10:00 am

  The IS 300 gives top value for overall design and assembly quality and the resultant reliability. Engine performance is highly responsive throughout the RPM range, with instant response and smooth delivery. Handling is precise and balanced (neutral with oversteer at the outer edge). Braking is excellent. The car never feels pressured; it delivers a blend of perfectly synchronized responses. Better overall than two 3-series BMWs that I test drove which were simply too hard-edged.