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:

• 

  Simply Amazing - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By LexusSteve - May 3 - 10:00 am

  This is an awesome car to drive!! You get the best bang for your buck with this baby! It handles great and accelerates rapidly. Awesome stock stereo system!

• 

  Beautiful and fun to drive IS300 - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By David Nguyen - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Great looks, handling, and performance.

• 

  Proven faster than an M3 - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By Max SPek - April 28 - 2:00 am

  No regrets other than not holding out for the manual transmission. with no upgrades 0-60 is 6.35 on mine, which edges out my friends stick M3 from 1999 by about a second. The best part is, it goes way faster than the Beemer, 165 MPH and the doors start opening up with vacuum pressure so i didnt try to go any faster. The A/C is automatic contrary to the editors beliefs and if anything feels like a corolla its the little twitchy German crap buttons on the M that require you to carry a set of pencils to press accurately.

• 

  Best handling car in its category - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By Don-corleone - April 26 - 4:40 pm

  Well, the Is 300 is a pure blast to drive, thanks to great steering feedback, wonderful braking components, and strong handling. The 2Jz-Ge is unfortunatly underpowered compared to the comptetition (G35, 330) but nothing that a Turbo cant fix. Yes it is the same engine as the Supra. Car was over engineered from day 1, thus quality is 0 to none...01models as mine dont have some of the better refinement as 02+ like armrest, monochromatic rearview mirror, memory seats, Gps, manual tranny...well I had to go aftermarket.

• 

  Loved the IS300 since debut - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By jeremp - April 16 - 8:25 pm

  I recently picked up the last year IS300 (2005). I have always wanted one and I do not like the IS250 or IS350, they look too much like other lesser vehicles. I love the reliability, mine has 93k miles but I have seen them with over 200k and still running. The sunroof doesnt work, but it is 7 years old and I dont use the sunroof. I love the inline 6, v6 are not as torquey.

• 

  Nice!! - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Jon - March 26 - 11:50 am

  Drove BMW 3 series, G35, Volvo S60 and IS 300 just to be complete. Expected to buy the G35 but after driving the Lexus, I just loved driving it. It was by far the most engaging, quietest, and tightest ride. The G35 was faster in a straight line but I felt "one-with-the-car" driving the IS 300. Feels much faster than it really is. And it is not slow. Beautiful styling in and out and great build quality. Was also sold on the reliability record. Consumer Reports listed it as one of the top 3 most reliable cars for 2004. I hope that holds true with mine.

• 

  great fun car but not a BMW - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By hog4oc - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I had this car for 1 week, my wife and I love driving it, we also own BMW 5 series, it is definitly not a BMW, but different kind of fun car to drive around. It is a good experience for us, much better than any Toyota cars around.

• 

  Terrible gas mileage, no back seat room - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By slow_jim - March 19 - 2:44 pm

  Surprisingly little room for a luxury car. My wifes 2010 Insight had more room. We bought this hoping that the gas mileage would be better than rated, as I had heard some owners were getting 30mpg highway. We did not find that to be the case. Even without the PWR button on, we were only getting ~22mpg highway on premium. Simply unacceptable for such a small car. Also the dash on these has a chronic melting issue on the passenger side airbag cover. Interior really does not hold up well over time. My car was an 04 but felt more like it was 15-20 years old. Got rid of it in less than 6 months and gladly took a loss on the sale. Maintenance at Lexus dealerships is expensive, take it to Toyota

• 

  I LOVE my IS300 - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By angelzeyez0377 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Best car Ive ever owned! I love the sportyness of it. 4 door comfort, luxury and style but you feel like racing in Nascar with it =)

• 

  Fun To Drive And Chear to Own - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By mik - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Wow great car for the money. My freind bought a 3-SERIES about the same time I bought my IS 300 his car has been in the shop 4 times for warranty repairs mine has not been in at all.Thats a good feeling because I was thinking of buying one before I settled on the Lexus.It really Handles well in any condition I would recomend this car to anyone except maybe somone who likes to visit their dealership on a regular basis.