2002 Lexus IS 300 Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

Improvements this year make the IS 300 a true sport sedan. We feel sorry for those who couldn't wait and bought '01s.

Pros

Outstanding driving dynamics, slick interior decor, competitive pricing.

Cons

Small rear seat and trunk, not much storage space, styling more suited to baggy-panted masses.

What's New for 2002

Once a goal is set, Lexus is not a company to dillydally. Witness the 2002 IS 300. After just one year on the fiercely contested entry-level luxury sport sedan battlefield, Lexus has quickly moved to address the IS 300's short list of faults. A five-speed manual transmission is available, and it comes packaged with a sportier suspension than what is offered on the "regular" IS 300. The luxury side of the equation has also been upped. A navigation system and an all-leather interior are optional this year, and the rearview and driver-side mirrors are auto-dimming. Safety is also enhanced with the addition of head-protecting side curtain airbags (in addition to the regular side airbags), a BrakeAssist function and a stability control system. And for all of those golden retrievers out there tired of riding around in numbing RX 300s, take notice that Lexus has expanded the IS 300's lineup with a wagon version.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Fun car to drive

Written by: Lindsay on 08/30/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	10

Vehicle

2002 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I've had my IS for a little over a year now. Bought it used as a certified pre-owned with about 63k miles on it. It's an auto with the e- shift option which is fun but I don't use very much. I love my Lexus a little bit more every time that I sit in the front seat! It is a very fun car to drive, extremely reliable, handles great, accelerates quick, rides smoothly, and is very eye catching. Haven't had any problems with it and planning on keeping it for many years to come!

Favorite Features

Aggressive front end, bright head lights, yellow fog lights, sporty/luxury interior, eye catching color (intensa blue pearl), quiet exhaust & motor.

Suggested Improvements

Fuel economy could be a little better and my heated seats do not get very warm- but other than that I have nothing else negative to say about this car.

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Great Car

Written by: CB on 07/11/2009


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	10

Mechanically robust. Silky smooth engine. Manual Transmission. Enough aftermarket parts to turn the car into the real sports sedan it is supposed to be. Rare.

Smooth Engine.

50-100 more HP.

Unstoppable

Written by: RJ on 06/15/2009


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	10

In 7 years I've driven 160K+ fun, yet trouble-free miles. Replaced clutch & timing belt @ 100K. Other than that, just tires, brakes & fluids. Still looks & drives like new. I get 24 mpg on the highway @ 80mph. This car handles crisply and has a nice, broad powerband. I read Edmunds reviews on the '02 BMW 3-series & I can't believe it has a similar review score to the IS when every other review complains about excessive repairs & costs. I put more faith in the reviews of people who've owned the car for a while than those who post a review right after purchase. Reliability is the 2nd most important factor in my buying decision. Fun to drive is #1. IS doesn't disappoint in either category!

Inline 6 engine is wonderfully smooth & sounds great. Fine manual trans. Very good steering feel and handling, Steering compares well to BMW and is superior to all other Lexus models I've driven, even the new IS350 & IS-F. Pop-up nav screen is neat & is situated in a very good viewing position.

A clear cover for the Nav controls, which would prevent spills from drinks in cup holder seeping into control panel. I have to wedge napkins around my drinks. Fold down rear seats would be very nice too.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

One of the best cars on the road

Written by: engfant on 05/27/2009


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	10

Everything about this car is 5 Star quality. Never have a problem with 65K miles. You cannot get a better small sedan than this car. The end.

Every detail and option is of the highest quality. Unreal engine power with one of the best transmissions you can find.

Nothing really. The car is small so big people will need to stick to a bigger model or shrink down a bit. Can't get into the trunk from the cabin but that's minor.

Written by: DnA on 05/18/2009


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	3	Exterior Design:	9

Except for the lame gas mileage and soft paint, this car has been a pleasure. Super fun with the 5-speed and very comfortable on long trips.

5-speed, excellent handling, reliability and looks.

Better mileage, tougher paint and memory seats.

2002 Lexus IS 300 Consumer Ratings & Reviews