2005 Lexus IS 300 Review
Fuel Economy
18 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Can't match the BMW 3 Series, but its combination of price, performance and premium features make the IS 300 a very intriguing sport sedan or wagon.
Pros
Outstanding driving dynamics, slick interior decor, competitive pricing.
Cons
Small rear seat and trunk, not much storage space, aging design struggles to keep up with its more modern competition.
What's New for 2005
The IS 300 continues into 2005 largely unchanged. A limited-slip differential is no longer available with the manual transmission.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
The little lexus that could
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
This car is a blast to drive! It feels so light and nimble on twisty back roads it's just plain fun! It never feels like its going to get away from you, even when the front tires are pushing into a turn. Little "step outs" from the rear end are easily corrected on dry roads. The only thing this car needs to be the ultimate entry level "luxury sport", in my mind, is another 50 hp. Very quiet inside, even with 19s. The tiptronic auto works well, although 2nd gear could be a bit taller. Traction control is a bit intrusive, but does its job, even if it stays on to long when it kicks in. The motor, although lacking power, is silky smooth! And that's an understatement.
Favorite Features
That silky smooth motor! Leather feels very rich and smooth. Stock audio is fair. And of course, just the simple fact that its a Lexus :)
Suggested Improvements
The trunk opening is horrible. There is a fair amount of cubic feet, but forget putting bulky objects in there.
Most fun I Have had in many years
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
The only problems I have had was scraping the front right bumper on a high curb!! My Bad!! This vehicle is a ton of fun to drive. Handling is great, powertrain is strong. I have a 5 speed manual so gas mileage is better.
Favorite Features
I love the way the car handles in turns and the cabin is very quiet. No rattles. Fit and function is excellent inside.
Suggested Improvements
Steering controls for the radio, and other functions would have been nice to have
Great Sporty Luxury Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
My friend picked up this car after crashing his Passat. After he took me for a ride, I had to get my own. Although it's not as fast as the 250/350 series, I think the exterior is more attractive. I bought mine with a ground effects package, custom rims, and spoiler. Later, I added tinted windows. Overall, especially with the customization, it is a very attractive and sporty car. It is fast with great handling except for occasionally slipping in wet spots. The price was right for a luxury vehicle. The mileage isn't great for a small car. After 30,000 miles, I haven't had a single problem.
Favorite Features
Customer service. Speed and handling. Reliability. Exterior design. Interior design. Price.
Suggested Improvements
Small backseat. Small trunk with smaller opening. Radio controls on steering wheel. Slips occasionally in wet spots. More comfortable bucket seats.
It was love at first sight
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I was so in love with this car when I first saw it and took a look at all the features, but the only downside was the mpg. Not a big deal at the moment, I thought. So WRONG. The mpg is the only reason I don't want to own this car anymore. I feel safe driving in this car and everything's nice (although the inside could be bigger), my brakes squeak a lot too. Everytime I ask someone who works at the dealership what's up with it, they keep saying it's brake dust, and I don't buy it.
Favorite Features
The shifter, the dash and the gauge settings. The exterior too, it's definitely a cute car.
Suggested Improvements
MPG is horrible. brakes squeak. i've also been having bad radio reception as of recently.
4 out 5 people found this review helpful
On month 7
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I love most everything about this car aside from the craptacular gas mileage. The ride is also a bit harsh, but that might be just me getting older :-) To date I haven't had any warranty work done to the car - a primary reason for buying this car for me was Lexus reputation. If you are considering buying this car I would encourage you to do so.
Favorite Features
Exterior: hood, rims, body lines interior: gauges, seats, console, sound system- no complaints
Suggested Improvements
The factory alarm in this car is not sufficient IMHO. Anyone purchasing this car would be advised to upgrade the factory alarm. Also, get the windows tinted.
11 out 11 people found this review helpful
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2005 Lexus IS 300
- 2004 Lexus IS 300
- 2003 Lexus IS 300
- 2002 Lexus IS 300
- 2001 Lexus IS 300
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