Used 2003 Lexus IS 300 Consumer Reviews
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2003 Lexus IS300 Sport Design
Justin, 03/28/2010
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2003 black on black Lexus sport design in 2009 with 86k miles on it. The car drove and performed awesome the whole time i owned it. The interior is classy/sporty and stylish. Every girl I've taken on a drive loved the car. The car's chrome shift ball is F1 inspired i love the look. The door stiles have silver step plates. Car never fail me but the previous owner never changed the factory battery and it died on me twice. That's the only problem i had but the battery was 6 years old so go figure. Love the car had to sell it because i need money. The sport design is 300 is a great car. Get you one!
Understand what you're buying
03is300, 04/21/2011
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
26 of 29 people found this review helpful
Note: I am a car guy, I'm not even 30 and this is my seventh car (not an idiot, just an enthusiast with a few extra nickels to burn on car payments), this is not a worthless review where I talk about how I don't like the cupholders or the color..... Aside from a few minor issues, this vehicle is a great choice, especially now that the prices have dropped dramatically. This is not your grandfather's lexus, it does not ride like its on rails and a lot of the 'luxury' options are simply not included with this model. Previous vehicle: 2005 Audi A4 with every option imaginable, the two are not comparable on any level beyond purchase price. Overall a fantastic car, just understand what ur buying
2003 Lexus IS 300 for sale near you
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- 300MSRP: $8,991707 mi away
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Home-Run
03is, 07/12/2011
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
Ready? Love the car, but since I just recently bought it, I've had to do some work getting it up to par as the prior owner didn't take great care. However, it's a Lexus, so a blind monkey could drive it into a lake and it'd be better than anything on the road. A few cosmetic issues inside and out, and 90k service hadn't been done. When something breaks on this car, it's costly. But if you take care of it, it'll take care of you. I wish they had that mentality! That said, It's a joy to drive. Slightly heavy and a bit sluggish, but with 200+hp, you don't lack for power. Finding low-mileage units is just about impossible, and when you purchase yours, you'll see why.
Sold my IS 300 after Seven good years
Aja1, 07/27/2010
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
I just traded in my '03 IS after seven years and 161,000 miles (purchased new). During my ownership, I never replaced a light bulb, only replaced the brakes once and the tires twice. The car was a joy to drive and I would have kept it for another 100,000 if I didn't need a bigger car for a growing family. I wish I liked the new IS series as much, but I thought the styling dropped off and the inline-6 was special.
My Favorite Car. Will not sell it...
Dae, 10/29/2015
updated 11/01/2017
2003 Lexus IS 300 SportCross 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
This car has become an "official" exotic car by car and driver. I really like the performance of this car, yet you can use it to commute and have enough cargo space for transporting things. It's very fun to drive and has a lot of power. I have not gotten tired of how the car looks.. Addition. I'm beginning to dislike the MPG compared to all the hybrids out there.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Awsome in a 5-speed
Bernard , 07/27/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I really love this car! It really does look good in any color.everybody looks at it when you at a red light.
Lexus did it again!
CMac, 08/07/2006
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I just bought this car about 6 months ago, and I haven't regretted it for a second. It's reliable, but still plenty of fun to drive. It handles curves extremely well at 60 mph+. Surprisingly, it handled very well in rain and snow, even though it only had highway tires on it. Traction could be better, but snow tires should remedy any slippage problems. No small feat considering we're talking about Salt Lake City winters. It accelerates well considering it only has 215 bhp. I have gotten plenty of looks and compliments on the car. Road noise is minimal, it's actually possible to carry on a conversation without yelling to be heard. The E-shift system is nice, but somewhat hard to use in a turn.
Reliable
Reliable, 06/23/2008
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Love the car. Bought it with 15K on it and it's got just over 80K now. Sporty, handles great, looks great but most of all it's reliable. In 65K miles of driving, I have had to do squat to the car other than oil and change the tires. Obvious normal maintenance but still haven't needed brakes, belts are getting ready but no mechanical problems at all. Especially the A/C - works like a champ and still freezes me out.
Love this car
bosco, 02/07/2009
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought this car with 29,000 miles on it. Love the styling inside and out. Seats are very comfortable with high quality leather. Dash and instruments have a great design and cool orange color at night. Also love the 6-disc in-dash CD changer. Low profile tires look awesome, but the stock tires rode rough, so I switched to similar tires with lower speed rating which ride much smoother. I get compliments on this car all the time. Other than oil, tires, and brakes have had absolutely no issues. I did get a disc stuck in the changer - think I jammed it in there, my fault - but the dealer replaced the whole unit under warranty in 2 days. Engine rocks, especially around 3-4k RPM.
Gram's fun car
Unique in Omaha, 09/24/2006
2003 Lexus IS 300 SportCross 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Since purchasing this car 18 mos. ago with 7000 mi on it, it has been one of the most fun, reliable cars I have ever owned. My grandchildren love riding in it and I can haul my plants and flowers with seats folded down. I get so many compliments on the looks, even from total strangers.
Favorite Car Ever
jroosh, 07/15/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I really like this car, my second Lexus. It is fun to drive and trouble- free, and you don't see very many on the road. Loaded for the money. Everything a 3-series is without the constant trips to the service department. Great dealerships.
Lexus Sport Cross
kokomokid, 06/02/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 SportCross 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
What I wanted in a car when I bought the IS 300 Sport Cross was a car that would drive like a sports car, but transport R/C model planes easily. It fills the bill, except that a manual tranmission is not available in the Sport Cross.
my review
thisflyguy, 06/19/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
grows on you after you drive it!
Best car I have ever owned
Dabrt, 03/23/2007
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had my Lexus for a year and a half and its been wonderful. No problems at all. Driving it is so much fun and it handles great. The only downside about owning a Lexus is the upkeep is very expensive if you get it done at the dealership.
Great deal
LexusLover, 01/09/2007
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had this car a little over 2 years now, purchased senior year in HS. Have never had any problem other than battery replacement. My friends love to ride in it/drive it. Good for sporty design and driving but also the ability to put decent cargo in it. My friend built me a custom woofer box and I still have ample space in trunk. I plan on driving this car until it can't drive anymore, which, if it keeps up like it has, will be a long time from now.
IS 300 Superb!!!
Carlos Dextre, 11/21/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I do love this machine.
A Great Replacement
astro403, 02/04/2007
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Decided it was time to upgrade from my 1999 Honda Prelude but was a little skeptical at first. I loved that car. Great handling, good power, unbelieveable reliability, the list goes on. After I bought the IS, all my skepticism was put to rest. Love the handling (although I had to get used to RWD again) performance, sexy styling and yes, even gas mileage. My IS gets about the same as my prelude. And we're talking about a 3.0L V6 compared to a 2.2L 4 banger. I was impressed. Traction is OK in the snow. Living up in Canada you need winter tires, but even with them and with both trac. control and snow mode on, the wheels still slip quite easily, but if you pay attention like you should, you'll be fine.
IS 300 - none better in its class
cvp7878, 08/16/2006
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Excellent handling and great acceleration. The dash gauges are like no other car. Built solid and let's face it it's a Lexus. I have had for over a year and I love it. It can run with any car in its class.
what a blast
bayuvar, 09/03/2004
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
A fun car to drive, even when commuting. Large enough for 3 passengers, small enough to park in tight spaces. It runs well on mid grade gasoline [89 octane] without much noticable effect on performance; has never 'pinged' yet.
LITTLE Lexus ...with loads of attitude
farhaan, 06/27/2004
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
the car is smooth..no problems so far with my car dealership is the best in town..helps a lot.Drives smoother than a bmw or an audi ..i own a 2003 bmw 325i but IS is lot better than it because of it luxuriousnes and ride
Bought it used, but it still had zero problems!
gpokhare, 12/09/2014
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought it w/ 120,000 KMs and as a rebuilt title. Amazingly fun car to drive in the summer, and is extremely reliable. In 2 years owning it, outside of having to change the brake pad and battery, I only had to come in to the shop for oil changes and tire changes. However, the car is not good for heavy winter driving. Because its RWD and fairly light, you have to be extremely careful when driving it in heavy snow roads as it tends to slide. The stock stereo is unbelievable. I tried a 2014 BMW this year, and the stereo on that didn't even match the 03 Lexus IS stereo. Also, this car's safety features protected me very well when I was t-boned by another car. I would highly recommend this car.
Never had a problem
Z, 06/27/2006
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is the most fun I ever had. I only changed the oil and air filter in 3 years. Other than that it is the most reliable car I ever had.
Sportcross 1 year review
JoeyL, 03/08/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 SportCross 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
For a station wagon, it is at the top of its class. It hauls whatever I need it to and is comfortable for my whole family. It's too early to tell, but the reliability rating seems good, and Lexus was one of the best rated for this. I considered the BMW but too many friends have multiple problems with theirs. Reliability is my most important factor.
Fun to drive
Kevin's Lexus, 03/29/2004
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had to downsize my budget nd wanted a sportier ride, so I traded in my 1997 LS400 for 2004 IS300. This car performs great (quick, responsive, sporty) and has lots of style. It's definitely sporty, not cushy like most Lexuses, so understand that going in. Cornering ability is fantastic due to tires and suspension. It comes loaded with features - unlike BMWs - and is 000's less with great reliability. Not many people think to buy a small Lexus sportcar - their loss - but it allows for some pretty good discounts at the dealerships.
love this car
cjl32, 08/15/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is a major headturner. Lexus has the best service in the world. I test drove the G35, CL, TL, 325i and the IS300 was by far the best deal and best car. This car is so quiet that sometimes I forget its on!
AWESOME CAR! HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!
REDD, 10/13/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
THE REVIEW OF IT SAYS IT ALL. THE ONLY DRAWBACK IS THE GAS MILEAGE.
Could be a bit faster, but I love mine
TerenceL, 06/25/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Cheaper than the 330i, more fun to drive than most smaller sedans, but can also be used to drive clients or parents around (unlike say the Impreza WRX). I love mine. I was also considering the G35, but the reliability differences between Toyota and Nissan put my money on the Lexus.
What's not to like with the IS-300
Runner26, 07/03/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It's a fine typical well built Japanese car and it's what you'd expect from Lexus. I've driven BMW's and was not impressed with the quality or reliablity...for the $$. The IS-300 is soft, smooth, and quiet. The audio package is really fine too!
A Different Breed of Lexus
Modder, 03/26/2007
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I buy cars for their performance and moddability (and this car is very moddable having the Supra's 2jz and all), but I'll 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.
Love The IS
mario navarrete, 01/09/2004
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Amazing to drive. There is only one thing that I would improve on this wonderful vehicle and that is it's horsepower. Fortunatly the IS430 will be here soon enough. If everyone drove an IS I think the road would be a lot safer; sincerely. It feels like I have a less margin of human error when I drive my IS.
Hot Godsend
Editor, 09/19/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car not only turns heads, it keeps your head assured that it'll always be reliable with a furious performance.
Fun and affordable
David, 01/10/2007
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The IS 300 is fun to drive, it handles really well. I have the 5 speed so it's quicker than the automatic (I drove both). The interior is sleek and I love the exterior. All around I have been very pleased with this car. I have had a couple isolated issues that fell under warranty, but I've talked to other owners who didn't have the same issues.
Chip's IS
Chip Hawkins, 01/20/2004
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Excellent car. Only complaint is alignment doesnt hold for very long if you use the car as designed
Unbeatable! in every aspect!
thebigrigger, 08/10/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Lexus is300 in july of 2002, a little over a year ago and i all ready have over twentysix thousand miles on it. The car has been nothing but a joy own, with no problems to this date. There is only one thing that i would like to see take place, and that is for TRD to come out with a supercharger for it. that not to say the car is underpowered in anyway but we all like to have the upper hand!
I'm VERY happy.
DPhillips, 05/26/2005
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I knew when I bought my car I was going to love it. I have always liked Lexus vehicles and I have not been disappointed. This car is obviously marketed towards the 21-25 age demographic (a demographic that I am no longer in). I'm sure eventually I'll upgrade to a bigger car, but I'm confident that it will be a Lexus as well.
2003 IS-300 review
Todd, 08/02/2005
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The car is outstanding - fun to drive, and absolutely reliable. Mine has a 5-speed transmission. Quality of everything is top-notch. My only complaints were the way the transmission shifted for about the first year - clutch was very difficult to engage smoothly, but it eventually broke in and is now fine. There has not been a single thing wrong with the car since the day I drove it out of the showroom.
Best Car I have ever owned
Eric Bosak, 12/03/2005
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Not had one problem with my IS 300. Once I get in, it is hard for me to get out. Love it so much I could not get rid of it to get one of the new 2006 IS 350s. No matter if it is the gas station or a stop light people are complimenting me on it all the time. The only negative thing I have to say about the car is that the back seat lacks room. Over all I think it is one of the best cars out today. Love the car more then life itself.
Love this car so much, A++++++++++++++++
Andriew, 09/08/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great handling and performance. A++++ graded enginering, build quality, reliability and fun to drive.
best car for the money
kobe, 09/11/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
test drove A4 1.8, Acura TSX, and Acura TL Type-S and none of them were as fun to drive as the IS. At the time of purchase, the Type-S has 2.9 apr which was why it was in my price range, but it was too big for my taste and the styling was not aggressive enough. Although the Type-S is an excellent car, it didn't turn the heads like the IS.
Great Car
advancing, 09/07/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
A great car for the $$$. My car history started out with a small Toyota truck for 2 yrs., a '94 T-Bird for 3, I went through 2 VW Jetta's over the course of 6 yrs., and now have advanced to the SportDesign IS300. It is amazingly smooth, and hugs the road like a glove. The auto-shifting is seamless, comfortable seating, and superb sound system, comparable to JBL or Bose.
lovin' my lexus
lexushappy, 07/30/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
THis is a great car! I just love the performance and the style that this product offers. It's hip and turns heads wherever I go. Completely content and Lexus service can't be beat!
One happy IS owner
happygolucky, 02/14/2004
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The drive to work is not quite as painful anymore. This car is so fun to drive. The drive is smooth, and very quiet. It handles bumps like a champ, and takes the corners beautifully. I love my car! I'm one happy camper!
Excellent
chuyee Thao, 07/21/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great vehicle just takes up more gas than what I'm use to.
TOO MUCH ROAD NOISE.
dgomez, 08/14/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
THE 03 LEXUS I OWN HAS TOO MUCH ROAD NOISE, I DONT KNOW IF IT HAS TO DO WITH THE TIRES OR UNDERBODY INSULATION. THE PERFORMANCE MIGHT BE MUCH BETTER WITH THE MANUAL SHIFT AND THE "E" SHIFT I HAVE IS SELDOM USED, I THINK IF THEY HAD MADE IT TO BE USED WITH THE SHIFT LEVER, AS IN THE ACURA, IT WOULD BE A LOT MORE FUN TO DRIVE. OVER ALL I AM PLEASED WITH THE CAR.
is 300
p, 07/21/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
the is 300 is one of the best lexus'. I have Two of my own the Gs 300 and the Is 300 and the both have the same exact engine and i love them both and there great cars to buy.
Long time owner
nyjeff, 01/20/2013
2003 Lexus IS 300 SportCross 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 6 people found this review helpful
Bought the car new in 03, 1st car I've ever put on 100K + miles. The car has been great - limited repairs (brakes); fun to drive, sporty; very practical, folded down split rear and front seat to carry home 8' lumber. Mostly commuting, but also long trips. Ride a bit harsh on seamed or rough roads.
Balanced
spylogic, 01/04/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I think this car is awesome. It's a pleasure to drive everyday. Sure it could use a little more hp but I'll fix that with a few modifications that will still keep in under warranty. It has all the modern creature comforts inside and fits my life style very well. In general I think it's a great value.
Fun, Fun, Fun on the Autobahn.....
BigTex, 10/25/2002
2003 Lexus IS 300 SportCross 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Seat of pants handling, power on the freeway, supportive seats and plenty of driver room for this 6 footer.
Great Car
A. J., 01/03/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just got the IS 300 E-style, black/black, lots of options and out the door at $29,000. Fun to drive, smooth ride, great handling and looks great.
Perfect city car.
jsu888, 01/07/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm probably the least likely buyer for this car. My last car was a BMW 7 series. I just got tired of all the repairs required by the German cars. This year alone I spent over $10K on over 7 trips to Dinan on everything from leaking transmission oil gasket to air conditioner rebuild. I'm returning to Japanese models. I wanted something small for San Francisco and with navigation system. Not too many to choose from. I evaluated Mercedes C230, Toyota Prius, BMW 3 series. This is the only one with DVD navigation system. That means only one disk is required for the entire North American continent, and about $6K less than a comparably equipped BMW 325.