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Used 2003 Lexus IS 300 Sedan Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
114 reviews

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Better relialility and looking than euro

Supra Boi, 01/21/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This vehicle is very nicely built. With innovative designs like the chrono dash and the clear tail lights that started an entire trend in the import scene. Although the performance is not head and shoulders above euro competitions, the price isn't either. And with BMW and Audi's bad history of reliability and MB's outrageous pricing, the IS 300 is a clear choice for a smart buyer that's in the market for a luxury sport sedan.

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5 out of 5 stars

awesome car

Lnoch86, 05/21/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Its by far the best mid-price 4 door sports car on the market.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Car

CG, 11/12/2002
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The drive is fast, smooth and very comfortable on long trips. The sound system is great.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Perfect Sports Sedan

Jaytoez, 01/22/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is the perfect balance of quality, value, style and performance. If you are looking for a 4-door that will turn heads but not break your wallet paying for options, the IS300 is the one.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

good and bad

gogogirl, 03/27/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Sure the car handles pretty well but it needs more HP 260 would have been just fine not 220. The exterior body of the car is just about the best thing about this vechicle, but for over 30k I would invest in something else. To start there is no memory seating,no radio controls on the steering wheel, no leg space and lots of blind spots! Not a good deal for your money.

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5 out of 5 stars

Buy it!

lawdawg, 03/30/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

What a great car! Add to that the low price, and this car can't be beat.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

fine car back dealersip service

good car bad service, 02/03/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The car overall is fun to drive, its fast and great when going around corners. The body looks great and interior is cool looking. BUT BOY DOES THE DEALERSHIPS HAVE BAD SERVICE...so BEWARE!! ex. watch for door digs and when they give u an oil change, cause they cracked my under carriage and wont fix it!

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5 out of 5 stars

I Love my IS 300

Diana504, 03/31/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just got this car for my birthday. It is everything and more. Extremely fun to drive. It curves easily and has quick pick-up. E-shift is fun to use.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

2nd IS300

vlad_a, 04/21/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Car enthusiast... I just purchased my second IS300. Manual this time, only auto was available in 2001. This is an amazing vehicle. Handling is great and predictable, styling is perfect. For those complaining about bad handling in snow - get snow tires!

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5 out of 5 stars

best value!

wht LexS 29, 11/22/2002
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

i have had this car for a 1 1/2 years now, and i am completely satisfied. i purchased this vehicle from lexus of serramonte and i would like to say they have the best customer service, from buying the car to maintaining it. i wish i waited and got the navigation!

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5 out of 5 stars

best car

good guy, 04/20/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I got a good car. It's a fun to drive. excellent handling, nice design (rear), and perpect audio system are best of this vehicle. Also you drive fast in freeway, you feel attraction of is 300.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

IS 300 is a solid car

Waggy, 04/30/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned the IS 300 for only a week and have never before owned a Lexus. Already my family has agreed we will never be without another Lexus in our garage. The IS 300 is a SOLID car. It has magnificant handling. If you check out the slalom times this thing is as quick as stock vette. The interior is incredibly beautiful and I feel like Lexus is very focused on the driver.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

MY WHEELS

NUNZ, 05/03/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

LOVE,LOVE,LOVE EXTERIOR DESIGN. G35 COPIED IT,CADILAC COPIED IT.GREAT PERFORMANCE IN THE HANDLING DEPT AND GREAT PICK UP SPEED FOR EVERY DAY DRIVING.COULD HAVE A LITTLE MORE HORSEPOWER. INTERIOR OK,AGAIN A LITTLE MORE TO COMPETE WITH BMW.LOVE MY WHEELS......P.S WHEN IS THE IS 430 COMING, IM IN LINE.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Love this car

James Taylor, 05/03/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is the car I have been waiting for forever.

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5 out of 5 stars

GREAT CAR

IVAN MARIO, 05/13/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I LOVE THIS CAR.. I LOVE THE WAY IT HANDLES.. I LOVE THE PERFORMANCE.. AND I LOVE THE LOOK

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4.88 out of 5 stars

No destination needed, just roads

Yoyogi1, 02/07/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Take this to a twisty mountain road, then you know why you'll stay off the interstate whenever possible. the steering is fast but accurate. limited body rolls let you challenge each corner with confidence. Because of its extremely effective brakes, you get to explore the full potential of the engine's wide and linear power band.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Get something else...

whatisit, 01/09/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Actually got mine in May 2001; not 2002. It was before the standard was available; so I am stuck with a slipping aoutomatic. Handles great; not quick enough; has its fair share of problems. Being that I live in NY; I have to drive it in the snow - talk a bout a freaking adventure!!! I mean, the car does not really excel at anything other than handling; but everything else is so average at best - it cannot make up for its downfalls. Do yourself a favor; save your pennies and get a real sportscar. If it has to have 4 doors than save up for a 540. Looking forward to getting out of my lease early on this thing - I am a bit disappointed.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

My IS

ryan1984, 05/24/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just got my IS300 5 months ago and love it. I am actually 18 and have 4 friends with one, and I have never heard a complaint. The E-shift almost makes it feel like you are actually shifting, and when your not it is so smooth. NICE!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Nothing but fun!!!

javi01, 01/19/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

From day one this car has been nothing but fun. It’s so much fun to drive that I think I’m addicted to taking unnecessary trips to the store. I expected a very good car bearing the Lexus name. I got even more than I expected. The IS fusses luxury, performance and value. Plus the great reliability of the proven 3.0L Lexus engine (Used in the GS300 as well) gives me peace of mind.

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5 out of 5 stars

Way better than a BMW

kthakore, 12/10/2002
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Its simply awesome. I test drove the BMW 325CI but this car is way more fun to drive. It has a bigger engine, a lower sticker price and the Lexus nametag. The handling is awesome. Its just a joy to ride. If u r in the market for a BMW, test drive an IS and u will know what I am talking about. This car is the real deal.

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5 out of 5 stars

I love this car!

Nickel, 03/19/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car has satisfied every penny that I have spent on it, especially its style. The headlights and the tail lights just amaze me every time I see them. In fact, everyday I can't wait till it gets dark just to have a reason to turn them on. The interior maybe a bit small, but what do you expect from a luxury compact sport sedan? The orange dashboard lights against the black really looks good too. The car rides very smoothly and nimbly through the forest of cars on the highway at rush hour. Overall, I think this is a better buy than a BMW 3 or a Mercedes C.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Well designed car

Mountainman, 04/30/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I test drove several other vehicles (Acura's, Infiniti, etc...) The Lexus is by far the best. Handles like a dream, well made and the instrumentation is intelligently designed. It has a beautifully smooth ride, but feels "tight" when you want to drive aggressively. By far the best car for a young adult with more mature needs (family etc...) but having that sports car drive. Kudos.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

NOT FOR THE COLD STATES

Brenda, 01/13/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Love the style, fun to drive. Not good on gas but not suprised. The biggest suprise was it's performance on a snowy road!!! TERRIBLE! I relocated to a cold state just 2 months ago, bought this car and I'm not sure what to do. I couldn't start accelerating from a stop and slid while driving. Tire dealer recommended slow down and drive a different car! Great car but only in a sunshine state.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

IS300 - An Almost Perfect Sport Sedan

BigLou, 03/28/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Comparing the Lexus(vs BMW): Pros RELIABILITY - an friend's 325is had problems (transmission and driver seat). My Camry: 10+ years, 150k miles, excellent record "Razor-sharpness" - everything is "sharp." Ride, shifter, clutch - all project a sporting nature Price - almost $10k less. It is easier to deal with Lexus Less ubiquitous - Everybody and his cousin drives a BMW 3 or 5 series. Too "me-too," (except M3 or M5) Better NAV - only one better is on the Acura CL Cons Less prestige - especially in the eyes of girls/non-car-enthusiasts/those fixated on the badge Less power - the 10hp difference (as rated) between the two somehow feel more

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4.63 out of 5 stars

is 300 5 speed

thepranqster, 01/22/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

love it. would like a little more power though, something to compete with the m3.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

An affordable Lexus that's a Blast!

fob2000, 10/22/2002
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Make no mistake about it, this is not your father's Lexus. The look of the IS300 is both sporty and unique, and alot of other car manufacturers are starting to copy its styling. This car is a blast to drive, and will truly benefit those who are looking for a great driving experience in addition to quality craftsmanship.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Tons of fun

snaik1, 01/10/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

For the money this is a great car. Lots of fun. I have the tickets to prove it.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

IS 300

E M, 01/16/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Very fun to drive.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

excellent car

ccunning, 11/01/2002
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I was looking at the IS 300, Audi A4 1.8T, Subaru Impreza WRX, and Infiniti G35. The Audi handled horribly and had an ugly interior and the G35 is too new and has no manual transmission. The WRX was a good car, but couldn't match the refinement of the IS. It's the perfect blend of smooth refinement and performance. The WRX has better magazine numbers, but only due to an AWD launch, the IS is just as fast in the real world. The IS is tuned to a more euro feel, whereas the WRX is softer and more rally tuned. I prefer the tightness of the IS.

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5 out of 5 stars

I love this car

IS300 driver, 12/13/2002
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Want a fun car to drive with saftey features? Then this is the car!!!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Best in Class

Jobu, 11/20/2002
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I compared this with the BMW 325 and Audi A4 and I liked it the best. It handles at least as well as the others and it won't have the quirky electrical problems the BMW has.

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5 out of 5 stars

Cooler looking and same $$ as Camry

bgk, 09/23/2002
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Shopped last minute for a 2002 before the 2003 arrive at the end of September. All dealers were willing to give them away at cost (28,888), so I couldn't resist. Great lease (4.2% over 39 mos). The rare charcoal color is cool and it drives like a dream (easy cruise at 80 from Santa Barbera this weekend)

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Car

Ron. K, 02/25/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Our family buys only stick shifts because they are fun and so much more responsive. We were attracted to The Lexus for its small size and the Lexus reputation for service. Before the test drive we had no clue that it would be such a hoot to drive. It is responsive, comfortable, quiet and solid. The only drawback was that it made the choice of a second car much more difficult as we were spoiled.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Excellant Review..

quick, 11/27/2002
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased my IS300 this past July. I am very happy w/ the way it handles and accelerates. The ride is nice and smooth for the tight suspension. I find it easy to out handle the Fire Birds, Camaros and CL-Type S on the road. The GPS system is good. I would probably rate it as 2nd best on the market. It is correct about 90% of the time. I think Acura has the best GPS.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Fun Car

atlantafan, 10/25/2002
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Very fun car to drive. I have had it for over a year and I still get excited everytime I get behind the wheel. Sometimes the transmission sticks when trying to accelerate quickly, but I was told the computers on cars nowadays sometimes get confused in those type situations. Car offers a very comfortable ride especially if you are the one lucky enough to drive it.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

NOT a bad car

EvilJ, 12/25/2002
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

First of all, I would like to make some comments to people who don't like the car: 1) It's a Lexus, but it's not supposed to be luxurious; it's a sports sedan. If you want a luxurious interior, buy an ES300. 2) You can get it with all leather seats, so that's your mistake if you don't like the partial leather seats. I have had no trouble with my IS300. I expect Lexus quality and that's what I get. The car is very fun to drive!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

a hot rod with back doors!

mike jones, 09/24/2002
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

very reliable and fun to drive

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Good Car good Price

babybluegsr92, 01/02/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Excellent car i am buying another one for my mother she loves it so do it great ride little loud on roud noise but what can i say it has 17's not small tires good quick great for the money chicks dig it.

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5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Car

RHjohnny, 04/17/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

No comparison. Great car, great value, outstanding performance. A++++

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4.25 out of 5 stars

The IS300 used to be cool...

BenzE320, 05/21/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I got my car in late 2002, its now 2003 and every 'homie g' who can scam up $35k is driving one. I am truly sick of every honda teenager wanting to be me with the tail lights and oversized exhaust. I am happy with it overall, but it's a bmw or infiniti for my next car, unless lexus grows up.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Fast and Comfortable

d12ew99, 01/03/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

LEXUS IS 300 Is a great car. Great pick up and beautiful design. Looks more expensive than what i paid for it. LSD, RWD, 215hp, 5speed,17inch graphite rims, with a lip spoiler. This Car has it all for performance! :LUXURY wheres the wood? hahah.. SAVING THE TREES? Full Leather Interior with attractive Gauges for Speedo! Full Spare with rim included!

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5 out of 5 stars

Amazing

Happy Lamp, 08/02/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great car, i really enjoy it. Not only does it look amazing, it drives amazing and is totally realiable.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Car

IS3Driver, 12/12/2002
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This should be on anyone's list who is looking for a sport sedan in the low 30k range.

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5 out of 5 stars

Fun To Drive And Chear to Own

mik, 12/31/2002
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.That's 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.

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5 out of 5 stars

Only sports enthusiasts apply

Jeffreaulex, 08/10/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had the IS for little over a year. I love this bad boy to no end! Its awesome! Everyone is left behind at red lights...anywhere. This car is very powerful for its size. Comfort/size...you wear this car like a glove. Its tight, nimble, powerful, a great car! Styling isnt for everyone, but you MUST give it a test drive. It is truly an enjoyable car. GREAT sound system too!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

If Cheetah was a car, this would be it

Benign, 10/10/2002
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Best Dealer i have ever known, friendly and handy. Car is very agile and responsive, engine was the quitest on its class. Back draws: addiction for driving the car in every chance possible.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

IS300

DJ jr., 01/03/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I knew as soon as I test drove the IS I was going to take it home. It's inline six makes it super quick, and suspension and handling are far better than BMW 3 series and the Infiniti G35. The polished alloy 17's complete the beautiful exterior. As far as the interior, well its just awesome.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

IS300

Jeremy'sIS, 06/02/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've owned my IS for a week now and I love it. It handles great still has a good ride considering the low profile rubber on the 17" wheels. Has decent aceleration and never feels bogged down. The seats are comfortable. I wish I had an office chair like it. this is a fun to drive car. Oh yeah and you get Lexus service and reliability of a toyota. Everything about this car screams fun and luxury.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

German fun - Japanese reliability

thomasrex, 05/22/2003
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Excellent handling makes fun out of any canyon roads. Engine is like butter, and the 2002 Auto is smooth

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4.63 out of 5 stars

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.

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