2003 Lexus IS 300 Review
Price Estimate: $2,174 - $3,519





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
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
Other than having some new wheel designs, the IS 300 is unchanged this year.
Edmunds says
It's still not at the level of a BMW 3 Series, but its combination of price, performance and premium features make it a very intriguing sport sedan or wagon.
For sale nearby
3 listings
- 93,000 miles
- Odometer issue reported, 2 owners, personal use only
- 16 City / 22 Hwy MPG
- Safe Cars (577 mi away)
- Upgraded Headlights
- Auto Climate Control
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Aurora, CO
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (16 City/22 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTHBD192X30079803
Stock: 079803
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-15-2025- 170,304 miles
- 2 accidents, 4 owners, personal use
- 16 City / 22 Hwy MPG
- PNW Auto Sales (1,167 mi away)
- Upgraded Headlights
- Auto Climate Control
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Everett, WA
Disclaimer: All vehicles posted are one of each. A dealer documentary service fee of up to $200 may be added to the sale price or capitalized cost. Al...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (16 City/22 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTHBD192430077884
Stock: 877
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-09-2025
Lexus IS 300 Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
2003 Lexus IS300 Sport Design
4.88 out of 5 starsJustin, 03/28/2010
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
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
4.38 out of 5 stars03is300, 04/21/2011
2003 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
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
Home-Run
4.5 out of 5 stars03is, 07/12/2011
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
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
4.75 out of 5 starsAja1, 07/27/2010
2003 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
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.
2003 IS 300 Highlights
Wagon
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $30,805 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $263/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 21.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the IS 300 include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
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