Used 2004 Lexus IS 300 Consumer Reviews
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Just got it
admanc, 03/06/2009
2004 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I test drove the 2004 IS300 against a beautiful 2004 BMW 328ci (that I really wanted to love and buy). After driving both cars, I realized the IS300 was the much better car across the boards. Mechanically, the Lexus ran smooth and sound, with a lot more get-up and go. The BMW was sluggish and seemed to hesitate a lot more, with some choppy shifting between gears. I had been told by many people that the BMW would have more problems than the Lexus and in test-driving both, I had to concede that they were right. I bought the Lexus.
2004 IS300 Automatic -
zebani, 10/21/2014
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
My wife and I owned over 20 vehicles in the last 5 years, including IS250 & IS350, but I never wanted to get rid of my IS300. We have put 50K miles on this car over the last 3 years and it is THE MOST reliable car that I have ever owned. I always get 22-26 MPG mixed, 70% city and 30% highway, and the requires the absolute minimum maintenance such as brake pads, rotors and oil change. The timing belt had been just replaced when I bought the car and since then I only needed to replace the rotors, brake pads, spark plugs other than the regular oil change. I always use synthetic oil, premium gas and some fuel additives.
2004 Lexus IS 300 for sale near you
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- E-Shift SedanMSRP: $7,995715 mi away
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Done Right
mikefas, 01/07/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Loving almost everything about this car. Fit and finish is superb. Loads of features make the driving experience terrific. My only gripe is lack of power. G35 coupe had a lot more uder the hood.
Love this car!
Lindsay Lexus, 06/29/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I am an absolute Lexus convert - there is nothing more fun than driving this car. Living in teh city, I didn't was a mid-size car; I preferred to have something more compact, but I wanted a sporty sedan with a luxury feel and that's exactly what I got. It's stylish and peppy, but has luxury components.
Thank God i bought a 5 speed
RJ Rafael, 06/23/2010
2004 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I know this sound generic but "I love my car!" this was my first new car and it is still my daily driver. I currently have 88,090 miles and I am still running on the original front brakes, clutch, belts & shocks! Driving stick really extends the life of your car. Only had to replace 1 bad shock, the battery, rear brakes and everything else is from 2004. About to change the timing belt, water pump, etc. but I'm almost at 90,000 miles so my is 300 has done me proud. You expect quality and reliability from Lexus/Toyota and they delivered. Mine is is so much fun to drive, it's quick around corners and the ride is very smooth. The transmission is the smoothest I have ever driven.
As tight as the day it was new
mjdart, 06/11/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Excellent car, stylish, desirable by all age groups and genders.
NEVER DO AGAIN!!
WILSION, 12/08/2003
2004 Lexus IS 300 SportCross 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car proves Lexus cut corners, I have been in service 4 times for simple stuff that continues to go wrong, no power, I should have bought a G35 and now to trade I will loose $8500 in 2 months time..... very unhappy
Worth every penny
Heather Dixon, 06/12/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is a dream. I generally buy new every 2 years and I plan to have this one and probably a newer maybe different model in the future. The timeless design and the incredible reliability is amazing. I encourage anyone to invest in a Lexus, they are truly worth every single penny.
Terrible gas mileage, no back seat room
slow_jim, 08/28/2012
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 6 people found this review helpful
Surprisingly little room for a luxury car. My wife's 2010 Insight had more room. We bought this hoping that the gas mileage would be better than rated, as I had heard some owners were getting 30mpg highway. We did not find that to be the case. Even without the 'PWR' button on, we were only getting ~22mpg highway on premium. Simply unacceptable for such a small car. Also the dash on these has a chronic melting issue on the passenger side airbag cover. Interior really does not hold up well over time. My car was an 04 but felt more like it was 15-20 years old. Got rid of it in less than 6 months and gladly took a loss on the sale. Maintenance at Lexus dealerships is expensive, take it to Toyota
Not a Winter Car
JasonW, 01/25/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
I must tell all that are interested in the IS300 to BEWARE if you live in even mild winter climates. I own this car and purchased the limited slip differential and thought that the snow button in the car would help but they do nothing at all in even mild snow conditions. I live in Louisville, KY. It is like driving a death trap. I almost got in a wreck the first week I bought it and actually wrecked this past Thanksgiving. I have to put 200lbs of salt bags in the small trunk to hopefully keep me from sliding and spinning my back tires. Don't buy this car unless you live in the SOUTH!
ANNOYING TRANSMISSION HESITATION
e. marks, 07/09/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
The handling is extremely capable for sporty driving and the brakes are unrivaled. The power is adequate and smooth, though it tends to lug a little at lower RPM's. The E-shift allows only limited control over shifting (gears 2-5) and far too often down- shifts on its own. A HESITATION PROBLEM occurs in many IS300's as a result of the vehicle's ICU (onboard computer) malfuntioning -- a major issue considering it is not detectable during the intial test drive, gets progressively worse, and according to Lexus, is not correctable.
Solar Spectacular
Maylatht, 03/05/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 SportCross 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
My baby is so worth the cost of having him! Even with the increasing price of premium in the Bay Area. I cannot wait until Lexus comes out with the IS430! They'd better not have just been toying with me in LA at the Auto Show! That'll be a quantum leap. I'd expect 10s in everything but gas. FYI: I got it in 2002, not 2003.
Not impressed
not impressed, 07/02/2009
2004 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 6 people found this review helpful
Bought new in 04, hated it so traded my mom for her Audi, she's got 49K on it now and likes it. The car doesn't have the driver/road connection like my Audi or Saab and doesn't feel expensive like other Lexus cars. Around town speed is good but above 60 mph has no power. Original suspension had so-so handling & comfort. Suspension was replaced 3X by dealer bc it kept squeaking, now has K&N suspension & handles & rides better. Other then that no problems, not even brakes. Interior materials & design are cheap. MPG is pathetic. Auto trans is overeager to upshift into 2nd gear which dulls acceleration unless you stay heavy on the throttle- which eats more gas. Manual mode is worthless.
Lexus IS 300 sport design
laurith, 03/16/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 8 people found this review helpful
If I lived in my IS 300 would people think I was wierd? Seriously I LOVE my car. It has exceeded my expectations all around!!!! I live in Wisconsin and all the rearwheel drive horror stories I was told about this car are simply untrue. Are elderly people giving the review or what? Thanks to the snow and sport track options w/ the I-shift transmission I never even slid. This car is unbelievable! Ive never looked for more reasons to drive a car!
Everyting I thought it would be and more
Leo De La Rosa, 01/20/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had always wanted a nice car for as long as I could remember. When I went to buy my new car I had never even been inside a Lexus. I loved the test vehicle that I used and when I actually got the vehicle I wanted in the color and extras I was in shock. It didn't hit me til a couple of weeks that I had actually purchased a Lexus IS300. This car drives incredibly, fast, comfortable, and it turns heads. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants a nice car and doesn't want to pay overcharges for a tag.
Great car period.
Umair, 11/13/2003
2004 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Got this car only a few days ago, amazing handling and refinement for a supposedly luxury sedan. Very fun to drive, fun to row thru the gears. Still in break-in so i havn't been able to see what this car can really do. But i must say the pull from <3k rpms is adequate, especially if you want to save gas. Interior design may not be all that impressive, but the build quality is something that no photo can describe. You have to go to the dealer and sit inside this car it is amazing!
Tom's Lexus story
Sydney, 01/30/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 SportCross 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded in a 98 BMW328i for a cherry red Lexus IS300 Sportcross and have not looked back. It is fun to drive, styling is great... it's a "looker"! I keep getting compliments on the car. It is the only one in the area, folks don't know Lexus makes this model. Only one negative comment (someone put a card on the windshield saying "next time you buy a Lexus, don't get a hatchback!). The only negative I have is the gas mileage, never over 21 MPG! At least with the Beemer I was getting 33 on the highway and 23-28 city/highway mix!
Get One!
Seepage, 02/02/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I drove the Ifniti G35 coupe and sedan and the Acura TSX. I really liked the G35 coupe and didn't think anything would compare. I drove the IS right after the G35 Coupe and was actually still impressed with it. Couldn't get any kind of deal on either the Infiniti or the Acura because they are just "too hot" right now. Remembered my Lexus test drive, went back to Lexus to revisit the IS and it was the greatest decision I've ever made. Good deal, awesome performance, sick handling, long standard feature list and the excellent service of the Lexus dealership. Get one!
All the car w/o the snob of BMW
DanG, 09/25/2003
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just drove my home the IS300 sportsdesign in Thundercloud Gray color. All the bells and whistles that come standard on the sportsdesign minus the Navigation system. I swapped out the 11 spoke rims for the orginal 5 spoke style because I liked the sporty look of the 5 spoke much better. This Car is a very smooth ride, and fast! I drove the BMW330 and the Audi A4 1.8T. Forget the A4 if your looking for performance! The beemer was pretty even, but the Lexus was roomier in the front seat and just a much less old man feeling car. The all weather tires handle like rails. not sure what the big deal some make about that is. I highly recommend this car!
Still in Love after 5k miles
TexISportX, 11/28/2003
2004 Lexus IS 300 SportCross 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I looked for 2 years before deciding on this car and I know I made the right choice. I just had the 5k scheduled service performed and when I was on my way to pick it up I found myself getting excited about getting it back. The Sportcross is an absolute pleasure to drive.
Great fun and sporty car!
calis300, 02/12/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car. It handles very well, looks very very nice, and is a hit with the ladies. I really like the interior as well. The only thing that sucks is the gas mileage...but what can you do.
Lexus IS300
LexusIS3OO, 02/16/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Awesome little car with a lot of luxury
04 IS300
A Pham, 11/22/2003
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For the price that I paid, it was well worth it. The car handles well and has comfort.
like a real rock
tobyd, 02/17/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My IS is a 2001 model. I have about 60000 miles on it. THis car is still Brand New.
sweet ride
wakler, 03/02/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 SportCross 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a beautiful piece of machinery. The car is suprisingly very quick but then again did we expect anything less. The car does surpise of few people when they see that it's a wagon. Body style is perfect.
I LOVE my IS300
angelzeyez0377, 03/06/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best car I've ever owned! I love the sportyness of it. 4 door comfort, luxury and style but you feel like racing in Nascar with it =)
Sportcross in want of manual 6 speed
Dan Moon, 10/24/2003
2004 Lexus IS 300 SportCross 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
With the conflicting personality traits of family responsibilty to a wife and two children and woeful levels of lingering adolescent car lust I have nearly found the ideal combo. Lexus is 9/10ths there, but not quite. They need M3, S4 hotcha, sports suspension, and a 6 speed manual in the Sportcross. With a bit better marketing and spec., Lexus would do really well with this car.
'04 is300
d-squared, 12/11/2003
2004 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great automobile...smoooth and quick acceleration. most fun to drive on the highway, with it's quick response and go cart-like handling. exhaust has a nice growl. this is not a tall person automobile however, 6ft+ will have a difficult time feeling comfortable (being short does have some advantages.)
the best car i ever owned
Teri?tqueenfroggy, 03/04/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really love my Lexus IS 300! It is a great car, the best I ever had. The interior is so neat. I have the sport and it is really cute. It rides so smooth.
best car ive ever had
Erol, 11/10/2003
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this is the perfect car for those of you who want something larger than a coupe but still want something sporty and fun to drive, and catchy. this car has great acceleration, handling, and features
ok...but, missing somthing.
JMan , 01/29/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good but not great. I think this car is going to have to step it up to continue to compete with the big boys. I think it looks a little to much like boy racer cars (i.e. civic and such). Does not really stand out in the looks department.
Best Value
viber, 09/18/2003
2004 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My other considerations when I was shopping for a car were: A4 3.0, BMW 325i. I finanlly picked the IS300 because of the quality and the value. A4 3.0 being significantly more expensive (however, it comes with quattro) and 325i being significantly slower and lacking in some features, IS300 provides the best value. It is an extremely fun to drive vehicle with the best handling after the A4. However, when it comes to reliability, I had to drop my bias for European cars and pick a Lexus which has the best name in liability.
IS300
MarkS13ct, 01/30/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Traded a 2001 BMW 325xi for the IS300 after I was told I needed my 3rd transmission. I was a previous Lexus owner and missed the reliability, build quality and service missing from most of the industry. I am very pleased with this car even after giving up the all wheel drive. There is nothing like a Lexus.
Love It
Gema, 05/12/2005
2004 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After driving a honda accord for seven years I decided I wanted a new car. After looking at the BMW 3 series and Audi A4 I went to look at a Lexus ES. Once inside I saw the IS and I said that is the car I want.
Great Car~!!!
Jacob Lim, 02/09/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have some friends who own BMW 325i and Audi 1.8 quatro. I am sure they are good cars,too. but then their major issue is reliability. I think BMW is worse than Audi. Definitely I enjoy driving my car and look as well~
Retired teacher's dream car
icirttu, 02/15/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 SportCross 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
As a retired teacher, parkability, fuel economy, safety, reliability, capacity and comfort are important. The zippy performance and quick brakes get me out of tight spots. I can park it anywhere; the steering is responsive, and I can park in any compact space. I've had the car for three months and I'm still on my second tank of gas. I recently moved a couple of large boxes which fit in the SportCross just as easily as in my daughter's RX300. Interior trim is great,lots of fitted extras. A great buy for anyone who wants a manageable, economical, safe vehicle with more than a bit of style.
AwEsOmE
Alyssa , 11/30/2003
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is an awesome car to travel in
2004 IS 300 review
novagator, 02/16/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love the interior and the handling of car. It is very responsive.
most fun for the dollar
tanyboy, 10/17/2003
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is just very fun to drive. Besides the marginal fuel economy, the car just has plenty to offer...handling,styling, and pricing a dream come true!
Slick Design
GGP, 02/19/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Lexus IS300 is such a fun car to drive, the handling is awesome and the car looks great! A lot of people complain about the 215hp but I have no problems merging and zipping around. Did I mention that this car looks great?
Love it.
DevinE, 12/03/2003
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just love this car! I never really enjoyed driving until now. The handling is excelent, engine and acceleration too. I barely touch the gas as I leave a stoplight and still leave everyone else in the dust. Some people say the back seat isn't roomy enough, I only sat in it once in the showroom and it seemed O.K. to me with better headroom than my friend's 2002 ES300. I love the way all the controles are designed around the driver so that the car simply becomes an extension of yourself. That was the number one reason I preferred it over the BMW 325i.
Former BMW Devotee
daisyduke, 03/10/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Am I the only one who bought the 5M? Most of these reviews are for the E- Shift, which I test drove but LOVE the five speed. This car handles better than my BMW 325 did, and has more power as well. I almost bought a 330i, but after test driving the IS300 decided it was a bargain, several thousand less and more basic equipment. Fun to drive through twisty turns!
Best Sport Sedan
Retroman Driver, 10/27/2003
2004 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best Sport sedan I ever Had!! In the past I own BMW 1600, Audi 90, Datsun 240Z, But this is by far is the near perfect sport sedan. Buy it stick shift to enjoy it. 3.0 liter engine has plenty torque to spin tires. I got the "SPORT DESIGN" (list $1,335), which has nice features: 11-spoke tires and 8-wat adjustable seets(a must). By the way, before I got my Lexus, I test drived all the other sport-sedans + one sport car. Infinity G-35, BMW 330, Mercedes 320, Acura and Nissan 350Z. They were all nice, but I liked the way IS 300 held the rode, it's quality and the tastefull interior and exterior design.
After two 3-series and a Saab Viggen
Frequent Car buyer, 12/24/2003
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am very impressed. Silly. But I keep finding my self driving the longer routes just to enjoy the driving in the IS300. this car is at least as agile as my 3-series (if not better) - efinately better than Saab. Also to mention is that I chose IS300 after extensive test drive of A4 (3.0) and Infinity G35. For the money, performance and reliability, IS300 came ahead in my analysis. For the first time in my (long) car buying experience, I have no buyers remorse.
A All around fun CAR to speed in
Lexusguy2003, 09/06/2003
2004 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The acceleration literally just made me smile on my test drive. The comfort of the wheel and the sporty design won me over. I just feel happy driving my Lexus. If you want a car thats fun to drive, this is the one for you. I don't really even have to pounce on the gas to make this baby pass on the highway.
For a specific purpose
Titans Fan, 11/02/2003
2004 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you are looking for a big car that has alot of room to haul around cargo and people, then you shouldn't be looking for a sport sedan. But if you are truly interested in a vehicle that makes you part of the road then look no further. This car's ability to grip the corners at high speed is rivaled only by your local theme park. Its the most fun you can have in a car.
perfect car!!!!!
manfred, 01/03/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Me,i drive also a lexus is 200 since 2 years ago...i tell you,i will never change to another dealer!!An exellent,very nice and fast car!! I really enjoy to drive a lexus!!!
VerySatisfied
hleee, 01/14/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my IS a lit over 2 weeks now. Very satisfied. This is the best entry level luxury sport sedan I can say. You get the most considering the money. I can tell you this caus I was out there for car shopping for 1 year!
IS300 finally a car for the "twenties"
BostonBadBoy, 11/05/2003
2004 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Classy yet fun! Lexus would have a hit a home fun if they offered a v8. I would die for a v8 coupe which is rumored to be coming out next summer *drools* I absolutely love the handling of this car the only downfall is the lack of power and I have a 5 speed manual! Also this car gets loose very easily be careful!
Love It!! Love Lexus!!
Lawboy02, 01/16/2004
2004 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Would buy another...Lexus quality and Lexus Service can't be beat.