2005 Lexus IS 300 Review

Name: 2005 Lexus IS 300 Review
Brand: Lexus
Price: 1491 USD
Rating: 4.7 (46 reviews)

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Lexus IS 300 model years

Lexus IS 300 for Sale

Lexus IS 300 types

Sedan
Wagon

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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, aging design struggles to keep up with its more modern competition.

What’s new

The IS 300 continues into 2005 largely unchanged. A limited-slip differential is no longer available with the manual transmission.

Edmunds 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.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2005 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$290/mo

$179/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2005 Lexus IS 300.

5 (82%)

4 (8%)

3 (10%)

2 (0%)

1 (0%)

4.7

46 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 46 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

On month 7

Kevin, 01/17/2006

2005 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

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.

I didn't know I could love a car so much

southernguy138, 10/17/2012

2005 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)

I just bought this 2005 IS300 with 129k miles and is simply amazing. Drives like new, literally. Very quiet and the straight 6 engine is superb, its quick, and you can't even feel the transmission shift. By far, this car is the most fun I've driven. I know these cars are good for over 300k miles with little maintenance. Everyone should have the opportunity to own one of these. You'll …

One of the Best RWD Car you can get

Testing123, 12/09/2005

2005 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

The styling of the car is very agressive and sporty. For a 3255lbs vehicle the car perform very well. The engine was build for import tune spec and respond very well to performance modification. I wish Lexus would have use a more agressive cam from supra engine to move the stock rear wheel horse power up to 188whp. My IS300 AKA Altezza has gone through couple of performace Mod, like a …

My Most Fun Car in 50 years!

Gina Hudson, 11/09/2005

2005 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

I've been driving 50 years and have driven a Lexus automobile since 1993. This IS 300 is undoubtably the most enjoyable car I've ever owned to drive, exceeding even the Lexus 400. As a rather "vertically challenged" woman, I've never, until the IS 300, been able to see over a hood of any car I've driven (scary thought). This automobile allows me to sit high enough to have a clear view …

See all 46 reviews of the Lexus IS 300

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2005 IS 300 Highlights

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$29,735
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$290/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	10.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

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 Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Marginal

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2005 Lexus IS 300 Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2005 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2005 Lexus IS 300.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

On month 7

I didn't know I could love a car so much

One of the Best RWD Car you can get

My Most Fun Car in 50 years!

2005 IS 300 Highlights

Safety

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2005 Lexus IS 300 Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.

Most helpful consumer reviews

On month 7

I didn't know I could love a car so much

One of the Best RWD Car you can get

My Most Fun Car in 50 years!

2005 IS 300 Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2005 Lexus IS 300 info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Lexus

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2005 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}