Skip to main content

Used 2005 Lexus IS 300 Sedan Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
41 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
4.5 out of 5 stars

Great Sporty Luxury Car

Stephen, 12/19/2007
2005 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My friend picked up this car after crashing his Passat. After he took me for a ride, I had to get my own. Although it's not as fast as the 250/350 series, I think the exterior is more attractive. I bought mine with a ground effects package, custom rims, and spoiler. Later, I added tinted windows. Overall, especially with the customization, it is a very attractive and sporty car. It is fast with great handling except for occasionally slipping in wet spots. The price was right for a luxury vehicle. The mileage isn't great for a small car. After 30,000 miles, I haven't had a single problem.

Report Abuse

4.13 out of 5 stars

The little lexus that could

radardodger, 11/06/2008
2005 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is a blast to drive! It feels so light and nimble on twisty back roads it's just plain fun! It never feels like its going to get away from you, even when the front tires are pushing into a turn. Little "step outs" from the rear end are easily corrected on dry roads. The only thing this car needs to be the ultimate entry level "luxury sport", in my mind, is another 50 hp. Very quiet inside, even with 19s. The tiptronic auto works well, although 2nd gear could be a bit taller. Traction control is a bit intrusive, but does its job, even if it stays on to long when it kicks in. The motor, although lacking power, is silky smooth! And that's an understatement.

Report Abuse
2005 Lexus IS 300 for sale near you
Showing 3 of 4 listings
See all 4 listings

4.88 out of 5 stars

Great sports sedan value

deanedell, 11/08/2004
2005 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

If you are looking for a well-rounded sports sedan, the IS300 should definitely be in your consideration. The 2JZ-GE I6 is one smooth engine mated with a transmission with barely perceptible shifts. Excellent handling and brakes that stop RIGHT NOW. High quality interior materials and world- class fit and finish worthy of the Lexus name.

Report Abuse

4.88 out of 5 stars

IS300 Sport Sedan

smedley, 11/28/2004
2005 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Best vehicle I have owned. Performance and comfort and reliability and "looks" are what I wanted. Not a lot of chrome- in fact there is none on body of vehicle.

Report Abuse

4.5 out of 5 stars

Know I can Depend on It

Sherron, 07/10/2005
2005 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The interior styling and exterior styling could be better. However, it has plenty of power, top speed, and is a blast to drive. Most importantly, I have not had to even think about going into my pocket to pay for some type of mechanical problem. It is one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned along with my former 1987 Mazda RX-7. I wish it were a little bigger but overall for the money it is the best quality vehicle in its class. With its power and torque it will do anything I ask in Los Angeles driving.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Lexus Fan for Life

hmntafiel, 12/18/2004
2005 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Not only does it have an attractive body style, but it is lots of fun to drive! The handling is GREAT around those curves--smooth and very responsive. I traded in a Celica for this baby and am not sorry I did. The interior is stylish and comfortable, with a sporty-feel, and attractive instrument panel/gauges. The E-shift option comes in handy when you want to have a little more control over the gears. Gas mileage is also pretty good. Lexus has once again produced another excellent quality car. I love this car. Lexus has definitely won me over as a customer for life!

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Street Racing

Witman, 07/26/2005
2005 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is nice around the curves and bends in the industrial areas. It has a nice acceleration and good top speed. The E-shift provides good handling and power too. Very good design also.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

the best ever

emily, 01/04/2005
2005 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

i got my car for my birthday and its awesome it is really fun to drive and soo sleek looking how can u not love it!!!!!!

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Fun car!

Ko, 01/05/2005
2005 Lexus IS 300 E-Shift 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My top 3 choice was C230k, 3series, and Is 300. I had a chance to test drive each vehicle, and I would have to say in terms of performance and comfort, IS300 blows off the other 2. Obviously, IS300 has its own flaws as well. If you are seeking luxury/status quo vehicle and don't mind spending $1500 to $2500 more, this is definatley not the vehicle of choice for you. However, if you are a working professional, who feel little bit uneasy to be driving around on a sport-car, but miss the good old days, this is the vehicle of your choice. In addition, depending on your negotiation skills, you may easily cut down the price to $29000-30000 without any problem at all unlike BMW or MB.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Dream Car

Lexy, 08/16/2005
2005 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Incredible handling, style, and capabilities. I loved the look of this car and had to have one. I love the way it drives even more, and would buy another, if I had a bigger garage!!!

Report Abuse
Items per page:
10