2001-2005 Lexus IS 300: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Acceleration
- Build quality
- Brake performance
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Rear-seat comfort
Vehicle Highlights
Toyota's luxury division introduced a brand-new sport-luxury compact sedan for 2001. Built with rear-wheel drive, the sedan held a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that made 215 horsepower. Shared with Lexus's larger GS 300, the engine operated with VVT-i (variable valve timing with intelligence). Only a five-speed automatic transmission was offered in the IS 300's first season, but it incorporated Formula One-inspired E-Shift gear selection on the steering wheel. Sharp-edged in design, the wedge-shaped IS body had a semi-fastback roofline. Lexus called it a "condensed high performance stance." Either 16- or 17-inch wheels could be mounted. Front side airbags were installed, along with antilock braking and traction control. A limited-slip differential was available. A chronograph-style instrument panel was said to be inspired by sport watches. Initially designed for the European market, the IS promised to give a "compelling challenge" to European sport sedans. Rivals included the Acura TL, Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Lexus IS 300 sedan w/automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 51 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 2001-2005 Lexus IS 300 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2001-2005 Lexus IS 300 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2001-2005 Lexus IS 300 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Rival BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 models have "built for the autobahn" cachet and deliver greater ultimate dynamic ability. Even so, the IS 300s offer sporty driving fun Lexus-style, and that's appealing in its own way.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Lexus IS 300 sedan w/automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 51 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $850 |
| Alternator | $540 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $2,550 |
| Brakes | $870 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,950 |
| Exhaust System | $765 |
| Radiator | $780 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $2,990 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $340 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2005 | |||
| IS 300 sedan, wagon | $19,000-20,500 | $17,500-18,900 | $12,400-13,300 |
| 2004 | |||
| IS 300 sedan, wagon | $15,800-17,200 | $14,400-15,700 | $10,100-11,000 |
| 2003 | |||
| IS 300 sedan, wagon | $13,000-14,300 | $11,800-13,000 | $7,500-8,300 |
| 2002 | |||
| IS 300 sedan, wagon | $10,500-11,700 | $9,500-10,500 | $5,600-6,200 |
| 2001 | |||
| IS 300 sedan | $9,500-10,500 | $8,600-9,500 | $4,900-5,500 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 105.1 | 105.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 176.6 | 177.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.9 | 67.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.5 | 56.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3255 | 3410 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 10.1 | 21.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.5 | 17.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.1 | 39.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.7 | 42.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.7 | 37.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 30.2 | 30.2 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I6 | 3.0 / 183 | 215 | 218 | 5-speed manual: 18/25 5-speed automatic: 18/25 |
5-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: -- |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.








