2001-2005 Lexus IS 300: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2001-2005 Lexus IS 300 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
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 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2001-2005 Lexus IS 300. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2001-2005 Lexus IS 300.
Year to Year Changes
2002 Lexus IS:
A SportCross wagon joined the original sedan for 2002. The SportCross had a slightly different front-end look, a fold-down front passenger seat, split-folding rear seat, and an upgraded stereo system. A subtle roof spoiler was installed. The same inline six-cylinder engine powered both body styles.`Sedans now came with either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, but wagons were automatic-only. The manual-shift sedan included a firmer suspension. New this year was a full-power Brake Assist feature for the antilock braking system, plus a self-dimming inside mirror with integral compass. New options included an antiskid system and a navigation system with in-dash display screen. All IS 300s now had curtain side airbags as well as front side airbags. They also had traction control, 17-inch wheels, and performance tires. Wagons had wider tires at the rear.
2003 Lexus IS:
Revised wheel/tire options were the only 2003 news for the twin sporty compacts at Toyota's luxury division. All-season tires on 16-inch wheels were a no-charge option. For 2003, all-season tires also were available with 17-inch wheels, and both wheels had new designs. An antiskid system was available with automatic transmission; a limited-slip differential with manual. Also optional were a navigation system, power moonroof, heated front seats, and leather upholstery.
2004 Lexus IS:
All IS models added a standard maintenance indicator light for 2004, along with automatic power door locks.
2005 Lexus IS:
No changes were made this year.
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
With either manual shift or automatic, test IS 300s accelerated from 0-60 mph in a class-competitive 7.3 seconds. Manual-shift action is positive and precise. The responsive automatic transmission complements good midrange punch, though one new test car tended to stumble on launch. The automatic's steering-wheel gear-change buttons provide quick shifts--but they take practice and don't provide full manual operation. Regardless of transmission, IS 300 test cars have averaged 17.2 to 18.9 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests. A stick-shift sedan returned 20.8 mpg in mostly highway driving. Lexus requires premium gas. Ride quality is firm and occasionally thumpy over sharp bumps, but all models cope well with broken pavement at higher speeds and are always stable. Any IS is an agile handler, but steering feel and overall balance lack the precision of top European rivals. Overly sensitive traction control cuts in too quickly on manual-transmission models, yet fast cornering with traction control disengaged risks an early tail slide. Simulated panic stops showed good stability and shorter-than-average distances. Wagons are a little noisier than sedans. Coarse-pavement tire thrum can intrude on both versions, and wind rush is higher than in some competitors. Engines are invariably smooth, subdued at low rpm, and pleasant to the ear at high revs. The "chronograph-style" gauge cluster looks nice, but legibility is not ideal. In addition, the optional navigation system looks like an afterthought. Its screen motors up from the dashboard, but controls are on the center console, dangerously difficult to use while driving. The metallic gear-shift handle is sensitive to heat and cold. Optional leather upholstery is Lexus-worthy, but some other interior materials lack class. Passenger space is a bit snug up front, and limited rearward seat travel mars an otherwise good driving stance. Seats are generally comfortable, though some drivers might prefer longer cushions with better thigh support. In the SportCross, a sloped roofline and back-seat headrests hinder rear visibility. Don't expect a lot of space in any dimension, in the back seat. Two adults are the practical limit. Narrow floor-level passages and small doors squeeze entry/exit, too. Space is decent in the sedan's usefully-cubic trunk, but it's hampered by bulky U-shaped hinges. Wagon utility in the SportCross is compromised by the sloped rear roofline and intrusive rear wheel arches.
Value for the Money
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.
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 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Lexus IS includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Lexus IS .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Electrical problem:
The in-mirror compass may display two dashes instead of the direction and an improved mirror must be installed. (2001-02)
Manual transmission:
A chirping noise may come from the manual transmission but go away when the clutch is depressed requiring a revised clutch release cylinder. (2002-03)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| 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 |
Our price chart for this generation Lexus IS details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 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 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Lexus IS include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
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 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
In all models, a dual-overhead-cam, 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine develops 215 horsepower, teamed with either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.
| 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: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Lexus IS include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
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%.
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