Lexus IS300: More Than Just Another BMW

"TotallyThatStupid" (jbbush) 07/31/2014 at 16:46 • Filed to: lexus is300, blog

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Quick! Name a decent-handling, rear-wheel drive, four-door sedan with an inline-six engine and a proper three-pedal 5-speed manual transmission. Nope. Not that. Care to guess again?

In my oft-mentioned quest for something new to beat around in, I repeatedly find myself looking at automobiles outside the mainstream. For my relatively short commute, a latter-day Honda Accord probably makes a lot more sense than a 15-year-old Land Rover Discovery II. Heck, I could even lease a new something at a ridiculously low annual mileage point, rather than delude myself on ponder the benefits of a 20-year-old Audi S6. But where's the fun in that?

Today's brilliant suggestion is the 2001-2005 Lexus IS300, a car originally thought to compete with the BMW 3-series and Mercedes-Benz C-class. Turns out, however, that the IS300 was different enough to not just be a Japanese knockoff of the traditional German sports sedan. For a company like Toyota – and by extension Lexus, when their tagline was still "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection" – in the US market, the IS300 was kind of weird.

The driveline is something to covet today. Power from the 215-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline-six – the best kind of six-pot – was routed through either a 5-speed automatic or, a little bit later, a 5-speed manual on out to the rear wheels. Handling was by links and wishbones, and steering was via a good old-fashioned hydraulically-assisted rack. Some examples were even born with a limited-slip differential. The whole banana was relatively light at around 3,200 lbs.

Inside, the clean interior featured cloth or leather-and-fake-suede sporty seats, a six-disc in-dash changer, and all sorts of power stuff like a sunroof. Sat-nav was an option, sprouting from the top of the center stack like just about every car these days.

And then there are those gauges. The interior's signature design element – maybe even the whole car's, save the tail lights – was the tricompax chronograph gauge cluster. It looks like it should be backed by a outsized Valjoux 7750 watch movement rather than a magic box of electronics.

Speaking of those tail lights, they ushered in the era of Altezza. Named after the IS300 in overseas (non-US) markets, no aftermarket supplier ever nailed the look as well as Lexus in its native application. And, oh, what a trend it was! Altezza lights on your Cavalier? Please. How about on your Nissan pickup? I'll get you a spoon to gouge out your eyes.

The rest of the car has aged pretty well, a little gray around the edges but still sharp and handsome. It remains a muscular, compact design that stands out against today's homogenous jellybean designs.

The IS300 debuted to decent reviews. Car and Driver seemed to like it well enough. Automobile Magazine was kinder. In fact, none other than David E. Davis, Jr. found it a charming four-seasons conveyance, even in transmission-challenged two-pedal format. Power, handling, and braking all struck well beyond average, and while the BMW 3-series provides a sharper edge on the race course, the IS300 proved itself mighty on the more realistic urban and suburban loops.

Today, they're a reasonable used bargain. Since options were few, you're buying on color, condition, and transmission choice. Automatics are plentiful, as one might expect, but so are decent colors, unlike today's 50 shades of the proverbial gray.

Of course, this assumes you desire and can find the elusive combination of a 5-speed manual transmission in an example that hasn't been mucked with. A tall order, as these cars have become the darling of a very specific tuning niche. Swap in a turbocharger or two, slam the car to the deck on coilovers, drill holes in the hood for pins and locks, slather in stickers or vinyl… again, finding an unmolested 5-speed manual is tough. Of course, converting the transmission is always a possibility, albeit one with a $5k ante.

Like a lot of cars, it seems like prices start to plummet after the 100k-mile mark. Which seems odd, since under the sheets it's still a Toyota from when they built bulletproof cars that were actually interesting. Late-run cars with lower miles are running in the low- to mid-teens, with high-mileage beaters dipping well into the mid four digits. Modified car values seem to depend on "what" and "how well" as well as the level the next enthusiast is willing to pay for the previous owner's taste and style.

I can't think of another Lexus – or any other Toyota for that matter – I might want to drive. Indeed, from this era and segment at this dollar level, there's not a lot from the Japanese brands I have much interest in. Virtually nothing has a row-your-own gearbox. The original Infiniti G35 leaves me cold, and the first-generation M45 has odd proportions, uneven handling, and no manual option. Further, everything else that comes to mind is front-wheel drive.

Toyota also made a longroof version, called the SportCross. More of a shooting brake than a traditional station wagon, it's a shining example of Toyota harking back to its roots on the eve of total CUV domination. Today it would be called the Venza; too tall, too chubby, and pushing hard on the $40k door.

Why am I not looking for a SportCross, given the TTS penchant for cars with a D-pillar? Mostly, because they are all automatics. In searching for a sedan, I at least have a decent amount of hope in finding a manual. As mentioned, a conversion on any IS300 is possible, but – especially with a SportCross – you really have to want it.

Add the IS300 to the ever-expanding list of cars I'll be seeking out for test-drives when the time comes. Who knows? Maybe I'll luck out and find a recent Pacific Northwest transplant in good colors with a 5-speed stick around the corner for short money.

Weirder things have happened.

Totally That Stupid is a blog run by two lifelong car geeks. More at !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . You can also !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

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MonkeePuzzle > TotallyThatStupid 07/31/2014 at 17:11

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and there is even aftermarket options to un-Altezza the Altezza, irconic a bit yes?

I love these cars, still out of my budget, but I'm sure soon enough they'll be a realistic option. I waiver back and forth, I LOVE everything up to the C pillar all the time, but C-pillar backwards I sometime think it end too abruptly

n54 & s38 > TotallyThatStupid 07/31/2014 at 17:43

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Not a bad car at all. A little low on power, but I never realized how light the car was. Is this the same straight six from the Supra (in other words can it handle boost)? The problem is trying to find one with 3 pedals...

kanadanmajava1 > TotallyThatStupid 07/31/2014 at 17:44

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Despite being quite new car I do like many things about IS300 (but only as a sedan). My friend has very clean example (dark grey) that has been imported from Texas. Too bad it is an automatic model but my friend wanted such. But weird thing is that he is dreaming about the newer IS model but wasn't able to afford one. I think that the newer model is extremely ugly and big let down after the first IS model.

For some interesting reason several Altezza RS200 models seem to for sale in Finland. It has less cylinder but it is still equally great car. I couldn't even decide if I would rather have IS300 or RS200 (with manual, no exceptions).

unpredictable_swerve > TotallyThatStupid 07/31/2014 at 18:09

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2JZ is the NA version, but the twin turbo one can be swapped in easily. For autos, the R154 5speed is an almost bolt in affair. 1UZ V8s also fit but are a harder swap. Overseas the altezza gita (sportcross) could be had with AWD as well (no 2jz however). There are quite a few running around with big turbos or v8s if you know where to look. There have been 3 sportcrosses for under $7 grand. That's under $12 for the r154 and 2jzgtte swaps.

JGrabowMSt > TotallyThatStupid 07/31/2014 at 19:20

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ive always had a soft spot for these. SportCross and all. I dont like many sedans, but this has all the right lines.

RazoE > TotallyThatStupid 08/08/2014 at 09:35

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How did I miss this? I'm one of the lucky few to have a 5-speed with a factory LSD. It is a great car, but it has it's little quirks. The 2JZ is rock-solid and reliable, but with the addition of VVT-i, it becomes an interference engine. MAKE SURE YOU CHANGE THE TIMING BELT WHEN YOU NEED TO. Usually at 90k. Also that's a great time to change your water pump and check on everything else. 2002+ dashes (which coincides with the addition of a manual transmission/Sportcross) will melt. They suck. The stupid sticky coating comes off in the heat and it'll almost make you want to burn the car. You can fix this by swapping in a 2001 dash (which has a beautiful bronze [plastic] finish to it), or painting your own. Uh....that's about all I can think of. Manuals do pull a bit more premium, but don't go for a salvaged model, there are many out there, just keep looking. Tons of good info on (url—>) My.IS

BobJ33 > JGrabowMSt 05/27/2015 at 18:14

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I’m one of the lucky SOB’s who bought a new, 2002 IS300 with a proper 5-speed manual trans and LSD. Now, after 13 ridiculously fun years of driving it like I stole it I’ve racked up 260K virtually trouble-free miles. Plus, the red paint still looks red, not pink, like my old Celica did after 10 years. I cannot put into words what a fun “point & shoot” car this is to drive - small, nimble, & light with a smooth, torquey motor that sounds terrific. Granted, they’re a bit neutered in stock form. But, upgrade springs, intake & exhaust while ditching the cat and they come to life. Then, to really top it off, go with lightweight flywheel, 3.9 LSD swap, short shifter, and some wider rear wheels from the IS300 Sportcross model mounted with 235 or 245 tires to accommodate the newfound power (you will smoke the skinny OEM size 215s into oblivion quickly otherwise). Final result: An unparalleled combination of all-round performance, reliability, and character for a very reasonable price. Disclaimer: The above only applies to the manual transmission model. Automatic equipped IS300s cannot be compared and should only be purchased by eunuchs or those unable to work a clutch. Also, your factory CD changer will eventually go kaput. Just wire in an iPod feed or ditch it for a nice aftermarket unit if you like your old CDs. In summary, if your wife is making you ditch your beloved sports car for a sedan, this is as close as you will get to a 4-door sports car without spending a ton. Everything else is too big or too German.

rwdenthusiast > TotallyThatStupid 01/23/2017 at 18:22

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Funny I just found this article, 3 yrs after its publish. Well for what its worth: I am a rwd enthusiast (currently own NSX, ‘82 911, S2000...and owned several old rwd japanese vehicles). Those 3, I drive on the weekends. My ever-so-fun quest to find that perfect fun/cheap (to own/maintain) daily driver has finally led me to my ‘02 Is300 Manual/LSD. My daily drivers before this was a ‘91 miata (rock solid for 5 yrs) and several crappy 240sx’(fun but the worst to maintain).   My goal was to find a rwd car i can have fun to drive on the daily, be cheap to own/maintain, be manual, and of course reliable. I loved the miata, but it just became too uncomfortable and just too small for me as a daily--but boy was it reliable and fun. Then it struck me—to find a manual is300. I am very very surprised at the level of quality of this car (not bad for old 15 yrs old japanese car). It handles very very well, shifts well (not as good as my other cars of course, but def fun still), great torque, and on rainy days i can get the back out very easily. Absolutely love this car...will probably be my daily driver forever..no kidding.

papi > RazoE 02/22/2017 at 09:22

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I’m also one of the lucky few. I’ve owned over 20 sports cars and my IS300 SEDAN with manual trans, LSD, real leather & Nav is the most fun car I’ve ever owned. The combo of delightful handling, awesome braking power, slick shifting, smooth inline6 acceleration, creature comforts & fantastic greenhouse with wonderful sightlines is unbeatable. Granted, the care was a bit tame when I bought it new 15 years ago, but after a very reasonable $2000 in mods the inner wild child was released. Now, at 300K troublefree miles of massive speeding it still runs like a beast & looks great too. This car was the best purchase I ever made and if I even go a day without driving it I get sad and startb going into withdrawal.

RazoE > papi 02/22/2017 at 09:39

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I miss mine every day..=( It was slammed into in 2015 and unfortunately written off.

reidlos > rwdenthusiast 04/10/2017 at 02:46

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Just sealed the deal on one for a DD as well. Really looking forward to it. I wasn’t even looking for a car for myself, my wife just got in an accident and we were looking for her. I loved the car during the test drive (even with the automatic, she doesn’t drive stick) and she didn’t so I’m buying it for myself. Probably needs new tires and brake pads (though the timing belt was just replaced!) but I’m picking it up for just over $2k so I can’t complain. Had a Miata and MR2 before, but with baby here now I have to get something a little bigger and the Impreza I have just isn’t doing it for me.