2003
Lexus IS 300

Starts at:
$29,435
Shop options
New 2003 Lexus IS 300
See ratings
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Shop Cars.com
Browse cars & save your favorites
Dealers near you
Find & contact a dealership near you
no listings

We're not finding any listings in your area.
Change your location or search Cars.com to see more!

Change location

Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn Manual Trans
    Starts at
    $29,435
    18 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Auto Trans
    Starts at
    $30,805
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr Wgn Auto Trans
    Starts at
    $30,805
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

The good & the bad

This vehicle doesn't have any good or bad insights yet.

Use our comparison tool to look at this model side-by-side with other vehicles or view the full specifications list .

Start your comparison

Safety review

Based on the 2003 Lexus IS 300 base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Nhtsa rollover rating
5/5
Side driver
5/5
Side rear passenger
5/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years
Powertrain
6 years / 70,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
2 years / unlimited miles from your certified vehicle date of purchase.
Basic
2 years / unlimited miles from your certified vehicle date of purchase. Coverage begins after completion of the 4-year / 50,000 new vehicle Basic Warranty.
Dealer certification
161-point inspection
See all CPO program details

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2003
    4.7
    Lexus IS 300
    Starts at
    $29,435
    2003 Lexus IS 300
    18 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2015
    4.9
    Lexus IS 250C
    Starts at
    $43,360
    2015 Lexus IS 250C
    21 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Premium Unleaded V-6
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2016
    4.9
    Lexus IS 200t
    Starts at
    $37,325
    2016 Lexus IS 200t
    22 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2002
    4.4
    Toyota Celica
    Starts at
    $17,085
    2002 Toyota Celica
    28 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2007
    4.7
    Lexus IS 350
    Starts at
    $35,705
    2007 Lexus IS 350
    21 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2008
    4.8
    INFINITI G37
    Starts at
    $34,900
    2008 INFINITI G37
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2001
    4.8
    Lexus IS 300
    Starts at
    $30,805
    2001 Lexus IS 300
    18 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 1996
    Toyota Supra
    Starts at
    $38,600
    1996 Toyota Supra
    -
    MPG
    -
    Seat capacity
    -
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

95% of drivers recommend this car
4.7 / 5
Based on 20 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.7
Interior 4.6
Performance 4.6
Value 4.4
Exterior 4.9
Reliability 4.7

Most recent

  • By is300 from Boston
    Owns this car
    December 19, 2022

    10/10 would recommend

    Great car 98-03 or 05 has a 2jz GE great engine (seen these engines have 500k miles on them) currently great price 6.5k for 100k miles. you'll still have 3/4 to 4/5 of the engines life in them. Some cons are in the interior the dash can get a bit sticky. Pretty easy to mod. I've added after market coilovers, exhaust, 46mm turbo, inter cooler. With the is300 being RWD it has endless possibilities sleeper, drift missile, daily, it's an amazing car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By MikeIS300 from San Jose
    Owns this car
    May 21, 2020

    LEXUS IS300 First Generation WOW ! I was Hooked !

    I300 Made me a Lexus Fan ! The look and performance of the Lexus IS300 is Amazing ! I bout my first Lexus IS300 in 2005 ! And have had 3 IS300 's, they have been my most reliable Cars ever !... I have has First and second Generation Lexus IS's, and they are my favorite cars ever !
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By 4DSupra from Greenville, SC
    Owns this car
    January 10, 2019

    Fun, reliable and wiht amazing potential!

    The IS300 was built by Toyota to complete with the BMW 3 series of it's era. Having owned both a 330ci and the IS300, I would Toyota accomplish the goal. It is truly the most fun Lexus of this era, and the lightness, steering, smoothness and potential of this car make it a hidden jewel. I have owned many modern, very powerful cars, including an ISF. a C63 and a Chevy SS. Although fun, and very high performance, the IS300 is still my go to car for an all around fun, reliable practical and inexpensive car even in fully stock form. This car does everything I need it to do very well. Looks good, not overly flashy, but a nice timeless and functional design. Drives and handles like a much newer car, with a great sense of lighteness and tighteness. The alcantara interior looks amazing even after 16 years. The engine and transmission are super smooth and reliable. All the electronics work exactly as the day it left the factory. Out of all the cars I have owned the IS300 is the only one I can honestly say I would like to keep forever.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By JuvenalGutierrez
    Test drove this car
    November 20, 2018

    Amazing Vehicle

    Most Amazing car very well put together , love it so much couldn't get enough of how the vehicle drives . Will reccondment the dealer to all my friends
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By IlyaGTR from Otsego, MN
    Owns this car
    November 10, 2018

    I?ve owned 9. I love them all

    I like it, the seats could be better. Overall the car is great I beat on a few and they hold up very nice and reliable.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Wil from Miami florida
    Owns this car
    July 24, 2018

    Perfect car for 15 year +

    Brought the car new in 2003 , so it been with me 15 year and counting , nothing major been done to the car just oil change brake ,spark plug and the timing belt and water pump, , just regular maintenance stuff, the car still drive perfect , no problem at all. If one and you will love it too
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By JaredDainis
    Owns this car
    November 23, 2017

    They don?t make them like this anymore.

    I always hear people talking about Toyota/Lexus reliability and styling with their 90s and early 2000s models. After purchasing this is300 almost 3 years ago, I?m a believer. The car is an oem 5 spd manual Sport Design and had 92k miles when I bought it. It has proved to be fun and reliable. I?ve had the time of my life doing some modifying and preventative maintenance. There is so much potential in the aftermarket with the 2JZ-GE. Some personal favorite parts of the car include the classy yet aggressive exterior styling, the simplistic and sporty interior with the chronograph gauges and button-free steering wheel and of course the smooth, torquey inline 6 engine. I plan on keeping this car for life. I can?t say enough good things about it. One negative I will say is the limitations of an older 5 speed. 60 mph on the highway in 5th gear is still about 3k rpm. A bit high in my opinion. Other than that, if you?re considering a first gen is300, go for it! You won?t be dissappointed.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By MisterX
    Owns this car
    August 31, 2017

    Fun reliable car

    I used to drive a 2002 Toyota Avalon before I got this car and they have similar power but this car is surprisingly much faster than the Toyota,the car is solidly built no squeaks or rattles and it has power everything I am extremely satisfied with my purchase... GOOD LUCK FINDING A MANUAL ONE
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By burningice322 from Chicago, IL
    Owns this car
    August 24, 2017

    Fun and Reliable

    I've owned this car for almost 7 years, and it hasn't once let me down. The driving is zippy with a nice hug to the road, no sliding around the cabin like larger sedans. Even though it's rear-wheel drive, the "Snow" mode helped me get the traction I needed to never get stuck in the winter (in the midwest!) Sound system is great, but the tape adapter is a weak link. The car amenities feel premium like breathable suede seats with leather, seat heaters, and even the pedals look and feel great. Very satisfied with what my car has given me.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Oz2017 from Avondale,Az
    Owns this car
    August 16, 2017

    BEST 2JZ ENGINE

    Lexus is a class of its own. This model was one of the best models ever made, reliable and little maintenance.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Rooni
    Owns this car
    January 1, 2017

    Still an awesome car after 13 years

    I love my 03 IS 300. I have had almost no issues with it and have $ 97k miles on it. Very quick, stylish, and handles like a sports car. I love the racing pedals too!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Lexie from usa
    Owns this car
    February 20, 2014

    Worst car ever

    Bought this lexus is300 with 127000 and has been nothing but a money pit. First week front calipers went bad. Third week it blew a spark plug. After owning 2 months goes thru at least 2 quarts of oil a week. Found out oil has been getting in the spark plugs and some needed to be changed. One of the 3 catalytic converters is out. Nothing but a money pit and large well known dealership where I bought it just said oh well.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
See all reviews

Lexus dealers near you

See all Lexus dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2003 Lexus IS 300?

The 2003 Lexus IS 300 is available in 1 trim level:

  • (3 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2003 Lexus IS 300?

The 2003 Lexus IS 300 offers up to 18 MPG in city driving and 25 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2003 Lexus IS 300?

The 2003 Lexus IS 300 compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2003 Lexus IS 300 reliable?

The 2003 Lexus IS 300 has an average reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2003 Lexus IS 300 owners.

Is the 2003 Lexus IS 300 a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2003 Lexus IS 300. 95.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.7 / 5
Based on 20 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.7
  • Interior: 4.6
  • Performance: 4.6
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 4.9
  • Reliability: 4.7

Lexus IS 300 history

Your list was successfully saved.
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare
[{"cat":"luxurypassenger_standard","stock_type":"used","bodystyle":"Sedan","page_type":"research/make-model-year","oem_page":false,"search_fuel_types":["Gasoline Fuel"]}]