2005
Lexus IS 300

Starts at:
$29,735
Shop options
New 2005 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 Sport Sdn Manual
    Starts at
    $29,735
    18 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr SportCross Wgn Auto
    Starts at
    $31,105
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sport Sdn Auto
    Starts at
    $31,105
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2005 Lexus IS 300 2005 Lexus IS 300 2005 Lexus IS 300 2005 Lexus IS 300 2005 Lexus IS 300 2005 Lexus IS 300 2005 Lexus IS 300 2005 Lexus IS 300 2005 Lexus IS 300 2005 Lexus IS 300 2005 Lexus IS 300 2005 Lexus IS 300 2005 Lexus IS 300 2005 Lexus IS 300 2005 Lexus IS 300 2005 Lexus IS 300

Notable features

215-hp, 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder
E-Shift automatic transmission
Available manual gearbox in sedan
RWD layout
Sedan or wagon body style

The good & the bad

The good

Performance
Handling
Maneuverability
Resale value
Energetic responses

The bad

Instrument layout
Interior space
No manual shift available in wagon
See all specifications

Safety review

Based on the 2005 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.
  • 2005
    4.9
    Lexus IS 300
    Starts at
    $29,735
    2005 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
  • 2013
    Lexus IS 350C
    Starts at
    $46,890
    2013 Lexus IS 350C
    19 City / 27 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
Compare all vehicles

Consumer reviews

92% of drivers recommend this car
4.9 / 5
Based on 14 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.6
Interior 4.4
Performance 4.8
Value 4.7
Exterior 4.7
Reliability 4.9

Most recent

  • By Kenny from Fort Lauderdale
    Owns this car
    August 12, 2020

    Lexus is300 One of a kind!

    Best engine ever built OHC6 and best design Amazing upgrades with special care One owner for 95% of its life Great car to drive in town or on hwy
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    5 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By ColoradoCarGirl from Littleton Colorado
    Owns this car
    November 8, 2019

    Love this thing!

    I got this car a little under a month ago. It doeant let me down. Well performance and for me as a car enthusiast very fast. I love it. I have always been trying to find the right car for me and quite frankly i think i have it right here. This cars power is amazing and beautiful. Definitely a family car and definitely a road trip car. It may take premium gas but let me tell you it will last a while. 10 outta 10 reccomend. Also it does amazing in the snow!!!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Phantom black. from Example oregon
    Owns this car
    August 7, 2018

    Most reliable,5 *

    The car was amazing.The ? was amazing.I trusted the car with my life.The creation of the schematics was greatly designed.Id recommend the car to anyone who is looking for a well crafted car.The exterior components we're very stylish and the body was streamlined.The engine was built to last well beyond the time it was designed to do.Id give a big support to the design team in leu of the overall dependability.The grework was a great idea do to the underbody design and reinforcement.The engine bay was a great amount of hard work and the dedication involved was flawless by the creator.Aside from that the car was a great wish to see technology and economical advancement.5*
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By ymaksimuk from Rocklin, CA
    Owns this car
    April 4, 2018

    Reliability at it's best

    After 4 years of ownership, this car has served fantastically. No issues ever. Pros: Good looks and handling, very reliable, good power output. Cons: MPG is poor, not very comfortable on long trips.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By shtampa from Orlando, FL
    Owns this car
    March 30, 2018

    Great vlue

    This vehicle is traditional Lexus with great Japanese reliability built in. Performance is solid and predictable. Maintenance is easy and reasonable even at the dealer. Highly recommend this or subsequent Lexus IS models.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    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 Djdolph31 from La Puente ca
    Test drove this car
    March 13, 2018

    Smooth, quite and powerful.

    This vehicle is very quite. Drives very smooth and yet still has power. The interior is both luxurious and sporty at the same time. The same could be said about the exterior. To me, the car looks best in black, gray and blue. I drove a black one. Remember! Lexus is made by Toyota so you know your getting the most reliable car there is. Buy one if you can!!
    • 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 armysniper6 from Indianapolis
    Used to own this car
    November 2, 2017

    Best car I ever owned!

    From the exterior styling to the simplicity of the interior functionality you cannot go wrong. The engine and transmission are buttery smooth. Mine developed a significant oil leak at the VVT pulley o ring. Timing belt, valve covers, plugs, hoses, and a vac hose AFTER 150K MILES! Even with those maitenance issues it still ran perfect. Once fixed I would have drove accross the nation without concern. In many ways it still drove better than a brand new car. I may buy another if I can find one. 2JZ Lexus was the best. They should bring it back. Inspection showed zero issues after 150k mile service. Most other cars would be junk by then. Hope this helps.
    • 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 Luisdejesus from Worcester ma
    Owns this car
    October 5, 2017

    Good car

    Good car to drive very fast feels like it got turbo in it i own two of these cars black & white good
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    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 Toyota Lover from Florida
    Owns this car
    November 30, 2014

    2002 Lexus IS 300

    I had a 2002 Lexus IS300,and it was a great car.In 2006,the new IS came out.Made the mistake of trading mine for a new 2006 IS 250.Great car,but not even close to the old IS300.
    • 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
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Phoenix_Lexus from Phoenix, AZ
    Owns this car
    December 8, 2010

    My first Lexus

    First - a caveat. I am a longtime Toyota owner, having driven almost nothing but Tacomas (or the pre-Tacoma pick-up) for nearly 20 years, so I may be somewhat biased to the Lexus. I am thoroughly pleased with the Lexus IS300! I was looking for a nice compact luxury sports car, and narrowed the field to the BMW 3 series, Mercedes C-class, and the Lexus. I am thrilled with my decision. I have had absolutely no buyers remorse. I've struggled to find a meaningful flaw with the car. Right now the best I can come up with is that the front cabin cup-holders don't accommodate some of my larger coffee mugs, but I'm learning to adapt. The car's performance has been better than expected, reliability is outstanding, and most maintenance is cheaper because everything can be service by any Toyota dealership or qualified mechanic - dodging the unnecessary cost inflation because it's a "luxury" brand. The exterior styling is somewhat plain - a feature I rather like, but others may want something more distinctive. The interior is also somewhat plain, although the seats (with perforated leather) are very comfortable, and surprisingly, I haven't had trouble with them getting too hot - not an easy feat during the 110+ degree summers of Phoenix. In short - I LOVE this car, and cannot recommend it more enthusiastically!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Jack from San Diego, CA
    Owns this car
    March 6, 2008

    Absolutely awesome drive. Beats BMW.

    Awesome handling, nice smooth ride, great manuverability, looks great. Awesome handling, nice smooth ride, great manuverability, looks great.
    • 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 motown from north carolina
    Owns this car
    November 14, 2007

    nimble car

    I have had mine for 2 yrs. It is 5spd which is hard to find. I enjoy going around corners fast. The engine in this car is very smooth. The seats are ergonomic and the steering wheel is perfectly placed. This car is very nice, I have not gotten tired of it yet!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 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 2005 Lexus IS 300?

The 2005 Lexus IS 300 is available in 2 trim levels:

  • Sport (2 styles)
  • SportCross (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2005 Lexus IS 300?

The 2005 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 2005 Lexus IS 300?

The 2005 Lexus IS 300 compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2005 Lexus IS 300 reliable?

The 2005 Lexus IS 300 has an average reliability rating of 4.9 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2005 Lexus IS 300 owners.

Is the 2005 Lexus IS 300 a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2005 Lexus IS 300. 92.9% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.9 / 5
Based on 14 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.6
  • Interior: 4.4
  • Performance: 4.8
  • Value: 4.7
  • Exterior: 4.7
  • Reliability: 4.9

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"]}]