2002 Lexus IS Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The interior is great and the exterior is good. The paint starts to fade around the handle for my car. Not sure if that's a model specific problem. Also to be fair the car is over 10Yrs old and to my knowledge the paint job hasn't been reconditioned so some fading is to be expected possibly. My main and only gripe is the mpg. It's terrible. I'm barely getting 15mpg. Granted I'm prone to driving a tad agressively. However anything less than 20 combined avg is unacceptable. I don't help myself in that department by living in NY but otherwise this is a really solid car.Feb 19, 2013

Engine: Power on this one comes from a naturally aspirated 3 liter in line six cylinder known in the Toyota circle as the 2JZ-GE. With double overhead cams, 4 valves per cylinder, Variable Valve Timing w/Intelligence (VVT-i), and Toyota's Electronic Throttle Control System (ETCS) it provides enough power to move the IS300 with some authority while still being civilized and easy to drive. Horsepower is rated at 220 @ 5,800 RPM and torque comes to the same number, although it peaks lower in the revs. The engine is smooth as glass and loves to run all the way to the 6,500RPM redline and with the close-ratio 5 speed manual transmission you can easily exceed most in town speed limits without going any further than 2nd gear. The main thing I disapprove of is the lack of responsiveness and feel in the throttle. With the electronic throttle control it always feels like the engine is a little bit behind the curve when rev. matching gears, or heel-toe downshifting. Manual Transmission: Dubbed the "W55" by Toyota this transmission is a close ratio 5 speed and bears all the typical toyota manual transmission quirks. While being somewhat notchy feeling, it shifts smoothly with little efffort and there is never a problem finding your next gear. Gear engagements don't exactly feel solid, but they aren't too soft either. Shifter throw is a hair longer than necessary, but not to the point that you'll feel like you've been hired on at the local trucking company. Clutch feel is mushy and unresponsive with the factory "Clutch Dampening Device" (CDD) in place although it's a problem easily solved if you have a friend to help you and a bit of mechanical knowledge. Overall it's a good match with the car and you'll find that the combination of close ratios and rear end gearing allow you to leave stoplights with some authority. Drive Axle/Suspension: Power goes to the rear wheels via a fully independent rear suspension setup. This allows for surprising handling characteristics especially when taken into account that this car is not only a 4 door sedan but still has reasonable ride quality as well. Front suspension is also fully independent with rack and pinion steering. Steering is geared to be sharp and responsive but not so much that you'll be cutting through three lanes of traffic whenever lean over to adjust the radio. The rear differential is geared at 3.73 for Manual transmission cars and may be equipped with the optional torsen Limited Slip Differential (LSD). Brakes: Brakes lack a bit of initial grab although there is more than enough stopping power on tap. Pedal feel is good and they are smooth and controllable all the way to a stop. Smash on the brakes and the "brake assist" feature kicks in applying maximum braking pressure coupled with the ABS system bringing the car to a stop quickly enough to put any unsuspecting passenger into the dashboard. Although for true performance driving it could probably use a little bit more, the factory brakes are more than ample for street use. Sound System: The factory sound system includes stock component style speakers up front with standard coaxial speakers in the rear. The head unit is a six- disc CD changer with cassette tape deck. The sound is extremely balanced with a surprising amount of clarity and is not overcome with too much low, mid, or top end. Options for sound equalization and distribution include Bass, Mid, Treble, Fader (Front/Rear), and Balance (Left/Right). My only complaint here is that the CD changer is more than temperamental and likes to jam and/or eat CDs from time to time. Overall Build Quality: Overall build quality of the car is very good as should be expected of a luxury car company such as Lexus. The interior, while somewhat sparse compared to most of the Lexus lineup, is well put together and doesn't rattle or make noise when driving down bumpy roads. Everything in the interior is lined with felt and and foam so as to prevent rattling or unnecessary noises. Wind noise is low although the 17" wheels and low profile tires make themselves known more so when hitting bumpy or rough patches on the freeway. Exterior panel gaps are uniform and doors shut smoothly and easily. Safety: This car was rated 5 stars by the NHTSA in 2001 and is equipped with side curtain airbags, front air bags - both driver and passenger. Features such as ABS, Traction Control, and Brake Assist also help prevent potential accidents. Adverse Weather Conditions: While driving this car over the course of a year it has never failed to start and has always gotten me where I needed to go. With good winter tires and the factory Limited Slip Differential you'll have no problem driving in winter weather. The "Snow" mode and Traction Control System sense wheel slip and cut engine power accordingly to aid traction but can easily be turned off for a little bit of parking lot fun if you so desire. No it isn't an AWD or 4 wheel drive vehicle but in my opinion you'd be hard pressed to find a front wheel drive car that can out run it in the snow when equipped properly. Reliability: So far I've had no problems with the car. Although some maintenance items and replacement parts may be expensive, overall cost of ownership is low. Fuel Mileage: Usually around 25mpg @ 75mph highway. In town all depends on your driving style, but it shouldn't be too hard to see 20-22mpg. Nov 30, 2011

The IS is a great overall sport sedan. It could of course handle a little better, or go a little faster, but then I would have more speeding tickets. it is pretty comfortable all the way around. I have had to change the brakes, and plugs, and currently it has a check engine light on, but it is just the way things go right now. i have gotten allot of good use out of it, and still expect more. Mar 21, 2011