Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
18 City / 24 -25 HWY
Horsepower
215
Seats
5
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Katy A
That it runs good. That it is a 5 speed..
Love the suspension, handling and comfort dislike the gas it uses and the money it requires to maintain.
accountCircle MaryJane D
It's a reliable car even for its age.
I purchased my car new and it's been extremely reliable, still looks new. I love my car and don't want to get another one to have to make payments again.
accountCircle Don Z
At this point, it might be a classic! But seriously, it's a solid, comfy point-A-to-point-B machine. Very happy with it.
As someone once told me about a musical instrument he loved, it's not that I need things to be fancy-- I need it to work. Very reliable car. The reason for getting a '03 is that it predates heavy computerized brain age. I like my car to be a car, don't need it to be a computer.
accountCircle Evan S
My Dream Car: Lexus IS300
The IS300 was my dream car the moment it was released. I have a 5spd. Stock it has enough power and torque to be spirited and fun to drive while being good on gas. The dash is prone to deteriorating from sun exposure but that's really been the only downside. Ample trunk space, great audio, and great options most people look for. It's a great platform for those who like to modify cars too, just expensive to do so. I only have to do basic maintenance, slightly more annually than my previous Honda, and just a bit more expensive. I would prefer not to have leather seats, but that's really my only gripe.
accountCircle Hope C
A college student's dream
It's just a really comfortable car for me. I'm small, don't need to travel cross country, and if my friends and I need to go somewhere then it gets us there. The gas mileage isn't awful and the interior is super easy to clean. Beyond a few maintenance issues with the engine, I love my car. Plus it drives pretty smoothly.
accountCircle Ashlyn M
Has extremely gas mileage.
No problems so far and I have had it going on 5 years. Very reliable. Small, yet comfy. Good gas mileage. Drives amazing.
accountCircle Olivia C
'03 Lexus IS-300 Review: I don't know much about cars but I know I love this one
I bought this car used with 200k miles and it's still running as strong as ever. I love everything about this car except for when I hit 85 mph on the freeway and the antenna on the back repeatedly hits the rear window. Also the AC doesn't hit the back seats very well, so my child gets uncomfortable in the heat. The car itself drives smoothly, the pedals never stick and stopping and accelerating are never jumpy. I take it in for an oil change around every 3-4 months and have never had any engine problems. It's great on gas and only takes about $35 to fill (in California). All in all, it's a fantastic and reliable car.
accountCircle james d
It has the smoothest feel a great engine and it is reliable.
I like how smooth it drives, it has good horsepower. I hate the cd player doesn't work. I hate the dents in it

Lexus IS Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
4dr Sdn Manual Trans
215 HP 22-22 MPG 5 Seats
car
4dr Sdn Auto Trans
215 HP 21-21 MPG 5 Seats
car
5dr Wgn Auto Trans
215 HP 21-21 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2003 Lexus IS Owner Reviews

4.70
10 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 70%
4 stars 30%
3 stars 0%
2 stars 0%
1 star 0%
accountCircle Olivia C on March 24, 2021
'03 Lexus IS-300 Review: I don't know much about cars but I know I love this one
I bought this car used with 200k miles and it's still running as strong as ever. I love everything about this car except for when I hit 85 mph on the freeway and the antenna on the back repeatedly hits the rear window. Also the AC doesn't hit the back seats very well, so my child gets uncomfortable in the heat. The car itself drives smoothly, the pedals never stick and stopping and accelerating are never jumpy. I take it in for an oil change around every 3-4 months and have never had any engine problems. It's great on gas and only takes about $35 to fill (in California). All in all, it's a fantastic and reliable car.
accountCircle Evan S on March 6, 2021
My Dream Car: Lexus IS300
The IS300 was my dream car the moment it was released. I have a 5spd. Stock it has enough power and torque to be spirited and fun to drive while being good on gas. The dash is prone to deteriorating from sun exposure but that's really been the only downside. Ample trunk space, great audio, and great options most people look for. It's a great platform for those who like to modify cars too, just expensive to do so. I only have to do basic maintenance, slightly more annually than my previous Honda, and just a bit more expensive. I would prefer not to have leather seats, but that's really my only gripe.

Ranks #2 Luxury Small Cars by Owners

The 2003 Lexus IS has an average owner rating of 4.70 out of 5 which ranks it #2 of 9 other Luxury Small Cars.

1
car
5
2
car
4.7
3
car
4.55

Ranks #6 Luxury Small Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2003 Lexus IS has a combined MPG of 30 which ranks it #6 of 10 other Luxury Small Cars.

1
car
32 MPG
2
Tie
car
30 MPG
6
car
25 MPG

Related Articles for 2003 Lexus IS

From the Vehicle History blog

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2008 Lexus IS Review: An Excellent Used Luxury Compact, but not Worth $10,000
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2007 Lexus IS Review: If Any 2007 Sedan is Worth $10,000, the Lexus IS is

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Not Rated

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Not Rated

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety