Does a 2001 Lexus IS300 have a 2JZ?
The 2001 Lexus IS300 does indeed use a 2JZ engine, specifically the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE 3.0-liter inline-six. It is not the turbocharged 2JZ-GTE found in the Toyota Supra.
In more detail, the IS300 arrived for the 2001 model year with rear-wheel drive and a 3.0-liter inline-six known as the 2JZ-GE. This engine is part of Toyota’s respected 2JZ family, but it is the non-turbo variant. Power figures for early IS300 models typically sit around the low-to-mid 200s horsepower, with torque in the neighborhood of a couple hundred pound-feet, depending on the market and year. The engine is paired with a choice of transmissions, and the car is renowned for its durability and tunability within NA (naturally aspirated) constraints.
Engine basics
The key facts about the IS300’s engine configuration and the 2JZ family are summarized below.
2JZ-GE at a glance
- Engine family: 2JZ-GE (the "GE" denotes the naturally aspirated variant).
- Displacement: 3.0 liters (approximately 2.97 L).
- Configuration: inline-6 (six cylinders in a straight line).
- Induction: naturally aspirated (no factory turbocharger or supercharger).
- Turbo variant in the JZ family: 2JZ-GTE is turbocharged and used in the Toyota Supra, not in the IS300.
- Power output: typically around 215–230 horsepower depending on year and market, with torque around 210–225 lb-ft.
- Transmissions: available with manual and automatic transmissions in the IS300 lineup during its production run.
- Drivetrain: rear‑wheel drive in most US market IS300s.
In short, the IS300’s engine is part of Toyota’s 2JZ family, but it is the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE rather than the turbocharged 2JZ-GTE, which distinguishes it from the more famous Supra.
Distinctions from the Supra's engine
Understanding the engine family helps clear up common confusion between the IS300 and the Supra. The 2JZ family includes two widely known variants: the non-turbo 2JZ-GE and the turbocharged 2JZ-GTE. While both share core architecture, the GTE variant uses forced induction and higher performance targets. The IS300’s 2JZ-GE is designed for smooth, durable performance in a sedan format rather than the high-boost, track-focused tuning of the turbo Supra.
Key comparisons
- 2JZ-GE: naturally aspirated 3.0L inline-6 used in the IS300 and other non-turbo Toyota/Lexus models.
- 2JZ-GTE: turbocharged version used in the Toyota Supra and some other performance applications.
Bottom line: yes, the 2001 IS300 does have a 2JZ engine, but it is the NA 2JZ-GE, not the turbocharged GTE.
What to verify in a 2001 IS300
When checking a 2001 IS300 to confirm the engine, or when shopping for one, look for the following indicators to verify it has the correct powertrain and is in good shape:
- Engine code verified via VIN/engine tag indicating 2JZ-GE.
- Drivetrain configuration: rear-wheel drive, with the engine mounted longitudinally.
- No factory turbocharger in the stock configuration; verify absence of turbo components unless the car has been modified.
- Maintenance history: timing chain (not a belt) and routine cooling system service, which are important for long-term reliability.
- Overall health: monitor compression, oil consumption, cooling system integrity, and signs of head gasket or valve seal issues common to aging inline-sixes if maintenance has lagged.
Verifying these items helps confirm that a 2001 IS300 has the correct engine and is in reliable condition for daily driving or future performance work.
Summary
The 2001 Lexus IS300 uses the 2JZ-GE engine, a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-six in Toyota’s JZ family. It is not the turbocharged 2JZ-GTE found in the Supra, though both engines share a common lineage. This configuration delivers durable performance in a sedan package, with potential for tasteful enhancements within NA limits. When assessing an IS300, distinguish between the 2JZ-GE and GTE to set accurate expectations for power, reliability, and modification options.
