Is the 2001 Lexus IS300 fast?
Yes. For a 2001 compact-luxury sedan, the IS300 is reasonably quick, especially with the 5-speed manual. It uses a 3.0-liter inline-six that makes about 215 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, with 0–60 mph times typically in the low-to-mid 7-second range (manual a touch quicker) and a top speed around 140 mph in stock form.
Under the Hood: The Engine That Moves It
The IS300’s heart is Toyota’s 2JZ-GE 3.0-liter inline-six. It produces roughly 215 horsepower at about 5,800 rpm and around 210 lb-ft of torque at about 3,600 rpm. The engine revs smoothly and delivers usable torque for confident acceleration, with a redline near 6,500 rpm. In the US-market IS300, buyers could choose between a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic; the manual is widely regarded as the more engaging option.
Performance Figures: Acceleration and Top Speed
The numbers below reflect common test figures from road tests and owner experience. They vary by transmission, condition, and other factors.
- 0-60 mph (manual): roughly 6.6–7.0 seconds
- 0-60 mph (automatic): roughly 7.1–7.5 seconds
- Top speed: around 140 mph (225 km/h) in stock form
- Quarter-mile: approximately 15.0–15.5 seconds at mid-90s mph trap speeds
In practice, the IS300’s acceleration feels brisk in daily driving and confident on highways, especially when paired with the manual transmission. The engine’s strong midrange torque helps it pull through gears without excessive downshifting, and the car’s chassis balance keeps power in check during enthusiastic starts.
Ride, Handling, and Real-World Driving Experience
With a rear-wheel-drive layout and a relatively light chassis for its class, the IS300 offers a composed, engaging driving experience. The steering is direct and communicative, the suspension provides a poised ride for a luxury sedan, and the handling remains confident in moderate corners. The trade-off is that road and wind noise can be noticeable in the cabin, and fuel economy is modest by modern standards. The manual transmission adds to the driver-focused feel, making it a more engaging choice for enthusiasts.
Rivals and Context
At the turn of the millennium, the IS300 competed with established entry-luxury sport sedans. It offered a distinctive engine note, strong reliability, and a driver-focused feel that many rivals lacked. While it may not have matched some rivals in outright top-end speed, it delivered compelling overall performance through a balanced chassis, strong midrange torque, and everyday usability.
What makes it stand out
The IS300’s 2JZ inline-six is renowned for smooth power delivery and durability, and the car’s relatively light weight and rear-wheel-drive dynamics contribute to a lively driving character that remains appealing to enthusiasts today.
What holds it back
For some buyers, the IS300’s interior materials and design feel dated by contemporary standards, and peak-speed numbers don’t necessarily match the high-end performance sedans released later in the decade.
Summary
The 2001 Lexus IS300 can be considered fast for its class and era, especially in manual form, with strong midrange torque and brisk straight-line acceleration. It trades some outright top-end speed for a well-rounded package—reliability, refined road manners, and a driver-focused experience that continues to be appreciated by enthusiasts and used-car buyers today.
Is a 2001 Lexus IS 300 reliable?
EXTREMELY reliable for what you get. A very good competitor of the BMW 3 Series. Toyota did a great job with this car. Powerful enough, has a nice torque, interior is pretty good compared to the BMW and it sounds and looks beautiful.
What is the top speed of the 2001 IS300?
The top speed of a 2001 Lexus IS300 is approximately 144 mph. This is a manufacturer-reported or road-test-verified figure for a stock model.
- Top speed: Approximately 144144144 mph.
- 0 to 60 mph: Around 7.17.17.1 seconds for a stock model.
- Engine: A non-turbocharged 3.03.03.0L inline-six engine.
Does a 2001 Lexus IS 300 have a 2JZ?
Yes, the 2001 Lexus IS300 comes with a non-turbocharged 2JZ-GE engine. This is the naturally aspirated version of the famous 2JZ engine, which is different from the turbocharged 2JZ-GTE found in the Toyota Supra and some other models.
- Engine model: The 2001 IS300 is equipped with the 3.0-liter, inline-six 2JZ-GE engine.
- Performance: This engine produces about 217 horsepower and 218 lb-ft of torque.
- Key difference: The 2JZ-GE in the IS300 lacks the turbocharger and some of the reinforced components, such as the oil squirters, that are found on the high-performance 2JZ-GTE.
How fast is a Lexus IS 300?
143mph
Highlights: 2021 IS 300
| 2021 Lexus IS 300 Engine Specs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trim Levels | Engine Size | Top Speed |
| All-Wheel Drive | 3.5L V6 | 143mph (Estimated) |
| Rear-Wheel Drive | 2.0L 4-cylinder | 143mph (Estimated) |
