What year Lexus IS 300 has a 2JZ?
The 2JZ-powered IS 300 was produced only in the first-generation version of the car, roughly from 2001 through 2005. In those years, the IS 300 used the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE 3.0L inline-six, not the turbocharged 2JZ-GTE.
First-generation IS 300: 2001–2005
To understand the scope of the 2JZ in the IS 300, it helps to place it within the model’s lifecycle. The IS 300 (code-named XE10 for the first generation) launched in the early 2000s and stayed in that form until the mid-2000s, when the lineup shifted to IS 250 and IS 350 in many markets. The engine for those early IS 300 cars was the 2JZ-GE, not the turbocharged 2JZ-GTE.
Before the list, a quick reference clarifies the production window for factory 2JZ power in the IS 300. The following years cover the standard, non-turbo IS 300 with 2JZ-GE in most markets, including North America.
- 2001
- 2002
- 2003
- 2004
- 2005
These model years represent the period during which the IS 300 was offered with the 2JZ-GE in factory form. After 2005, Lexus transitioned the IS lineup to different engine families in most regions, and a factory IS 300 with 2JZ power did not reappear.
Notes on 2JZ variants and related models
The 2JZ engine family includes both naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants. While the IS 300’s factory engine was the 2JZ-GE, the turbocharged 2JZ-GTE did appear in other Toyota/Lexus models and in certain high-performance Japanese-market variants. Enthusiasts sometimes perform aftermarket swaps to install a turbo 2JZ-GTE or other powerplants into an IS 300, but these are not factory configurations.
- 2JZ-GE vs 2JZ-GTE: The 2JZ-GE is the NA 3.0L inline-six used in the IS 300 from 2001–2005; the 2JZ-GTE is a turbocharged variant used in other models like the Supra and certain Aristo/GS-class vehicles, typically not installed by Lexus as a stock IS 300 engine.
- Aftermarket swaps: Some owners pursue engine swaps (e.g., turbo 2JZ-GTE) or other performance engines in IS 300 chassis, requiring significant modifications to drivetrain, electronics, and cooling systems.
- Japan-market context: The related Aristo/Altezza line in Japan sometimes used 2JZ variants in different trims, but those are not designated as the IS 300 in Lexus branding for most markets.
In practical terms, if you’re seeking a factory IS 300 with a 2JZ engine, you’re looking at the 2001–2005 first-generation IS 300. Later generations shifted to different engine families and did not include a factory 2JZ option.
Summary
The Lexus IS 300 that came with a 2JZ engine refers specifically to the first-generation model years 2001 through 2005, which used the 2JZ-GE 3.0L inline-six. Subsequent generations (IS 250/IS 350) used other engines, and the 2JZ did not appear as a factory option. Enthusiasts should distinguish between factory configurations and aftermarket swaps when evaluating a vehicle's engine heritage.
How much horsepower does a Lexus IS300 2JZ have?
The Lexus IS300's 2JZ engine, specifically the non-turbocharged 2JZ-GE, produces 215 horsepower from the factory. However, by adding a turbocharger, the horsepower can be increased dramatically, with modified builds reaching anywhere from 400 to over 1,200 horsepower, depending on the extent of the upgrades, as detailed in sources like this YouTube video and this Reddit thread.
Factory horsepower
- 215 horsepower: The stock 2JZ-GE engine in the Lexus IS300 is a naturally aspirated (non-turbocharged) 3.0-liter inline-six that produces 215 hp and 218 lb-ft of torque.
Modified horsepower
- 400-500 horsepower: With basic turbocharging (NA-T or "naturally aspirated to turbo"), it's common to reach 400-500 horsepower, as seen in builds that use a turbo to force more air into the engine.
- 700-800+ horsepower: More extensively modified engines, often with upgraded internal components, can reliably reach 700-800+ horsepower.
- 1,000+ horsepower: With a full-race setup including a larger turbo and supporting modifications, it is possible to achieve 1,000 horsepower or more, as shown in examples from Reddit and other sites.
Which IS300 has 2JZ?
All factory-built Lexus IS300 models from 2001 to 2005 came standard with the 2JZ-GE engine. This was the naturally aspirated, 3.0-liter inline-six engine, which was a variant of the famous engine also found in the Toyota Supra, though without the turbocharger.
- Engine: The engine was a 2JZ-GE, which is a 3.0-liter, naturally aspirated (non-turbo) inline-six.
- Years: The 2JZ-GE was the engine for all Lexus IS300 models produced from 2001 to 2005.
- Power: The engine produced around 215-227 horsepower, depending on the specific model year.
- Performance: While this engine was known for its durability, it was the non-turbo version. Enthusiasts often modified it to add a turbocharger to significantly increase its horsepower.
What year did Lexus have a 2JZ?
2000–2003. In July 2000, a hatchback/station wagon model, the AS300 (chassis code JCE10), was introduced featuring a 3.0-litre 2JZ-GE straight-six engine.
What engine is in the 2004 IS300?
The Lexus IS300's 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, also known as the 2JZ-GE, was the same engine found in the Toyota Supra, with a slightly different configuration and no turbos, producing 215 hp and 218 lb-ft of torque.
