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Lexus IS

JDM · Lexus

Lexus IS: Lexus compact luxury sedan. The first-generation IS300 (2001-2005) is a popular tuner platform. Modern IS500 h
Photo: Elise240SX / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Lexus compact luxury sedan. The first-generation IS300 (2001-2005) is a popular tuner platform. Modern IS500 has the IS F V8.

The Lexus IS is a compact luxury sedan produced since 1999. The IS positions itself as Lexus entry-luxury sport sedan competing with BMW 3-Series and Audi A4. Multiple generations have refined the formula. The first-generation IS300 (1999-2005) became a popular tuner platform due to its 2JZ-GE engine compatibility (similar to the 2JZ-GTE in the Supra Turbo). Modern IS variants include the IS300 (turbocharged 2.0 four-cylinder), IS350 (3.5 V6), and IS500 (5.0 V8 from the discontinued IS F). The IS500 is the current performance variant, providing IS F-era V8 character in the modern IS chassis. On WhipJury, IS submissions are particularly active among tuner enthusiasts. First-generation IS300 with 2JZ swaps and modified Lexus IS500 examples are common.

IS variants and generations

First IS300 (1999-2005). 2JZ-GE engine. Popular tuner platform.

Second IS (2005-2013). Larger, more refined.

Third IS (2013-present). Current generation. IS500 V8 from 2022+.

IS500 (2022+). 5.0 V8, 472 horsepower. Modern IS F successor.

Frequently asked questions about Lexus IS

Is the IS300 the same as the Toyota Altezza?
Yes, in JDM markets. The first-generation Lexus IS300 was sold in Japan as the Toyota Altezza. The cars are mechanically identical; the Lexus badging was used in export markets. JDM Altezza variants had some equipment differences and the manual transmission as standard.
Why is the IS300 so popular for swaps?
The first-generation IS300 (2001-2005) shares a platform with the JZX110 chassis used in JDM Toyota sedans. That makes it well-suited to 1JZ-GTE and 2JZ-GTE engine swaps, which are popular in the drift community. The chassis is balanced, the parts are abundant, and the price point is low for a swap candidate.
Is the IS500 a real performance sedan?
Yes. The IS500 (2022+) uses the 5.0 V8 from the discontinued IS F, making 472 horsepower. It is the modern IS F successor and competes with BMW M340i (not M3 Competition) and similar mid-tier sport sedans. Production is limited.
Are old IS300s reliable?
Yes, the 2JZ-GE engine is durable. The chassis is robust. Common issues are typical for cars now 20+ years old: suspension bushings, age-related electrical concerns. The first-generation IS300 is one of the more reliable used Lexus options.
How much does an IS cost?
Used IS300 (first gen): $5,000-$15,000+. Used IS350: $15,000-$35,000+. New 2024 IS: starts around $43,000. New IS500: around $65,000+. The first-generation IS300 provides accessible Lexus tuner platform.

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