This question has probably been answered before, but I did multiple searches and read the past 100 days of posts with no answer. This should be in a FAQ as well.

What are ALL the changes between the '01 IS300 and the '02 IS300? Then, what are the changes between the '02 and '03 IS300?

What I've collected so far is the '01 did not have a cup holder, but one was added in '02; then it was changed for '03. Can a cup holder be added? I've also read (on carpoint.com) that there were minor exterior changes made from '01 to '02. If so, what are they? Are there any other changes? I realize that a manual and leather were offered in '02, but I'm looking for an auto with escaine and debating on an '01 or '02 Certified Pre-Owned.

thanks in advance,

John H

 

From Edmunds.com:

What's New for 2003
Other than having some new wheel designs, the IS 300 is unchanged this year

What's New for 2002
Once a goal is set, Lexus is not a company to dillydally. Witness the 2002
IS 300. After just one year on the fiercely contested entry-level luxury
sport sedan battlefield, Lexus has quickly moved to address the IS 300's
short list of faults. A five-speed manual transmission is available, and
it comes packaged with a sportier suspension than what is offered on the
"regular" IS 300. The luxury side of the equation has also been upped.
A navigation system and an all-leather interior are optional this year,
and the rearview and driver-side mirrors are auto-dimming. Safety is also
enhanced with the addition of head-protecting side curtain airbags
(in addition to the regular side airbags), a BrakeAssist function and a
stability control system. And for all of those golden retrievers out there
tired of riding around in numbing RX 300s, take notice that Lexus has
expanded the IS 300's lineup with a wagon version.

 

The '01s did have a cupholder, but lacked an armrest. The armrest was added in '02. Also, supposedly the '02 had slightly different springs that gave the car a little more ground clearance.

 

yeah, i think cup holders are the major improvement on 03. also, full leather and nav are new stuff for 02

 

also i think they put a chrome trim around the speakers in 02 and added a compass in the rearview in 03

 

My '02 has a compass in the rear view mirror. This feature must have been added to the 02' if the 01' didn't have it.

While we're talking about this, can someone post a pic of the new 03' cup holders?? Thanks..

 

you guys crack me up. are cup holders really that important?

 

well they are 10x better then the '01 cupholders.. and u cant hold the extra large slurpys in the 01 cup holders

 

oh definitely. the cup holders on my 98 gs4 was retarded... it couldn't hold anything without spilling and stuff. changed to the 01+ cup holders and now it's really holding eveything

 

trust me, you try having a car WITHOUT cup holders for 4 years, then come back to me and say that. YES, it is that important

but seriously (i know it's hard to make such a big issue with a cup holder, but hey), it is, it's a pain in the *** trying to drive with a cup between your legs, and in some cases, even moreso when you're driving stick!

 

The '01 is pretty much a POS. Doesn't drive or handle anywhere near as well as the 02 in stock form. The '01 shifts like sh*t. The seats are way too soft. And is way too floaty. I'd stay away from the '01 if you're in the market for a used IS. I have an '01, so I'm not just posting to talk sh*t.

(seriously, the entire word s h i t has to be edited out? is profanity actually THAT bad?)

 

i have a 2003 IS. you still cant put a X large slurpy cup. however..you can take out the middle divider separting the 2 cups and put your X large slurpy. is this new..i dont know..i dont know what the previous years is.

 

The '02 and newer have black taillights instead of chrome on all models, I believe except white and silver colored ISes.

 

i was in the market for an 01 is300, so i should stay away from them and get an '02 and up?

 

well the 01 just has less gadges, imho 02 up is better for the price