Lexus IS first generation

Lexus IS first generation
Photo: IFCAR / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

The Lexus IS first generation (2001–2005): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 12 versions in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

Model codes: XE10

Dimensions, weights and capacity

SpecificationEuropeNorth AmericaWikipedia
Dimensions
Length4,400 mm RDW–4,400–4,415 mm
Width1,720–1,730 mm RDW–1,720–1,725 mm
Height1,420–1,430 mm RDW–1,410–1,440 mm
Wheelbase2,670 mm RDW–2,670 mm
Front track1,495–1,535 mm ASTRA––
Rear track1,475–1,545 mm ASTRA––
Weights and towing
Kerb weight1,335–1,515 kg RDW–1,360–1,547 kg
Mass in running order1,435–1,615 kg RDW––
Gross vehicle weight1,820–1,990 kg RDW––
Towing, braked trailer1,200 kg RDW––
Towing, unbraked trailer450 kg RDW––
Seats and space
Seats5 RDW––
Doors4 RDW––
Luggage space (EPA)–311–623 L EPA–
Passenger space (EPA)–2,520 L EPA–
Performance
Top speed205–230 km/h RDW––
Torque195–400 Nm ASTRA––

Tyre sizes (most common first): 205/55R16, 225/40R18, 225/45R17, 245/45R17, 255/40R18, 215/45R17

Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia, ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), US EPA fuel economy data, Traficom type approvals (Finland). Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reliability and owner reports

UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age

Age at testPass rateUK averageTests
13 years and older74.7% (74.0–75.3)69.2%18,450

What the MOT finds

AreaThis modelUK average, same ages
Suspension37.4%41.6%
Brakes32.3%36.4%
Tyres30.6%31.2%
Lights and electrics27.4%28.8%
Body, chassis and structure14.8%18.6%
Noise, emissions and leaks12.7%17.1%

First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)

Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)

146 complaints for model years 2001–2005. 29 crashes · 4 fires · 27 injuries

  • Body and structure 30

Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints

All 12 versions of the Lexus IS first generation

United Kingdom 6 versions

New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.

Years and versionEngineFuelGearboxConsumption (combined)CO₂
2002–2004IS200 · IS200 Sport Cross2.0 LPetrol6-speed manual9.8 L/100 km NEDC233 g/km
2003–2004IS200 Saloon2.0 LPetrol6-speed manual9.7 L/100 km NEDC231 g/km
2003–2004IS200 Saloon2.0 LPetrol4-speed automatic9.9 L/100 km NEDC237 g/km
2002–2004IS300 Saloon3.0 LPetrol5-speed automatic10.8 L/100 km NEDC256 g/km
2002–2004IS300 Sport Cross3.0 LPetrol5-speed automatic11.2 L/100 km NEDC265 g/km
2002IS2002.0 LPetrol4-speed automatic10.0 L/100 km NEDC239 g/km

United States 2 versions

Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.

Years and versionEngineFuelGearboxDriveConsumption (combined)CO₂
2001–20052MODE CLKUP3.0 LPetrol5-speed automaticRear-wheel drive18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA307 g/km
2002–20053.0 LPetrol5-speed manualRear-wheel drive18–19 MPG (12.4–13.1 L/100 km) EPA291–307 g/km

Canada 4 versions

Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).

Years and versionEngineFuelGearboxConsumption (combined)CO₂
2003–2005Compact3.0 LPetrol5-speed automatic12.7–12.8 L/100 km 5-cycle292–294 g/km
2002–2005Compact3.0 LPetrol5-speed manual12.7–12.8 L/100 km 5-cycle292–294 g/km
2002Compact3.0 LPetrol4-speed automatic12.7 L/100 km 5-cycle292 g/km
2001Subcompact3.0 LPetrol5-speed automatic13.2 L/100 km 5-cycle304 g/km

Similar models from other brands

Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.