Lexus IS first generation

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
| Specification | Europe | North America | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | |||
| Length | 4,400 mm RDW | – | 4,400–4,415 mm |
| Width | 1,720–1,730 mm RDW | – | 1,720–1,725 mm |
| Height | 1,420–1,430 mm RDW | – | 1,410–1,440 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,670 mm RDW | – | 2,670 mm |
| Front track | 1,495–1,535 mm ASTRA | – | – |
| Rear track | 1,475–1,545 mm ASTRA | – | – |
| Weights and towing | |||
| Kerb weight | 1,335–1,515 kg RDW | – | 1,360–1,547 kg |
| Mass in running order | 1,435–1,615 kg RDW | – | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 1,820–1,990 kg RDW | – | – |
| Towing, braked trailer | 1,200 kg RDW | – | – |
| Towing, unbraked trailer | 450 kg RDW | – | – |
| Seats and space | |||
| Seats | 5 RDW | – | – |
| Doors | 4 RDW | – | – |
| Luggage space (EPA) | – | 311–623 L EPA | – |
| Passenger space (EPA) | – | 2,520 L EPA | – |
| Performance | |||
| Top speed | 205–230 km/h RDW | – | – |
| Torque | 195–400 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 test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years and older | 74.7% (74.0–75.3) | 69.2% | 18,450 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 37.4% | 41.6% |
| Brakes | 32.3% | 36.4% |
| Tyres | 30.6% | 31.2% |
| Lights and electrics | 27.4% | 28.8% |
| Body, chassis and structure | 14.8% | 18.6% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 12.7% | 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 version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002–2004IS200 · IS200 Sport Cross | 2.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 9.8 L/100 km NEDC | 233 g/km |
| 2003–2004IS200 Saloon | 2.0 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 9.7 L/100 km NEDC | 231 g/km |
| 2003–2004IS200 Saloon | 2.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 9.9 L/100 km NEDC | 237 g/km |
| 2002–2004IS300 Saloon | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 10.8 L/100 km NEDC | 256 g/km |
| 2002–2004IS300 Sport Cross | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 11.2 L/100 km NEDC | 265 g/km |
| 2002IS200 | 2.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 10.0 L/100 km NEDC | 239 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 version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001–20052MODE CLKUP | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA | 307 g/km |
| 2002–2005 | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 18–19 MPG (12.4–13.1 L/100 km) EPA | 291–307 g/km |
Canada 4 versions
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003–2005Compact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 12.7–12.8 L/100 km 5-cycle | 292–294 g/km |
| 2002–2005Compact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 12.7–12.8 L/100 km 5-cycle | 292–294 g/km |
| 2002Compact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 12.7 L/100 km 5-cycle | 292 g/km |
| 2001Subcompact | 3.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 13.2 L/100 km 5-cycle | 304 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.





