2003 Lexus IS 300 5-Speed Manual - POV Update & Blizzak WS-90 Dry Performance

2JZ-GE 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve straight-six
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Torsen Limited Slip Differential
Curb weight: 3,255 lbs
Horsepower: 215 hp
MPG: Up to 18 city / 25 highway
Dimensions: 177″ L x 68″ W x 56″ H
Cargo volume: 10.1 ft³
215/45R17 Blizzak WS-90 www.bridgeston...
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Thanks for watching!

[@corrodesthefilm]

You would never guess this car was 18 years old with 170k on the clock. Out of this world build quality.

[@ahahuehafook4207]

Lol and that 170k is nothing for it

[@gwc597]

@@ahahuehafook4207 yeah 300k is normal for a lot of older Toyota built cars

[@TheXkam]

Beautiful. I love my IS200, but I must do something with power. In Europe, the is300 with a manual gearbox is a totally exotic thing.

[@clambell9815]

Here in the US aswell.

[@jaioncebollero1168]

It is here too. I almost bought one 3 years ago. Manual, white 80k miles but he wanted 13k for it.

[@godzilla_area5111]

@@jaioncebollero1168 bruh 13k is is-f money

[@jaioncebollero1168]

@@godzilla_area5111 lol I told him that he said goodluck finding another

[@BurnedAura68]

@@godzilla_area5111 sike ISF with 100k is 25k find me one with 13k

[@ic5217]

Really lets you see that cars have grown massive compared to their last-gen versions. However in the case of this car, the uniqueness, reliability and fun-to-drive factor seems to have held up well over the years. Great review there!

[@matthewpotts3781]

Very true. Pure luxury.

[@caglioso]

Yea really. I remember seeing the new tlx videos and the thinking how gigantic it seems to the old TL.

[@garagebuddy8855]

Probably my favorite starter car in nfsmw, this was a sleeper car before I knew what a sleeper car was.

[@gryphon123456]

I lusted after one of these growing up. I just loved the gauges. The Altezza was an icon for its day. I’d still love to own one.

[@aritruths1452]

When this came out it was popping. Straight fast n furious Japan hit. Still to this day it aged very well.

[@wrightcodyj]

I always loved these things so much. A great vehicle from my childhood. I'd buy one now if I could.

[@zps2004]

I love mine, same spec with the 5-speed and the Torsen. Have 195K miles and still runs great. I will always keep mine and over time just have been doing small mods since the car really doesn't need much. Fun car to autocross and track as well.

[@bc8580]

Thank you for doing this video again on this legendary first generation Lexus IS300 manual transmission. The quality of your audio and narrative is just top notch. That 2jz engine sound - it's an eargasm!

[@DJ_Kitty815]

I owned one of these, a 2002 auto, for 5 years before a deer ran out in front of me. No power, but so much fun to drive. Butter smooth, super reliable, just a great experience. I'd love to have another one but so difficult to find a clean one.

[@zoil148]

I bought an is300 in March, love the car so much

[@andrewpage7]

I bought the 2001 model used back in 2007 when I was in high school. It was a great low hassle, sporty, practical driver. I just sold it last weekend to a high schooler, I hope he enjoys it as much as I did!

[@bcvijasiu]

I had the 2004 IS300 SpotDesign. That NA 2JZ-GE is so so smooth. I enjoyed driving it more than my S2000. And I drove it for 264k miles before I sold it. I miss it. Having it makes me want the IS500. It would be awesome if Lexus would do a manual transmission on the IS500, but I know that will never happen.

[@gogreengogreen5651]

I own a 6MT 2001 IS200 in HK and it still runs like a champion, thanks for the video!

[@jwpratt1947]

Love the engine sounds!

[@gwc597]

Yeah it’s perfect

[@cmjcj2ktn]

Classic car. Very small, but amazing to drive. I bought 3 of them before I finally had to upgrade to a more current generation. I would buy another one just for fun if I could find a clean one. I'm in a GS350 F-Sport now, but nothing drives like an IS300, it's magnificent.

[@Marcos.R.Morales]

One of the best cars ever, i got two and cant get enough of them!

[@stunnasaad]

2JZ POWAAH

[@Raffaello49996]

When I see that you will go manual, I want to watch this movie immediately. Regards.

[@Airwuk]

THE SOUND!!

[@jamestravers1800]

My is300 has a little over 215k miles on it just rebuilt the head at about 210k miles super smooth ride automatic 02 these cars are amazing

[@eVerProductions1]

The only Lexus with manuals were the 92-93 es300, I think 94-95 sc300, that is300, and the is250 is the last Lexus with a stick

[@juliomunoz5792]

My fist car about 8 years ago, man I miss this thing. Left for the Army and let my brother use it, came back and it was totaled 😭. Would buy another one in a heartbeat

[@samugooo]

So cool that the dash looks like a chronograph.

[@Trades46]

These gen1 IS are such underrated cars. Yes the E46 328i is probably faster, but while the IS 300 has held up in typical Lexus fashion, trying to find older 3ers in mint condition is far more difficult & more expensive to maintain.

[@ervin7178]

It’s way easier to find e46’s, especially manuals compared to the is300’s just because of sales numbers. But yeah E46 maintenance is definitely an experience.

[@pxKappa]

I'm not sure we ever got those over here as I can only find IS200s for sale (about 2, max 3) and for years I've looked for them here and then just to keep them in mind (always liked the dials too, and style) and they've been priced slightly under 6k euros for years... I don't think they'll ever go down 😅

[@Lucas-ix5td]

the engine has this electric car sound

[@ricepredator]

While I love my ISF, my first Lexus was a 03' 5spd IS300 like this one with LSD. What a fun car it was.

[@jTyroneVito]

The dash looks like a Paul Newman Rolex Daytona. Very fitting I must say.

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

They don't make cars like this no more. A reliable 4 door sport sedan with manual transmission. If only the new IS had this.

[@Genevagirls-h2x]

I bought one left over in 2006. Pretty good by those days standards but the gas mileage is terrible. Did the whole 4 door supra racer boi thing with it but having better and more economical vehicles at home its been sitting for a couple of years now.

[@oriondragos5876]

Crazy, after putting on some headphones I swear this car sounds somewhat like a flat six from a 90's Carrera.

[@1S1KC0DM4N]

Hey hey hey now, Lexus SC300s were the first manual Lexus cars from 92-97 but they sold more autos so it’s not as common to see a factory W58 SC300 but they’re still out there doing great

[@lpflood]

Someone in my neighborhood has the wagon version of this, I'd love to take it for a spin!

[@IomarTheWorst]

Wagon version? Those things are pretty rare to find.

[@rajarafe8736]

this would make a great first car mann

[@vexthem]

I'd love one but here where I live it's 20k for a manual and 5k for a rust bucket.

[@Blassie.P]

I think this is the first time I've seen inside of one of these things😍😍😍.

[@kotarojujo2737]

speaking of BRZ. Both Altezza (IS300 twin) and BRZ/86 have same Aisin AZ6 6 speed gearbox. But if i remember correctly, BRZ/86 Have longer 6th gear compared to Altezza but other than that they are identical gearbox. Too bad is300 only got 5 speed manual though.

[@miniblad3479]

Not only is that a factory manual IS300, it also appears to be a sport design with the exclusive two-tone interior! Absolutely beautiful car! By the way, what wheels are those?

[@shawnballard794]

Man I miss my is300 love my gx but there was something about that is300 that was so solid

[@Bus_211]

i love your videos

[@joeywilson3]

What really holds the IS300 back compared to the E46 3 series is that overly aggressive traction control system. As someone who has Auto X his for 5 years, that was one of the biggest problems that kept the car from really performing on course and on the road. It was one of the major points one of the big car review mags mentioned back in the day. I forgot which one it was. I still daily mine in MI. I'm on WS80s for my winters and they are noisy. So it's good to know that Bridgestone made a quieter tire for the WS90s. Wow I'm just shocked at the road conditions in that part of SE Michigan... not many pot holes like everywhere else, LOL.

[@jwpratt1947]

You are correct about M14 and tire noise.

[@cschleiger1991]

Michigan Brother! lol Love the channel and vids.

[@olanrewajuogunsolaray5666]

I would love to watch a review on the 2007 Is250 or the IS350

[@andynickles7505]

You should do a video of a first gen Mazda 6s (v6) manual. I love mine. It’s a blast to rev out.

[@AlumarsX]

Those engines are known to be reliability nightmares

[@3lii4Car5]

Is it a rear wheel drive?

[@gianmarcoaguilar2114]

yes

[@drivewithanam]

You are damn right! I love mine to bits and will be uploading a review pretty soon as well! I might feature a clip from your video if you're okay with it! Cheers!

[@adansolor00]

Can't wait for the E46 comparison

[@benhogervorst]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[@manlaibaatarganzorigt9049]

Please do a review on manual second generation lexus is250.

[@Darylrb1983]

I like those too. Slow but still, great cars.

[@laughchaser6939]

Best car ever made

[@syzeification]

It makes perfect sense that it reminds you of the BRZ, the j160 / aisin az6 gearbox is the same in both cars, just different revisions. Also, the diff from the BRZ is interchangeable with the one in the 300 :). Not to mention, the same person responsible for the is300 at Toyota/Lexus was responsible for the BRZ/gt86, as well as the ae86

[@logic_xxmobxx9636]

The is250 was offered in manual too

[@kraxk8077]

definitely want one

[@alphaares6027]

Nice car!😎👍

[@samw]

i’ve got a 5mt with lsd as well. great fun eorry free

[@LexusLabo]

I got a silver on black 06 is250 6 speed manual and I love it as my daily

[@Diego_Barrr]

Good looking car in 2021 🥵

[@evanburt2766]

I’ve got an 01 IS300. They are so quiet it’s ridiculous so i always roll down the windows but then you have to deal with a ton of wind buffeting

[@ricepony33]

Good to know

[@kozo61]

I'd love to have one of these as a backup car

[@jaioncebollero1168]

The is250 came in manual as well.

[@jtland4842]

I would love to have this car. Only if it had a 6-speed with a tall overdrive to get that RPM nice and low on the highway.

[@golgoth7600]

Ever tried Pirelli Ice Zero FR? They are SUPER quiet. I think they're even quieter than my all season Pilot Sport as 3

[@OleMisss]

I remember being in one of these in high school racing our buddies 04 accord v6 and that accord beat us all the way to 140 mph 😂

[@anothersiguy]

These come in manual? Lol sticks are so rare for these I honestly thought someone did a trans swap when I saw a listing for one. Really wanted one of these for awhile.

[@mike_dub_88]

in great shape, just need to restore the headlights!

[@kevinandrew_]

How do you feel these compare to the Continental wintercontact si's? I, like you, have also owned vehicles with WS80s and the contis, and I strongly preferred the wintercontacts in the dry. Do you feel these WS90's closed the gap in that area?

[@TheTopher]

Agreed, the Si's were awesome in the dry (and everywhere else)! These new WS90s have closed the gap for sure, very comparable to the Si.

[@chrisriley557]

lexus also made a few 2nd gen is250 manuals, super hard to find though

[@Harry-uq9qd]

Looks really fun, can't get past the looks of the rear though

[@SexyMistaMustard]

I had one of these growing up in a manual, I never understood why Toyota decided to shove the 2jz in this car for North America instead of the fantastic BEAMS 3s 4 cylinder that made pretty much the same power, came with a 6spd and weighed less.

[@kumingo]

Miss my is300 5speed tcm sport design it was just as clean and stock but sadly was tboned by drunk driver. Really miss this car.

[@frankb4199]

Goes to show, Never buy a bmw or merc from that generation. Props to Lexus/Toyota. As it should. Build to last, not for nonsense.

[@jackschumacher5197]

could you review a 2004 sti?

[@brandondannys-menary3678]

Have you reviewed a volvo c30? Great cars

[@4theloveofbraap]

For me TheTopher and Tedward are the same person. lol

[@CarsAndSirensA]

when you first drive at low speed, the engine whine sounds like an electric car, like the honda clarity lol

[@TMM6900]

This feels so sporty compare to later gen I. S.

[@8222_Tezza]

The only sport sedan better than IS300 maybe an Altezza. I know the difference is only the engine. I own a 03 6speed Altezza. In stock from Altezza is more fun than IS300. It has less torque, however higher revving and lighter front end make it more fun in some backroads

[@leslie7872]

i heard the gas mileage on these is pretty bad though

[@troot1967]

You are correct. They are great fun cars to drive but having to use premium and the horrible mileage they get is the downside to owning an IS300!

[@daytran8373]

is the stock exhaust? if not what is it?

[@Kacpa2]

Naturally aspirated is better, sounds better, delivers power superbly smoothly and is more reliable, better fuel economy too.

[@ak6ar5ha56]

3.0L fuel economy!!??!??

[@ByJakeRyan]

Scotty Kilmer sent me here

[@bobertbolero]

Why does it go wwwwrrrr instead of bbbrrrr

[@coleromani8420]

🙋‍♀️

[@Manman-vu8fq]

What is this?

[@MouseCIick]

i rather drive this than a gr supra

[@rforracing]

Lol it sounds like an electric car

[@frankb4199]

Also find a bmw with these miles and let’s compare. Oh you can’t. (Sorry I’m hating).

[@jarelybanez178]

Way to early

[@alphaares6027]

Same

[@Cantguardme-gx7qm]

First