@@DrewLSsix I gues 2 years ago you must have been hiding in a basement. 2JZGTE's have been a popular swap into the IS 300 BECAUSE of the fact that it's basically a drop in. For the same reason people turn SC300/400's GS300/430s into drag cars. Mainly they're not at the drag strip as often because they're the newest of the Lexus cars in America that were sold with the 2JZGE. So naturally they're more expensive. As they go down in price more and more I see more and more when I'm at the track.
Yung Padawan plus the 2JZ is overengineered and understressed, so it has lots of room for power mods.but the car belongs on a track more than a drag strip. Good handling right out of town he box!
I love these old retro videos. I have an 02 Lexus is300 sedan and went with a 2jzgte aristo swap and r154 transmission all stock with working AC lol. Runs like a champ!
I have a Sportcross and love it ,Altezzas and all. Doing a 5sp swap would be nice but I'm in no hurry. Also, this may be common knowledge by now, but the IS was sold as the Altezza in Japan, hence the name of the lights.
I almost brought a Sportcross but found a better deal on a 2006 350. I love the first gen IS300. Its a great looking car inside and out and the last sedan thats manual RWD with LSD that Lexus made. That IS300 sedan looks great in that red paint I would buy one if i found one at a good price.
The Toyota Altezza was a nice little premium sport sedan back then, but not quite up to Lexus standards. I don't think I have ever seen a Lexus IS 300 Sportcross on the roads. They must be somewhat of a collectors car now due to the rarity. It would be nice to see an all new Lexus IS Sportcross and an IS F again. Until then the Lexus CT 200h will be the next best option to the Lexus IS 300 Sportcross.
My neighbor has a Sportcross IS 300 and I have a Sedan with a manual. Though I had to look for my car for 2 years before I could find one for a good price. Every other one I found which were 3 others in those 2 years, were very expensive. The owners knew they were desirable and rare so they jacked up the price and waited and waited. I wasn't going to over pay though. Since I eventually planned on swapping it to a 2JZ GTE anyway. I have the Turbo engine but I ended up buying a 1JZGTE and I now am looking for another IS 300 auto. I couldn't bare to tear out the Stock engine and manual trans knowing how rare they actually are. So that will continue to be my daily and the Auto will get swapped with the 1JZ.
I remember watching this when the episode aired. I missed that you verbally referred to the 3.0 liter I-6 powering the SportCross, but on screen displayed 2.5 liter. Lol!
Thank you so much for posting this. Only one thing, change the year to 2002 please. Since on your website does say the following "2002 Lexus IS 300 & IS 300 SportCross Program #2107"
The last interesting Lexus. Can’t have 90’s cars be the current cars forever, but I wish this style of vehicle hung around for at least another 10 years or more.
2:36 they said 3 liter engine in the video but the text says 2.4l i6 I own a 2002 Is300 sedan, right now it keeps blowing the EFI fuse. Its the only time it ever broke down on me. Ive heard its the O2 sensor that blows the efi fuse? The car shut off while driving, the check engine light came on, and the rear tail light indicator came on in the gauge cluster. I didnt know the seats folded down in the sportcross! My sedans back seats dont fold down at all. :(
I wish lexus had kept this design for more years I mean they should still kept making them today keeping them same. I wish I could get hands on these lexus is 200 or is300 I'm looking more at the sedan models because I like those also I didn't know these were made untill now.
There were a few of these in SoCal back then. They were trying so hard to be European ha. Still see Wagons of A4 and 3 series, but these all went to salvage it seems.
No. They just made less of these, I own mine and have no issues. I've seen 4 other ones where I live. It just depends on what you look out for. You won't find a salvage IS300 Sportcross, you're more likely to find an A4 or 3 Series wagon salvaged.
Why wasnt manual available on sportscross tho? Its with this stupid choice limitations. I bet more of these would have sold and price would be lower too compared to automatic.
I read somewhere that the iron block this comes with can be pumped up to as much as 1,200 horsepower! Also, it's bullet proof and very reliable in stock form.
2001 IS300: 215/hp 0-60=6.7 2006 IS250 204HP 0-60=7.9 2015 IS250/204hp 0-60=7.7 2017 IS200/241hp 0-60=6.9 2001 Lexus with slap the sh** out of today's Lexus for this bullsh**
These cars have crap interiors. The seats are nice but everything else was cheap hard plastic. Shame too because I loved the look of these as a kid, but an owner spends all of their time inside the car so I had to buy a maxima over one of these.
Remember when everyone would get 3rd party tail lights for these "Altezza lights" effect? This was revolutionary.
Prince David Right! So was the RX300 tail light as well!
Totally a huge trend. Glad it died lol
Prince David hated it then; laughing at it now!
On almost every shitbox civic and accord!! Lol
@@garagers6667 Lexus brought it back with the GX460 refresh in 2014. It hasn't caught on yet though.
4:11 "After all, how many IS300s will ever make it to the drag strip?"
Ohh, you'd be surprised....2JZ engine buddy, 2JZ!!
755hp. eh, wrong version of the motor fans dont seem fond of and the platform isnt all that popular as a drag car.
@@DrewLSsix I gues 2 years ago you must have been hiding in a basement. 2JZGTE's have been a popular swap into the IS 300 BECAUSE of the fact that it's basically a drop in. For the same reason people turn SC300/400's GS300/430s into drag cars. Mainly they're not at the drag strip as often because they're the newest of the Lexus cars in America that were sold with the 2JZGE. So naturally they're more expensive. As they go down in price more and more I see more and more when I'm at the track.
Yung Padawan plus the 2JZ is overengineered and understressed, so it has lots of room for power mods.but the car belongs on a track more than a drag strip. Good handling right out of town he box!
SportCrosses have been going up in price as of last year, @@roochiecooch.
I can't say I've ever seen one of these on the road. I've seen several of the sedans though. I love the wagon's style!
wagon is cool
I love these old retro videos. I have an 02 Lexus is300 sedan and went with a 2jzgte aristo swap and r154 transmission all stock with working AC lol. Runs like a champ!
The IS300 SportCrosses are pretty rare and I've only seen a few of them in person. Very unique indeed.
I love my sportcross, and i always will. Long live the wagon!
Saw one in the wild today, was awesome haha, do you still own yours?
Long fuqin live the wagon!!! and oh God please don’t let anyone rear end me bc I have no idea where i will find another hatch from
@@psalm302 I have another hatch
@@psalm302 Genesis G70 shooting brake - modern incarnation of this stylish wagon
Man, I remember watching this review years back. Now I'm 16 and I own a sportcross
damn I’m jealous
2JZ and a 5 speed? Always a good option.
Wow, a SportCross in Cibola Gold Metallic. They don't get much rarer than that, folks! Thanks for posting, MW! Been anxiously waiting for this one.
And the optional Nav, unicorn indeed.
These are rar as hell over here in Germany.
Only 112 registered in Germany in 2020.
One of them is sitting in my driveway!
Loving it!
Oooh! One of the rarest wagon in the U.S. Surprised you guys reviewed it.
I've been looking for one of these on the road since they came out and still have never seen one.
if you're still looking, join the IS300 Sportcross Owner group on facebook
seen two in my life
Still driving my 2002 in Intensa Blue ! :-) Purchased brand new. Less than 10K miles, still a joy to drive.
How much would you sell it for?
@@GodsFirstPrototype He is not going to sell it!
That sounds like my car. Ok, mine has way more miles on it, but still runns like a kitten.
Does yours have the yellow fog lights as well?
John says 3.0L but the screen says 2.4L lol 2:37
GT6SuzukaTimeTrials yeah, its probably confused with 24 valve
I was just getting ready to point that out, til I read your comment. Lol
classic retro mw
title says 01, video says 02
I would so own this! A wagon with rear wheel drive? Yes, please! Make mine an automatic transmission! I’d own a wagon before an SUV any day!
I have a Sportcross and love it ,Altezzas and all. Doing a 5sp swap would be nice but I'm in no hurry. Also, this may be common knowledge by now, but the IS was sold as the Altezza in Japan, hence the name of the lights.
It’s 2020 and I want this car as a fun dd bike, kayak, ski, and doggie hauler. Front passenger seat truly folds flat like the Toyota Matrix.
It's tiny!
If you want to carry stuff, this is the wrong wagon.
I want a SportCross so bad. Such cool cars. Imagine one with a six-speed swap!
I have is 300 sportcross 2jz na-t 550hp here in romania. The gearbox i use is from Bmw E60 530d, with adapter plate. 6 speed manual
@@Marakeshh post a video please
A few have a 1GZ-FE V12 swap from the Toyota Century. It fits and offers gobs of NA power and torque.
I almost brought a Sportcross but found a better deal on a 2006 350. I love the first gen IS300. Its a great looking car inside and out and the last sedan thats manual RWD with LSD that Lexus made. That IS300 sedan looks great in that red paint
I would buy one if i found one at a good price.
I miss this car everyday.Had to get the GS when we had a kid because of trunk space...Had the sedan though.
The Toyota Altezza was a nice little premium sport sedan back then, but not quite up to Lexus standards. I don't think I have ever seen a Lexus IS 300 Sportcross on the roads. They must be somewhat of a collectors car now due to the rarity. It would be nice to see an all new Lexus IS Sportcross and an IS F again. Until then the Lexus CT 200h will be the next best option to the Lexus IS 300 Sportcross.
gedaman
I found mine by complete accident. I notice that if I do not look for stuff I want. They usually find me. :D
When he said that I lol'd
im getting one for 5k. florida is packed with them down here
gedaman I just bought one in Daytona
I used to want a is300 when it came out I still will buy one as a daily driver
I was smiling the whole video this was an awesome window into the past
I'm lucky to own a Sedan and a Sportcross
You rarely see the sedan version of this on the road anymore. And you never see the wagon anymore.
I recently sold one (sedan)...You're right though,it's a rare sight.
I got one for sale here in France 180k km age.
In good shape
My neighbor has a Sportcross IS 300 and I have a Sedan with a manual. Though I had to look for my car for 2 years before I could find one for a good price. Every other one I found which were 3 others in those 2 years, were very expensive. The owners knew they were desirable and rare so they jacked up the price and waited and waited. I wasn't going to over pay though. Since I eventually planned on swapping it to a 2JZ GTE anyway. I have the Turbo engine but I ended up buying a 1JZGTE and I now am looking for another IS 300 auto. I couldn't bare to tear out the Stock engine and manual trans knowing how rare they actually are. So that will continue to be my daily and the Auto will get swapped with the 1JZ.
I see one every day. In my driveway, haha. But I actually do see one every other day where I live.
I remember watching this when the episode aired. I missed that you verbally referred to the 3.0 liter I-6 powering the SportCross, but on screen displayed 2.5 liter. Lol!
I didn't even know Lexus made a wagon version of a IS300. I only saw a sedan version. This is thing is pretty rare though.
Isn't the IS300 a 3 liter engine ?
Thank you so much for posting this. Only one thing, change the year to 2002 please. Since on your website does say the following "2002 Lexus IS 300 & IS 300 SportCross Program #2107"
84hachi I see you beat me here.
I love this video as its an old car but they review it when it was new
3:28 Also the transmission that should've been in the SportCross!
I agree, however the IS300 3.0 automatic has button shift up and down on the steering wheel- in 2nd and 3rd its a rascal!
The last interesting Lexus. Can’t have 90’s cars be the current cars forever, but I wish this style of vehicle hung around for at least another 10 years or more.
Sadly the proverbial envelope was never pushed... expect for maybe the ISF
One of the few cars I've never seen on the road . . . or knew existed
5 speed MT IS300 Wagon would be a legit DD.
XenomorphLV426 Sadly, the every SportCross that was imported into North America was automatic. Not too hard to swap the trans though.
I'd have to agree. I daily a manual IS300. Not a single complaint
I have only seen one of these in my life time and I was lIke "what the FUCK?? Is that a is300 wagon??"
2:36 they said 3 liter engine in the video but the text says 2.4l i6
I own a 2002 Is300 sedan, right now it keeps blowing the EFI fuse. Its the only time it ever broke down on me. Ive heard its the O2 sensor that blows the efi fuse? The car shut off while driving, the check engine light came on, and the rear tail light indicator came on in the gauge cluster. I didnt know the seats folded down in the sportcross! My sedans back seats dont fold down at all. :(
I wish lexus had kept this design for more years I mean they should still kept making them today keeping them same. I wish I could get hands on these lexus is 200 or is300 I'm looking more at the sedan models because I like those also I didn't know these were made untill now.
There were a few of these in SoCal back then. They were trying so hard to be European ha. Still see Wagons of A4 and 3 series, but these all went to salvage it seems.
No. They just made less of these, I own mine and have no issues. I've seen 4 other ones where I live. It just depends on what you look out for. You won't find a salvage IS300 Sportcross, you're more likely to find an A4 or 3 Series wagon salvaged.
weren't only like 1,300 of these sold in the US?
I’ve only ever seen one of these in my whole life. I talked to the guy said he bought it off Cars and Bids
I see this is the loaded version (heated seats, Nav). That brought the price up to $38k !!!
I want to say I saw at least one on the road, back in the day
Why wasnt manual available on sportscross tho? Its with this stupid choice limitations. I bet more of these would have sold and price would be lower too compared to automatic.
I have never seen one of these on the road before!
Ha, at 4:10 Freddy Mercury lives!
i had no idea toyota/lexus were even offering wagons in the US this late, never seen one of these
From what year to what year did this car run in North America? Because I have a feeling that no one really liked it
one436purcell productions 2002-2005
I had no idea this existed.
TJC450 Same
TJC450 Only 3088 were imported into North America. All automatics, sadly.
lynchburgcsi57
Doesn't surprise me lol
TJC450 The local Lexus dealer had a used SportCross on it's lot for $14,000. I should have picked it up!
PeePee2000 Yep. The 5-speeds didn't hold power as well as the autos.
Very beaitiful this wagon
The best IS
Jon said it had a 3.0 engine but the text said 2.4, i'm confused now.
YungStance ya they had a bit of a typeo hard to change now lol
Wait. THEY MADE A WAGON??
I can not remember ever seeing one of these ? did nobody buy one ? Think of what you could have bought back then for that kind of money?
We need a new Lexus Sportcross wagon. I would buy.
so wait, there was a supra powered wagon with a 5 speed manual actually made!? I need one. now.
Justin Noker nope they were all automatics but it seems like lots of people online have swapped them to 5spd
Alex Baked oh. Still something I want... no... Need.
It’s not a Supra engine.. just because it’s a 2J doesn’t mean it’s a Supra engine
It's the non turbo version of the Supra engine..
@@ThreeNTheMornin Not all Supra's we're turbocharged from the factory.
The only wagon Lexus ever made
lol 2.4 liter. .it's a 3.0 baby
Fun Fact: The Japanese version, Altezza Gita, was sold in a 6 speed manual in Japan in small numbers however it did not have a 2JZ but an inline 4.
was a fan of this one...
The best version of the Altezza was the RS200.
nice video 3:28
This existed??? Never seen one in my life.
***** Because only 3088 were imported into North America.
For once, we offer something cool in the U.S. I've still never seen one
Sad the current IS 250 has the same track times 14 years later.
Not really. Bigger, heavier and a smaller engine with less power but the maintains the similar performance.
I love wagons!
but Mr. Motorweek, this IS a 2jz!
How can a video be both too quiet to hear AND just a garbled roar? This bears further study.
2.4 liter? come on motorweek
Get a 2JZ in it and it'll smoke Hellcats if built correctly.
this just seems like a car a rich house-wife would drive lmao
My rich housewife drives a black Sportcross and absolutely loves it! So do I.
Why oh why did I sell my IS300 SportCross? 😥
If only the SportCross was offered in manual
To bad they never turbocharged that motor. Or made it out of Aluminum.
I read somewhere that the iron block this comes with can be pumped up to as much as 1,200 horsepower! Also, it's bullet proof and very reliable in stock form.
2001 IS300: 215/hp 0-60=6.7
2006 IS250 204HP 0-60=7.9
2015 IS250/204hp 0-60=7.7
2017 IS200/241hp 0-60=6.9
2001 Lexus with slap the sh** out of today's Lexus for this bullsh**
Sportcross!
Sportcross! Sportcross!
W203 review please
you can buy my S203... more Rust than Metal thouh...
Rare !
Id love an IS300 wagon for my first car...
Sportcross! Sportcross! Sportcross!
Mint!
I want it!!!!!
i would take this car in a hart swap it for a 2jz on a set of HRE wheels
I've only seen one of these in my 17 years of living
I'm on my second 5 speed is300 and I will never go to a sport cross .
Scratch the fugly gold color and that first car would have been a nice ride!
Looks like the design clay fell of the table and smushed the rear. Then they made it. 😖
Great car. I. Love my 03 Sedan, but it is underpowered
👏👏👏👏🇱🇷🇱🇷
Muito da hora 👍
Man, that music was *horrible*.
These cars have crap interiors. The seats are nice but everything else was cheap hard plastic. Shame too because I loved the look of these as a kid, but an owner spends all of their time inside the car so I had to buy a maxima over one of these.
Screw the manual transmission! There’s hardly any demand for these, and after owning one, I don’t want another!
Oh man those gauges would be a headache. Impress ya once at the dealership, annoy you for life.
your opinion though..
I know this comment is old so I apologize.
I daily an 04 IS300, and the guage cluster is one of my favorite features of the car.