DecodedCars2005 Lexus IS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 300 4dr Sedan, 300 Sportcross 5dr Wagon RWD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 230 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 16 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 176.8–177.2 in
- Curb weight
- 3,285–3,411 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 18 MPG combined, 23% below the 2005 compact car average of 23.3 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 9 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Lexus IS is a compact car offered with a 3.0L 6-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 177 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,285 lb (300 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 23 highway), 23% worse than the 2005 compact car average of 23.3 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Kanegasaki, Iwate
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2005 IS configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 4dr Sedan | 176.8 in | 67.7 in | 55.9 in | 105.1 in | 59.1 / 58.7 in | 3,285 lb | 54/46 |
| 300 Sportcross 5dr Wagon RWD | 177.2 in | 67.7 in | 56.7 in | 104.7 in | 59.4 / 58.7 in | 3,411 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IS 300 | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -23% | $4,550 | 494 |
| IS 300 | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -23% | $4,550 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Lexus IS under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Lexus IS (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Audi A4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Volvo S60 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Audi S4 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Acura TSX | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Infiniti G35 | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Lexus IS.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Lexus IS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Lexus IS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Structure — 1 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Service Brakes — 1 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 109,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Lexus IS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other IS years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 IS | 22 | 185.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 IS | 25 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 IS | 25 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2023 IS | 25 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 5 |
| 2022 IS | 25 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2021 IS | 25 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 3 |
| 2020 IS | 24 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 9 |
| 2019 IS | 24 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 10 |
| 2018 IS | 26 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 9 |
| 2017 IS | 26 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 21 |
| 2016 IS | 26 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 17 |
| 2015 IS | 24 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 30 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →