Overview & Reviews

Lexus knows what its customers like and seldom slips up when it introduces a new model. This solid competence was exemplified by the company's RX 300 luxury midsize SUV. As one of the first entries in the crossover luxury SUV segment, the RX provided a high seating position, available all-wheel drive and generous cargo capacity but without the typical truck-based SUV side effects of poor fuel economy and a stiff ride.

With its handsomely trimmed cabin, velvet-smooth powertrain and polished overall demeanor, the Lexus RX 300 had a lot going for it, especially for folks who prized a serene driving experience over a more sporting one. It quickly became a hit and during its run it was often not only Lexus' best-selling model, but also the top-selling luxury SUV in the United States as well.

The Lexus RX series continues to be a very popular choice, with the original 300 being succeeded by the RX 330 and RX 350. As a choice for a used luxury crossover, the RX 300 shines, especially when the model's stellar records for build quality and reliability are factored in.

Most Recent Lexus RX 300

The five-passenger RX 300 was essentially a single-generation model that ran from 1999-2003. Its successors, the RX 330 and RX 350 sported revamped styling and larger V6s as indicated by the numerical part of their names.

Available with front-wheel drive or traction-enhancing all-wheel drive, the Lexus RX 300 came in one trim and was powered by a 3.0-liter V6 (220 horsepower and 222 pound-feet of torque) paired to a four-speed automatic transmission. Towing capacity, at 3,500 pounds, was on the light side.

Luxury features such as 16-inch alloy wheels, foglights, automatic climate control, full power accessories (including front seats and "auto-down" windows in all doors) and a cassette player came standard on the RX 300. Standard safety features included antilock brakes and front-seat side airbags.

For 2001, the Lexus RX 300 received a midcycle refresh that brought refreshed styling and newly standard safety features including stability control (dubbed "VSC") and brake assist. A handful of new options debuted as well, including a DVD-based navigation system, HID headlights, chrome wheels and a wood-rimmed steering wheel. Choosing not to mess with success, Lexus made no significant changes to the RX 300 for its final two years.

In our reviews of the Lexus RX 300, we appreciated the vehicle's low step-in height, comfortable seats and excellent outward visibility. Performance was respectable for a 2-ton vehicle with a 0-60-mph sprint of 8.8 seconds, while the transmission furnished smooth gearchanges, holding a gear when needed and stepping down promptly.

Long road trips had the RX 300 in its element, as it gobbled up large amounts of interstate effortlessly while providing occupants with a hushed, supple ride. Additionally, the backseat's ability to slide fore and aft nearly 5 inches allowed parents to more easily reach their children in car seats. In terms of handling, the RX 300 felt planted and precise, though the soft suspension allowed a fair bit of body roll when pressed in turns.

Gripes centered around so-so mileage (around 17 or so mpg) and a gimmicky center stack screen that, considering it displayed only temperature and trip information, didn't really need to be so large.

User Reviews:

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  PERFECT SUV - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By bryce - August 15 - 7:06 am

  I LOVE MY LEXUS RX300. Everything about the car is absolutely perfect. It is quick off of the line and handles very well. The interior is beautiful and very comftorable. There is plenty of space and it sits the perfect height off of the ground. THE STANDARD SOUND SYSTEM IS AMAZING. I love everything about it.

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  Outstanding vehicle - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Mike - August 11 - 5:30 pm

  I love it. I can never go back to any of the vehicles I had before. Its a dream to drive.

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  Lexus Rx 300 - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By edrosen@shaw.ca - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle is very comfortable to ride in, almost car like, in ride and handling. Reliability and quality are excellent.

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  Great car. - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By pdriver - June 26 - 10:00 am

  A great combination of luxury and practicality. This car is equally at home in an upscale social scene or hauling home plants and potting soil. Mileage is excellent for SUV; average of 20 MPG in mostly in-town driving. Would definitely purchase this vehicle again.

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  Great Value!!! - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Happy Lexus - May 5 - 10:00 am

  At the convergence of great quality at a fair price, you have value. It is has plenty of power. Great traction even in the rain & snow. Very comfortable.

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  I love my RX 300! - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By skelco11 - April 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Lexus but first RX. Drives just like a car. Its easy to handle, and it has everything Ive come to love in the Lexus brand: smooth ride, luxurious interior, easy-to-read display.

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  01 RX300 - Super SUV - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By jbruce - April 18 - 5:20 am

  We bought a Vapor Blue, 01 RX 300 with Premium Package, HID Headlights, Roof Rack and auto dimming mirrors. Have only had it a few weeks, but it is one of smoothest and quietest riding vehicles weve had. Shifts very smooth, and the black leather interior is classy and comfortable. The gas mileage is not near as good as our older Honda Accord, but it has a larger engine and weighs more. This is a great car and was worth the $19,000 we paid. Both Toyota and Lexus hold their value about as good as any brand, so dont expect to find one "cheap". We looked at several RXs, but this one with 70,000 seemed to be about the best deal we could find. We cant wait for winter and some snow!

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  My Lexus review - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By e. chin - April 16 - 10:00 am

  The car is a very good riding car. We have taken it on several trips and it cruises at highway speeds very comfortably. All our friends that ride in the back seats says it is a very comfortable riding car. The car also serves well when I have to carry larger objects that a regular sedan cannot handle. Dealer service has been excellent (South Bay Lexus)

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  maliks review - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By maliksul - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Excellent suv good in snow, this is my second lexus and I wouldnt have any thing else. the only problem is gas mileage.

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  We did our homework - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Boiseyankfan - March 20 - 2:00 am

  To anyone looking at these 4 SUVs. Acura MDX, BMW X5, and the Mercedes. We compared everything. Lots of on- line work and dealerships.However, the Lexus up tops in almost every category and we got the car for $34k. The Acura would have been $43k. The Mercedes was $39k and the BMW was outta site at $49k. All with basically the same features. The Lexus rides/feels like a car and the others feel like a truck. So.. with the warranty and awesome Lexus service, if your looking to have your cake and eat it too, this is it. The RX has it all. This is not an offroad SUV. Its a luxury street SUV, so instead of getting it dirty, turn some heads!