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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  Love this car - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By LexusLover - March 9 - 11:16 pm

  I bought new, have had for 9 now and still in love. I now have 245k on the RX 300. I just bought an RX 350 to replace my first love. The old RX 300 is going to my daughter, and insurance rates cant be beat with this car. Expect 19-24 mpg using mid-grade.

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  Happy With the RX - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Alexis Owner - February 24 - 10:00 am

  We purchased it for my wife with 30K Miles and have thouroughly enjoyed it. I recently had an exhaust manifold leak fixed and I had the rear bushings replaced a little while ago. No maj problems and we enjoy driving it in bad weather as the visibility through the winshield is great. Pohanka service dept and salesman Terry have been great.

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  Six month owner - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Diana - February 17 - 2:10 am

  Its been six months since I bought my RX 300. We had a horrendous winter and I drove with hardly a worry once I saw how this magificent vehicle handled in the snow and ice. Traction and stability are exceptional. My only complaint is the heater didnt keep my feet warm on my hour drive to work - but, to be fair, it was in the below zero range. A very luxurious car! Gas mileage is very consistent at 20.5 mpg for both highway and city. I just wish I could get it up to 23mpg. Something about the design of the lower part of the door frame is causing the rubber trim to be ripped. Hopefully this will be covered under the warranty.

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Nike587 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. It drives really well. It is the perfect vehicle for anyone on the go.

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  honest review - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By zatez - January 31 - 2:00 am

  drove toyotas for years always thought Lexus was overpriced toyota until I bought my sivlersport what a difference!! The ride quality,comfort,handling,and the way the dealership treats you blows out toyota and I reguard toyota as on of the best products out there. It takes all the qualitys of the BMW/MERCEDES/and all other luxury makes and either beats them or does almost as good very nice ride worth the money believe it or not!!

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  Good deal - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By pabuehl - January 29 - 1:46 am

  Bought this new and in 90000 had no problems at all. Very comfortable on short/long trips and milage 18 town/25 road. Everything works just like the first day and I really look for problems so I can fix them before they become big and just do scheduled maintenance/no surprises.

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  awsome - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By doru baragau - January 22 - 10:59 am

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  Second Time Around - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By CTraylor - January 20 - 10:00 am

  The RX is my second Lexus. I owned an ES before. The RX interior is awsome, comfortable, well appointed and visually pleasing. Honestly, the exterior grows on you. In terms of performance, the turning radius really is bad and fuel economy dissapoints. But what I like least is the choppy acceleration. Lots of lag and downshifting at full acceleration. All in all though, a very nice compromise for someone who needs veratility.

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  2000 Lexus RX 300 4WD - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By Tim - January 17 - 11:50 pm

  Not too impressed by this car. Has lots of problems. Sensors go all the time, the ignition coils go a lot and they cost $95 a piece (6 of them will cost you close to $600 not including labor costs), if the check engine light comes on (which comes on all the time) the car will usually not shift into overdrive, the back spark plugs are almost impossible to change because the manifold is in the way and many many more. I thought Toyotas were reliable but I was wrong. I wont buy a Lexus or Toyota again.

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  2001 RX300 AWD w/NAV - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By drummerboy - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I love the Navigation system... although it would be nice if it responds faster.