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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  Daily annoyances - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By LuvMyAcura - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Whats up with the turning radius? I moved down from a larger SUV hoping to avoid the parking spot tango, only to be stuck with it for another 3 years! I also expected better gas mileage, particularly since it had little to no pickup. The factory cut my carpet too small; Nakamichi audio system sometimes didnt work; piece of trim on the back door continuously popped off; $600 ozone filter replacement at 30,000 miles; parking brake light comes on at 36,000 miles, leading you to believe youre driving with your parking brake on. No, just reminding you to check your brakes! Overall, I was thoroughly unimpressed with the quality of this vehicle.

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  Love this car - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By drbalboa - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I sold my 99 RX300 thinking that a BMW X5 was the perfect car. While the performance was outstanding, it made me drive too fast. I missed the RX quiet, creature comforts, 12 CD changer and quality (tho I never had a problem with the X5 in the year I had it I bought a 2001 RX with a Navigation system (which I love and use), heated seats, & Xenons, I added X5 Michelins and chrome mags. Now it handles nearly as good as the BMW X5 did. And Instead of 16mpg I am getting 21 (on regular gas). In short, I love this car, and it was alot cheaper.

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  Lexus RX300 - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By Lexus - April 15 - 11:13 am

  I put a lot of miles on my car for work. The Lexus is comfortable for long trips and isnt as bad on gas as the larger sport utilities. The additional addons like sunroof, six disc changer, and heated leather seats just add to the enjoyment of driving this car.

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  Rattle X300 - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Howrock - April 9 - 10:00 am

  What a disappointment this vehicle is. Ive had issues with the climate control system, rear wiper, sun roof, door handles, luggage rack, outdoor temp gage, cruise control, and alarm system. But the worst of it is the rattling glove box. Ive been to the dealer no less than 10 times trying to have this problem fixed. The dealership has been very nice to deal with and they try real hard, but somewhere along the way they keep forgetting to fix the car.

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  Love my Lexus!!! - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By Norahs - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Always dependable. Very easy to get in and out, without having to CLIMB into, like most other SUVs. Maneuvers through the snow like a knife through butter!!!

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  I love this car - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Somebody - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 1999 and love it ever since. I recently purchased it after my 3-year lease expired. Overall great car, except for the fuel economy, though thats a problem with most SUVs.

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  I love this car - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By somebody - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 1999 and love it ever since. I recently purchased it after my 3-year lease expired. Overall great car, except for the fuel economy, though thats a problem with most SUVs.

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  Big problems at 89,000 but loved my little RX300 - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By milomadison - March 11 - 12:39 am

  I loved this car and miss it but it wasnt worth the problems we ended up having at only 87,000 miles. Especially after paying what we did. Transmission issues a known problem I see now. We bought it used in 2005 with only 41k miles on it from a Lexus dealer in CA and it was certified (which means nothing). We loved it until this year, the transmission went out, which Lexus agreed to put in a refurbished tranny and we had to pay the labor $1500.00. Then the battery went and then we started having lights go on, the traction control light would not go off, then the driver window would get stuck! You would think a higher end car would be built better!

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  Great SUV - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By Steve - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV. Drives like a car and performs like a SUV. Very dependable and fun to drive. Having a few problems, fuel coils, windshield washer motor, wiring harness, less than 80k.

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  The RX 300. - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By KD - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Steering SUCKS, Car has the ever so FAMOUS Glove box rattle, and some other noises that just arent worthy of the 44K price tag (out the door.)The goodyear Intergerity Tires Look LIKE and are CRAPPY. The car rides very nice, is pretty quite, but has developed a front end Squeak that seemingly cannot be fixed @ 22K miles. It has been a good car, but the V6 LACKS the power that can be purchased elsewhere for the +40K we paid. IE, INFINITY, JEEP, Mercury! We like the car but it is ?able @ 44K.