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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Money Well Spent - 2001 Lexus RX 300
By drahcir61 - February 2 - 2:00 amIve owned 2 Jeep Grand Cherokees since 1994 & although I loved how those SUVs drove, reliability & repair costs were not fun. The 01 Lexus RX300 is everything I expected ... great performance, excellent reliability, & luxurious interior. Somewhat pricey but well worth it over the long term.
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Well Built SUV - 1999 Lexus RX 300
By S. Griffith - February 1 - 10:00 amMy wife and I purchased our 1999 RX with 32000 miles on it in January of 02. We have loved it ever since. I do wish the fuel tank was larger, but that is my only complaint!!! This is a great SUV.. even afer 3 years and 32000 miles it feels and performes like new. My wife and I are both over 62" and we even fit PERFECTLY in the back seat... a HUGE surprise. We drove tahoes and it seems as if we have more leg-room in the RX. Dont let the size fool you!!! While I dont expect we will ever own a new Lexus, we will never own another type of vehicle.
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Owned 2 And Love Both Of Them!!! - 2003 Lexus RX 300
By Fred Yanner - January 15 - 12:03 pmThis is our second RX300. AWD The first was a 2000 with 52,000 miles when we bought it. It now has 227,500 and Runs & looks just like when I bought it. I found a one owner 2003, RX-300 AWD 91,100 miles on it with navigation plus other updates. Lots of nice upgrades from 2000 to 2003. Both Fantastic cars. I cannot say enough good things about the Lexus RX-300. If you want a car that will take you where you want to go, again & again & again with pure luxury car comfort, plenty of cargo space and 4WD like a snow plow this is the car you want. Knock on wood but we have had little minor problems almost not worth mentioning. #1, A window control switch acting up, #2, A windo oh wait I already mentioned it. We are now selling our first Lexus but I have not listed it in over a month. I am having a hard time letting go of a vehicle that has been so good to us. Your first big tune up is do at 125,000 miles. Timing belt, Spark Plugs, Water Pump, Maybe valve adjustment. Average cost. $2000.00, then you should be good to go for 100,000 more miles. Fortunately the first owner on our 2003 did it early. Thank You!!
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Lexus RX 300 fun, cushy car to drive - 1999 Lexus RX 300
By susan r - December 26 - 10:00 amI really love this car...For 35K it was way cheaper than most other luxury SUVs. The only problem I had with it was that the AC would go out, especially when it was super hot. Think Houston in summer. 100% humidity and 103 degrees. I brought it to the dealer in San Antonio who said they couldnt duplicate the problem. I later brought it to a dealer in Albuqerque who fixed the problem for free becuase by that time it was apparently a known bug. Also when I put sunblock on my hands, I got some on the black plastic thing around the console and caused the black paint on it to smudge and rub off.
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MY RX - 2002 Lexus RX 300
By peterpal - December 26 - 10:00 amTHE BEST VEHICLE IVE EVER OWNED. ONCE I TOOK THE TEST DRIVE I WAS HOOKED. ITS QUIET,RIDES LIKE A LIMO GETS YOU OUT OF A FOOT OF SNOW WITH OUT A WHIMPER. EXCELLENT STEREO GIVES MY HOME UNIT A RUN FOR THE MONEY. AT 70 MPH VERY LITTLE TO NO ROAD OR WIND NOISE. GREAT PAINT JOB. VERRRY COMFORTABLE SEATS. THE DAY I PICKED IT UP MY DAUGHTER, HER BOY FRIEND, AND MY WIFE FELL ASLEEP ON THE RIDE HOME. ITS LIKE A VACATION ON WHEELS.....
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Forget the monstrous SUVs! - 2001 Lexus RX 300
By ShereKhan0074 - December 25 - 2:00 amMy RX300 was the smartest purchase Ive made. It drives as smoothly today as it did the day it came off of the lot, and has an incredible service record- never had ANYTHING break. I dont understand the big deal that is being made over the LCD screen. Its not complicated! After a couple of drives to get used to it, I acclimated to the system and now love being able to see all of the information at a glance. If you cant figure out the info on the screen, you probably shouldnt be operating a 2-ton vehicle.
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2002 Lexus RX300 Coach Edition - 2003 Lexus RX 300
By Bobssurfn - December 8 - 2:00 amA pleasure to drive! Very smooth & quiet ride. I test-drove and researched luxury suvs thoroughly and this one is best in overall value for the price.
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Vibration Problems Continue - 2003 Lexus RX 300
By skeown - December 8 - 2:00 amAlthough there was always some engine vibration (with car idles at say red light) with the RX it has gotten worse and the dealer says "normal", then the extra words that even the new ones have more vibation than some cars (I also have an old Chrys. minivan, which has none>>>, and says that since the motor mounts are different in the RX, than the other Lexus cars, then it will never be "normal, just exceeding the norm...Not pleasant when you have to shift into neutral at a red light, to keep your teeth from chattering.
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Nice Car, but could be better - 2003 Lexus RX 300
By H Baker - December 4 - 2:43 pmOver all the RX 300 is a very good car! It is easy to drive as the steering feels effortless. The design is good but needs some refinements such as more room. The ride is stiffer than the MDX. Fuel economy is fair at best.
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Thrilled - 2001 Lexus RX 300
By KSmith - December 1 - 2:53 pmMy first SUV LOVE the ride, does great in the snow, Great visibility, overall VERY HAPPY with my truck ( I cant really call it a truck!).
