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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Beware of driveability - 2003 Lexus RX 300
By shmersla - October 28 - 2:00 amI have 1,200 miles on my RX and have had it in for service 3 times to try to fix the tracking, alignment problem. The car will not drive down the road straight and stay driving straight as if the front and rear wheels are out of sync or camber. I have to constantly correct the car from drifting right and left. Its as though it responds to any and every imperfection or shift in the road and will drift off regardless of whether you have the wheel pointed straight. I cannot relax and cruise with this car and must keep my arms flexed and be ready for every unexpected shift in direction. Long drives are out of the question. I couldnt be more unhappy...
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Not a Lexus Toyota Fan Anymore - 2001 Lexus RX 300
By Joe - June 9 - 10:20 pmMy well-maintained 01 RX 300 just died at 115K miles with a bad transmission. Estimated cost to repair is in the many thousands. After over 10 years of owning Toyotas (an 88 Camry, a 95 ES 300 and then the 01 RX 300), Ive changed from a die-hard fan to a never-again disbeliever. Couldnt believe my eyes when the RX just died the way it did. This after following the factory maintenance schedule and taking good care of it.
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Daily annoyances - 2000 Lexus RX 300
By LuvMyAcura - April 29 - 10:00 amWhats 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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Rattle X300 - 1999 Lexus RX 300
By Howrock - April 9 - 10:00 amWhat 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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Big problems at 89,000 but loved my little RX300 - 2001 Lexus RX 300
By milomadison - March 11 - 12:39 amI 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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Transmission Blues - 2000 Lexus RX 300
By Fuming - November 21 - 10:00 amUp until today I LOVED my Rx. It is just the right size for a woman to handle and still has power and style. But today, I was told that my vehicle needs a new transmission to the tune of $4,000...count em, $4 grand! Of course it is just 5,000 miles out of warranty. Wondering if anyone else has had this same problem. Called an independent transmission shop and they said they see it on this model all the time! Yikes, Im thinking about dumping it for the MDX. At least my Acura and Hondas have always kept running even with 200,000 plus miles wracked up!
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Stay away - 1999 Lexus RX 300
By Eddie Hairr - November 17 - 9:40 amI love Lexus and currently own two. However, the RX has been very unreliable and left us stranded on vacation two summers in a row. I purchased the vehicle with 48K miles and didnt expect any problems; however, that was short lived. Everything from electrical issues to fuel system issues has plagued the vehicle. In the last two years alone, the maintenance costs have exceeded $6K. I know, I must be an idiot for keeping it this long. The longer I try to keep the vehicle to receive a return for the maintenance costs, the more it burns my wallet. Believe it or not, the vehicle is 10 years old, very well maintained and doesnt even have 100K miles yet. The repair costs far exceed the miles driven.
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2000 Lexus RX 300 4WD - 2000 Lexus RX 300
By Tim - January 17 - 11:50 pmNot 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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MJ - 2003 Lexus RX 300
By micjohns - July 21 - 2:00 amThis SUV is more about looks and dependability versus comfort and roominess. We (a family of 4) feel crowded in ours. Two car seats, a diaper bag, book bag, a gym bag, a stroller in back, plus 2 adults make this SUV feel very confined. If the adults have the seats adjusted to perfect comfort levels, then the kids can barely get in the back seat. Plus, there is only one cup holder, low to the ground in the back that the kids fight over, if and when they can reach it from there car seats.
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RX300 2001 Problems Transmissions - 2001 Lexus RX 300
By Berny - June 13 - 10:00 amGentlemen, 2001 RX 300 has a company defect. The transmissions are failing; I have replace the transmission twice so far at 120,000 miles. I believe this to be a factory problem with the entire model for several years 1999 through 2002. I wish Lexus would step up to the plate and fix these vehicles transmissions. $2500 to $6,000 EACH REPAIR!
