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:
Showing 11 through 20 of 403.00-
RX 300 - 1999 Lexus RX 300
By Disappointed - June 7 - 6:56 pmPaid cash for this beautiful car in the summer 2.5 years ago. I have since put so much money into repairs that I dont know what to do. Ive put less than 12,000 miles on it in 2.5 years and spent thousands. First - O2 sensors (TWO) at once, then electrical, which NO one but Lexus will touch and will probably run me thousands at 90 an hour. I suddenly had no control over heat, radio, - anything on the console. Now, as of today it is parked because of yet another problem. Seems like horrible mix of gas - O2 sensors again??? I cant even limp it to the dealer this time. Second owner. Now I know why he got rid of it.
-
Transmission break down. - 2001 Lexus RX 300
By saimatha - December 28 - 12:23 pmI have 115000 miles. The transmission had failed on the freeway. Cost to have it fixed with a remanufactured transmission from same dealer is $3400. Surprized to find this failure at 115000 miles. did not have this problem with US cars even with mileage more than 150000. Are we blind sighted to the quality of Lexus? This dos not complain about the failing door locks and engine light on etc.
-
yep - 2001 Lexus RX 300
By dfksj - November 7 - 10:00 amthis is a very nice vehicle. im thinking about buying the new 330 series. Maybe next year or the year after, even decent milage !!!
-
You must test drive it at highway speeds - 2003 Lexus RX 300
By shmerls - September 18 - 2:00 amIt drives great in the city, badly on the highway. The front feels heavy and you have to steer it all the time. It doesnt just cruise straight. The steering is progressive power steering which gets more like manual steering the faster you go. Feels like a truck without power steering on the highway. This makes highway driving tedious and tiring - your arm muscles are always slightly flexed like isometrics. The CD and AC and heater controls are confusing and not intuitive. If you lower the steering wheel, you cant see the blinkers or the mirror controls. The estimated gas mileage is not accurate. Im only getting 16 mpg. I am VERY sorry I bought it.
-
Worst Car Ever Purchased. - 2000 Lexus RX 300
By Upset with Lexus - May 5 - 5:13 pmI bought this car for reliability and have put so much money into repairs on this car that Ive exceeded the value of the car. At 110,000 miles the transmission went out! (I thought Lexus built quality) I have had to replace 4 oxygen censors at the tune of $450 each. The engine now leaks oil. Just got new oxygen sensor last week & various other repairs ($800) today the check engine light came on again!! I am so disappointed in Lexus. I contacted them about the transmission problem which 1000s of people are having and received nothing! I thought when I bought Lexus I was buying a great car that would last forever!! NOT!! U need to trade this car at 80000.
-
Lexus RX 300 2000 - 2000 Lexus RX 300
By pbowman - January 31 - 9:43 amThe transmission went out without warning. I called Lexus, they said sorry about your luck. It will cost me $4200 to start for a reconditioned transmission. My mechanic said this model transmission is in such demand they are difficult to find. The name Lexus is nothing to me now!
-
Lexus, NEVER AGAIN - 1999 Lexus RX 300
By RX300 - December 22 - 1:50 amThe Lexus RX300 is all about look and false reputation. I bought this 99 RX300 108K 8 months ago hopping to have a reliable vehicle at least for 50K based on Toyota/Lexus false reputation and transmission blew at 120k, then I saw on the web forums that is very common on RX300 transmissions blowing under 100K (90, 80 or 75K). Lexus RX300 is a piece of crap. Overpriced to buy, insane to fix. Next time I will definitely go with Ford or Chevy family. I will recommend it to my worst enemy.
-
Many issues for luxury car - 2003 Lexus RX 300
By rx300hater - December 6 - 5:06 pm96K miles and trans is shot. power door locks do not work, power window works sporadically, had numerous check engine light issues, replaced sensors many times, dash light went out, steering wheel squeaks, these "luxury" cars will nickel and dime you to death, Never had so many problems with a non-luxury car.
-
reliable Japanese car - 2002 Lexus RX 300
By concord lexus - September 5 - 10:00 amPretty good car. Still trying to get use to poor design of radio/climage control. Quality of paint is not nearly as good as European cars.
-
bad bad car - 2001 Lexus RX 300
By plipps - August 16 - 7:20 amI purchased my car drove it for less then two years, I replaced the transmission in it 3 times and right now it this very moment I need another transmission I paid out more for transmissions than the car cost me. I loved the car that is why I tried to keep it but it put me in the poor house, shame on Lexus
