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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  Lexus RX300 Transmission - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By abonte1 - April 17 - 9:51 pm

  After reading reviews I thought I would add to the pot. My Lexus RX 300 SUV transmission recently went out and is in the shop as I type. Waiting for the transmission place to give me an estimate. He has had it and had to break it down. It needs to be replaced he said but is still calculating the parts and labor. I hate to hear what that is...I thought these were long lasting cars if you kept up the maintenance, which is why I bought it. It has 170K miles, so I guess it did last a bit longer than some of the others I read on the blog. I hope it runs like it use to or better after they replace this transmission.

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  RX 300 poor long term investment - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By mikeb - March 22 - 4:13 am

  A nice car for the missus - she loves it, size and drivability (except for the horrendous small turning circle) - Lexus reliability on this vehicle is a myth - the same things go wrong every two years - there is nothing worse than intermittent problems that leave you stranded!

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  The review - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By i am steve - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Good car but small tires and doesnt handle as well as some others

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  Great Crossover SUV - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By MrElussive - February 24 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is extremely easy to drive. The ride is extremely smooth, and this car is just loaded with luxury. The AWD system is excellent in the snow and the car has a really solid feel overall.

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  Perfect SUV. Well, Almost... - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By BryanD - December 23 - 5:33 am

  I have owned this truck for almost a year now, long enough to know its good and bad points. Overall a great SUV with quite capable handling and performance. A few quirks mentioned below.

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  great car - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By montrose - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Own an LX470 as well. This car is a great value considering fit/finish and Lexus reliability and build quality.

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  A RX 300 Yippy Skippy! - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Mr. Hank - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought this Lexus used with 3,200 miles. Why? Mainly due to the resale value - it beats the heck out of a Hyundai Sante Fe!! Its not bad! Quality leather seats, solid ride, luxury appointed trim. After all - its a LEXUS!

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  Luxury???? - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By TB07 - August 11 - 5:46 am

  If you noticed, the annual mileage portion of this review was left blank. I couldnt comment, as I have only had my RX for 6 months, 3 of which Ive been dealing with nothing but problems. 20 days post-warranty, my short block of the engine needed replacement, as it was burning excessive oil. Lexus stood behind the motor, but left me with the $2500-3000 labor bill. Dealership was horrible-- referring to me as a person looking to get an extra buck anyway I can; telling me I didnt appreciate any of the work they had done; and my list could go on! Will never deal with Lexus or Bergstrom ever again!

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  okay car - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By dake - July 18 - 12:36 am

  this is a nice car. the dealer dave mungenast is not a good dealer. the car milage is wrong. we all exepet that love our lexus rx300.

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  The Best Lux_SUV... If you dont compare - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Bill91367 - May 19 - 12:33 pm

  One of the main reason for the purchase of this car was the handling; Its really drives like a car thats been raised by about 8 inches off the ground. Wind noise is excessive at freeway speeds for a luxury car.