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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  Disappointing - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Jerry Kaye - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I am a little disappointed in the car. Ive had to replace the ignition switch, and now the check engine light comes on. Some say its an O2 sensor, another shop said it was an exhaust leak. I did however, detect a leak when it was on the lift.

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  Cool RX3 00 - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By gq008 - February 22 - 4:50 am

  Bought My 2001 RX 300 used in Sept 005. I test drove a new Murano, used X5, MDX, Highlander and a bunch of domestic SUVs. None of them rode as smooth and quiet as the RX. The good thing about the RX is that it only requires 87 or above octane. However, my best mileage has been 19 mpg. I average about 17 mpg. But I have a very heavy foot. I disliked the two tone of my RX. So I painted the models to match the paint on the body. The Silversport or Coach edition alleviates this problem but are very rare to find in the AWD. And I test drove the silversport and the b/c of the sport suspension the ride was not at all smooth. However, My RX will be replaced with another RX if and when I decide to get rid of this one.

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  There is always one! - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Richard D - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Guess Im just the luck one. I have had nothing but problems, defective fuel guage, defective outside temp guage, cracked leather seat, scratched glass, over 25 paint chips, incomplete "clear bra" that resulted in more paint damage and parts replacement, dealer induced body damage. This is my second RX 300, and I regret the day I bougtht it!

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  RX 300 - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By dlsjetta - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Good suv, but would of rather of had the 04 330 model. The 04 has more of what I want. WE averaged 15.8 in the city and 16.0 on the highway in gas milage. I could get the same gas milage with a V8 and more power too!!! When the sunroof is open you get a bad wind like nose with the wind defector down and/or if one of the windows opened. It buggs!!! Service is way to exspenseve, but you atleast get a free rental car. You should for the price they charge! Other than that it is a good suv. I would recomend it to anyone. Every car, truck and suv has its downs sides! As my dad would say " It is a 100 times better than an American SUV"!!!

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  Dont judge an RX by its cover - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By J the Cube - November 12 - 10:00 am

  The car looks and feels great. But I am truly dissapoimted with Lexus. The laundry list of problems has me running from Lexus. From the now twice broken back hatch door shocks, the dried out & cracked front window channels, the needed lubrication of the back windows, the bad idle control valve, the noisy brake pads....and this car only has 31K miles!

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  Expensive with problems - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By ExpensiveFun - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I was so happy with my 96 ES300 I got an RX300 for winters. What a disappointment. Within a year I had it in 3 times for the same problem. I never had service other than oil changes on the 96. It rattles alot. I just had my 45,000 maintenance and feel as though I got charged $90 an hour for labor when it looks no different and I have no proof for what was done.

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  lEXUS RX300 REVIEW AFTER 10 YEARS - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By nahash - July 24 - 4:53 am

  Hi, I have this car for 10 years now with 220k In general it was a great car very comfi to drive. It had few small problems but 2 problems that I want to share with all potential owners. One is with the anti lock brake sensors. During the 10 years had to change 2 anti lock sensors. 1000$ cost for each.Lexus built the antilock sensor into the drive shafts so there are 4 sensors in this car as it is a 4 wheel drive ( 4 shafts). In order to change the sensor the shaft must be replaced with a cost close to 1000$. Other issue is the timing belt. This model has a timing belt that must be changed around the 180k with a cost to the customer of close to 1000$. so be aware this is what you will face

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  OK Drive -- Overpriced - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By cajhawk - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Basically a Toyota with the "consumer- based" sales and marketing of Lexus. Fairly enjoyable car, but a bit overpriced for what you get. Definitely worth waiting for a used one after depreciation. Love the navigation system; dont get without it!

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  disappointment for 40k - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By cfeaton - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Too many rattles, squeeks, creaks and little stuff to worry about -- very un- Lexus-like. Dealer talks a good game but usually does not fix problems on first try. Two service occasions have required me to return car to fix problems that they created during service! Hmmmmmmmm. Superb ride and suspension. Great drive. Velvet drivetrain. Beautiful styling. Great traction. Very good utility. I would try something else next time. Sorry.

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  Toyota Quality Gone Astray - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By ukfan4sure! - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This is a very nice riding vehicle. For the most part reliable, but when it hits you, it hits you hard. Every since I have owned this vehicle, it has stumbled, sputtered, and fell on its face at random times of its own choosing. I have had it into the shop many times and most of the time they replace the components most likely to cause the problem based on the "codes" it throws. No fix. Ever. It is so unreliable, my wife says NEVER AGAIN will we buy Lexus. NOW, we find out that the transmission is going out (with regular maintenance given) and this is just the last straw. Its gonna cost us $4 grand to fix. Wow. Now Im even saying NEVER AGAIN. What a shame for such a nice vehicle.