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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  First Lexus, Not the Last - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By GeoffM - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Our first SUV,purchased with 45k and factory certification to 100k. Great ride, handling a little mushy around corners, but good for SUV. Very comfortable, and we always "feel" the pleasure of a luxury riding vehicle. Very quiet ride. Did not get the NAV system, but am planning on purchasing top-of-the-line portable system. Have tested the new Acura MDX and BMW X5, and while nice cars, we still like the RX better. This is my wifes car, but I like it so much that Im buying a 2001 AWD RX Silversport with 33k, factory certified, sports suspension that handles curves better. I never buy new; let some other guy eat the depreciation.

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  Great Car - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By vtvish - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for all types of drivers - moms, dads, singles, etc. Its roomy, yet sporty!

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  Looking forward to the next edition. - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By MILLER - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Looked at Acura MDX, Mercedes, and The RX. Wife liked the styling of the RX so we bought it. LIKES: The size and related styling is great for our needs. The ride is most comfortable and accommodates five adults easily. The quality of construction is excellent with few imperfections. Did not need the navigation system but ordered it anyway; absolutely love it! Will buy a Lexus product again even though we have owned Acuras in the past. DISLIKES: The roof rack "knobs" are most cumbersome (look at Jeeps set-up). The turning radius is too limited particularly for a SUV as short as this one.

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  rebadged Highlander - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Pete - July 6 - 10:43 pm

  Ive been driving it for about a year and the whole experience is boring to say the least. Theres little road information in the sluggish steering feel and road tracking isnt always linear and true. Braking is lousy and made artificially light. what really irks me is a wide turning circle that hinders parking and no such things as back up sensors offered. While cornering, you really feel its weight. I really feel this car is for a much older crowd. This car offers a silenced cabin and wallowy ride, yet unable to smooth out road bumps. Overall, disappointing car considering its hefty price and bad fuel mileage.

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  Great Car! - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Terry Feldmann - April 24 - 11:33 pm

  This was my first "luxury" vehicle. I bought it used and have never had any trouble with it. Smooth, beautiful ride, and nice to look at; just a little too "big" for me, especially with gas prices the way they are. Id love to have a Lexus SUV down one size like the Jeep Loredo or Ford Escape. Automatic window buttons can be funky to operate.

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  160,000 and still going strong - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By tstutz - March 19 - 9:06 am

  I bought this vehicle used with 120k miles. Aside from oil changes and new tires, Ive only had to replace the belts. Ive put 40k miles on it over the past 2 years. If you jumped in and drove the vehicle without looking at the odometer, youd never know it had 160k miles. The ride is still comfortable and the engine runs strong. My Lexus has been good to me so far.

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  A Reliable SUV That Could Have Been - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By UKFan4Sure! - January 31 - 7:46 pm

  Wow! That was my first impression driving this beauty after having two Jeep Grand Cherokees before this. It is smooth and quiet with seamless acceleration that seems adequate but not stellar. Its body lines are magnificent and its interior is well appointed and very well crafted. It has 94K miles on it now and if I didnt tell you that, I could fool you into believing it had 20K. No joke. It does have some unexcusable shortcomings, though. Something you dont expect out of Toyota. I will list those below.

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  Lexus rx300 - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By judibutz - December 7 - 10:00 am

  The most reliable car I have ever owned. I wish the look had been changed so I could buy again. Am going for the Murano. Handling was a draw back to the rx although I love this car - turning radius leaves a lot to be desired.

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  Good older SUV - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By krw5 - October 18 - 3:40 am

  I bought this with 167k on it as a "winter beater" three years ago, never thinking that with that many miles it would be as great a vehicle as it is. The only thing thats ever gone wrong is that the ignition coils needed to be replaced. Still gets 20-25mpg, passes California smog with flying colors, looks pretty good for a 14 year old Lexus. It did have the advantage of being a one owner vehicle serviced exclusively by a Lexus dealer (it even has a Lexus brand battery). I change fluids religiously and expect it to go another 100k.

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  Wifes Car - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Pete & Char - October 6 - 10:00 am

  She loves everything about it. He think it should be quieter and have a better ride/handling combo. Dealership experience with the purchace & service is excellent.