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 RX review - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By aanderson - February 4 - 10:00 am

  My vehicle has not been as dependable as I thought a Lexus would be. However, it is a quality vehicle but costly to keep maintained.

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  Solid 4 Season Vehicle - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By bmicak - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Excellent handling in snow and ice without having to shift into 4WD. Good power and acceleration for a heavy vehicle. Very Comfortable with a resonable amount of room. Good balance of size, power and economy to run. Vehicle is well thought out and a pleasure to drive.

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  Too new to really know, hope 4 best - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Diana - November 15 - 8:13 pm

  Everyone is really impressed with the Lexus. I had originally planned to trade my 2001 RAV4 for an 05 with several upgrades, but by the time it was all added up (and a few combos of features that I didnt care about added on) it was up to $27,000 +. So I asked about a similarly priced used SUV. Thats how I got the Lexus RX300 and it has a better warranty than the new RAV4 would. I do miss the sporty ride of the RAV4 5 speed, and center console of the RX300 is unduly complicated. My coffee mug and water bottle tend to tip in the cupholders. The body side molding on the RAV4 is perfectly positioned to catch any door dings. It doesnt look like the RX300 is. Dorschels great dealership!

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  Certified Quality - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By Brooklyn - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought certified 00 RX300 AWD, premium package, 47k mi. Looks, drives, feels like new. Body style virtually the same from 2000- 2003. Shopped around for months-- Acura MDX, Infinit QX4, BMW X5, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Range Rover Discovery. Lexus probably least "true SUV" of the bunch, but it provides me with what I really NEED (AWD, safety, reliability, quality) and WANT (smooth drive, top notch amenities). Dont plan to take my luxury SUV offroad... Id buy a Jeep for that. This is a luxury vehicle that is capable of hauling 5 adults and cargo comfortably in any weather (rain, snow, shine). Its not for rock climbing, trail riding, etc.

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  RX300 End of Lease - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Buckeye - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Extremely reliable. Luxury sedan with the benefits of higher ride position. Comfortable interior.

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  A decent utility car - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By Lee - July 5 - 5:53 am

  This car had a transmission problem at 94,000 miles that caused me over $3,500. Other than that I guess it is reliable. The brake pads are incredible; I am still on the original ones after more than 110,000 miles. Has not changed the timing belt yet, mechanic recommended at 120,000 vs. Lexus 90,000. My biggest complain is fuel economy, a full tank of gas gets only 230 miles. Pick up from get go is good however it lacks power at medium speed. The suspension is a bit soft and the turning radius is too large. I would want to have a little bit tighter body. I also want to replace this one with the hybrid.

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  The good, bad and ugly - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By kolocar - June 23 - 1:44 pm

  2000 AWD, purchased used in 2011 w 110K. The good-smooth drivetrain, ride, reasonably comfortable seats. Only replaced 1 O2 sensor in first 40K miles. The bad-$$$ to fix: $1200 for timing belt/H2O pump. At 152K, knock sensor and sub harness, air fuel ratio sensor, valve cover gaskets: $2100. At 156K, front 2 catalysts: $900. The ugly: TERRIBLE MPG: Avg 16-17 around town, rarely more than 20 all highway. The big culprit seems to be the gearing - very short geared - about 2900 RPM at 70MPH. Extra weight for AWD does not help, nor do the side mirrors, the size of small flat screen TVs. No compass. Radio and HVAC controls look the same. Too expensive to own-would not buy another.

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  Performance, Comfort and Reliability - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Jose R. Nevarez - June 4 - 12:30 am

  So far this vehicle has given us great service with no mechanical problems at all. Its quite comfortable, great for long family trips, excellent power and lots of features. Services at the dealer were a rip-off though. Trying to push services like changing wipers that were perfectly fine with the oil change. If you didnt take those services, they gave you a little attitude. I was able to find a certified mechanic that specializes in Acura and Lexus that was able to service it for about 1/2 the price of what the dealer charges by concentrating on things that really need servicing. I guess he doesnt have the overhead of the dealer.

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  Very Disappointed - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By kristal1 - April 10 - 8:27 pm

  Bought the Lexus Rx 300 because of Lexus reputation of being a reliable vehicle, sadly disappointed with our experience. We bought this car 5 years ago with 48K miles on it and hoped to drive it over 200K miles. Unforunately at 100K miles the car had a steering column failure, the worst the dealer had ever seen. Car was unsafe to drive. Cost of repairs $1,700. Less than 12 months later at 112K miles the engine went. Expected cost to replace $5,000 for a used engine, significantly more for a new one. Never expected this from Lexus! at 112K miles... are you kidding me. Should have read reviews before buying it.

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  Unmatched Quality and Reliabililty - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Bison72 - April 5 - 9:13 am

  This by far is the most reliable car I have ever owned. Oil changes, tires and brakes only. The style, quiet ride and care-free maintenance has converted me to a Lexus fan for life! I keep wanting to buy a newer Lexus model but cannot justify getting rid of this SUV when it still runs and looks like new. My friends are shocked when they learn it is 8 years old and approaching 90k miles.