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 101 through 110 of 403.00-
GREAT VEHICLE - 2000 Lexus RX 300
By JEANNE - April 25 - 10:00 amOverall Wonderfull vehicle. Smoothest ride of any SUV. Decent gas mileage avg around 26mpg on Mobil Regular. Good sound system.Great styling.
-
outstanding - 2000 Lexus RX 300
By sergsg - April 21 - 2:00 amexcellent vehicle I have noto time for review> I just want to rate this vevicle as an excellent
-
A good SUV - 2002 Lexus RX 300
By surface - March 27 - 10:00 amI have driven this vehicle for a year and half. Generally Im satisfied with its performance.
-
I love Lexus - 2003 Lexus RX 300
By yankee2223 - March 21 - 10:00 amThis is a great SUV that drives like a car. It rides really smooth.
-
Great car/SUV - 2000 Lexus RX 300
By Ehud - March 21 - 10:00 amMoved to the RX from an Impreza GT (old shape WRX), and although totally different, I find the Lexus pleasing.
-
beautiful design - 1999 Lexus RX 300
By Steve_E - March 2 - 10:00 amPurchased the car used with low mileage, Lexus fixed most of little problems related to its being previously leased. I hope Lexus does not change the wonderful aerodynamic design in favor of current trendy boxy industrial look (no fake aluminum trim!) The front seats cushion can be a bit longer to accomodate tall folks, a solid center armrest/console would be a good replacement for the flip-down armrests. Acceleration is great for an SUV. Its not a "real" off-roader, so stay on paved roads.
-
My opinion - 2002 Lexus RX 300
By rrrppp - January 29 - 2:00 amMY wife and I purchased the RX300 with the Premium Plus Package after viewing the BMW X5. The X5 had nothing on the Lexus aside from the BMW name. We are very happy with the RX300.
-
whatacar - 2003 Lexus RX 300
By stevel - January 11 - 2:00 amVery comfortable to be in and to drive. The engine however needs a little more pep--but this car matches a lot of suvs costing $10,000 more
-
Super quiet and comfortable - 2002 Lexus RX 300
By HBsteve - January 4 - 12:20 amIve been really happy with my AWD RX300. Amazingly quiet inside, I still cant believe how little road and traffic noise you hear. Seats are comfortable and leather is very soft. Sound system is great. Just got the car issue of a certain consumer magazine. They score every vehicle on reliability, satisfaction and depreciation. The RX300 is the only vehicle with top marks in all three. I know why, this is a great vehicle.
-
A car dressed as an SUV - 2002 Lexus RX 300
By nyeard - December 12 - 10:00 amI just traded in my 1998 nissan maxima to get the RX.300 and I kid you not, The RX300 rides smoothier then my max did. The service is top notch. As for the car itself, it is a jack of all trades type of vehicle. You can run around in the snow one day and go out on the town the next. I was looking to buy a BMW X 5 but want ever I got I wanted it fully loaded. To get a fully loaded X 5 I would have had to spend 52 thousand dollars. I got my RX 300 4wd fully loaded with every option you could possibly get ( except the coach edition) and paid 38 thousand. Granted the RX300 is no X 5 but cheaper insurance and to ability to use regular gas is good enough for me