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:

• 

  WOW!! - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By johnwstefan - December 20 - 2:00 am

  What a great car! Just bought this for my wife. Dealership was great, could not have been nicer or more professional. Good deal on the car but the best part IS the car (not always true with a new car purchase). The build quality, ride, stability and bang for the buck are unsurpased. Lexus just earned themselves a life-long customer!

• 

  185,000 Miles with ZERO Problems - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By ethanh18 - December 17 - 7:50 pm

  My lexus has over 185,000 miles on it and is still running great! We have had no major repairs besides maintenance, I would highly recommend this car

• 

  Reliable, Fun, Beautiful,Nice, Sweet Car - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Jaxen2000 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Its a reliable, fun, beautiful, nice, sweet car. we have even named it Millie.Shes part of the family now. Thank you Lexus for making this era in our lives wonderful and joyous. May the Gods bless you in all your life and afterlife.

• 

  Lexus RX 300 ,1999 RX 300 8 YEAR REVIEW - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By PowerhousePaluch - November 18 - 6:26 pm

  I purchased this RX 300 brand new, this was my first Japanese built vehicle, having owned, VWs, Volvos, Audis and BMWs and one Chev Corsica. Just as we were driving off the lot. I remember the salesperson saying "you will not have any problems with this car for the next 7 years" I thought, ok Buddy, I already bought and paid you stop the sales pitch. He was right, for the next 7 years I only had to do the scheduled maintenance and put gas in it. I am now going to trade it in. It is now 9 years old and has 146,000 km, but still looks good. I will buy another Lexus. Problems that I had with my 1999 RX 300, you ask? See suggested improvements.

• 

  Best SUV - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By SUSAN - November 6 - 8:06 am

  I have had this SUV for 9 years now and the only problem I have had is that in cold weather the fan belt sometimes squeals. A little grease eliminates the problem. I do regular oil changes every 5000 miles (use Mobil 1), and thats about it.

• 

  Great SUV - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By RPLexus - November 6 - 2:00 am

  This is the best SUV I have owned.

• 

  Drives as good as it looks!! - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Julie - October 15 - 1:06 am

  I did a lot of research on SUVs, and I kept coming back to the RX 300. I think its the best looking, and the reviews sang high praise. So we have had this one about 3 months and I LOVE it! And whats even better is were getting 20-26 MPG! We both drive moderately and the MPG shows. Will probably buy another RX after this one.

• 

  Luxury @ a reasonable price. - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Mary R. - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought used. Beautiful! Smooth, quiet ride and fuel economy. Power when you need it but enjoyable just cruising.

• 

  Phenomenal Vehicle - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By Duncan - October 6 - 5:00 pm

  Ive had my RX for over 4 years, and its the best vehicle Ive ever owned. I normally get bored with cars, and only keep them for a maximum of 3 years... this one I will likely be buried in. Drives amazingly, at 110k miles, no high cost repairs, extremely reliable, and comfortable! I love it as much as I did the day I bought it.

• 

  Lexus luxury - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By TAR - October 5 - 8:33 pm

  Very comfortable, smooth and quiet ride but very poor turning radius. I love driving this car--it feels like I have arrived!