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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Oh My God!!! - 2001 Lexus RX 300
By crimsonlights - July 10 - 10:00 amJust drove home today with my certified pre- owed RX 300. I am thrilled with my purchase. I know its the older style, but I actually like it better. Its a very smooth ride and extremely fun to drive. I test-drove the newer RX 330 (also a nice ride), but was satisfied with the look and feel of the 300. The price wasnt bad either. Far more reasonable than the new 330. This is the most fun Ive ever had driving a car.
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Love this car - 2001 Lexus RX 300
By viktoo - July 2 - 2:00 amMy first lexus and what a car. A punchy acceleration for an suv that can beat many sedans. Talk about roomy and comfortable, with an interrior and exterrior design that makes you want to jump in the car and drive around for no reason. The xenon lights are a big plus and the spolier just fits the car perfectly. The only downside is the poor fuel economy that is created by the constant AWD. But is mad up for the termendous control the car has while driving. A great car and i highly recomend it.
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Lexus 300 Drives Like a 400 Series Sedan - 2000 Lexus RX 300
By nukkles - June 26 - 10:00 amThis is my fourth year with the Lexus 300 and I couldnt be happier. Im sometimes tempted to trade it in for a new one but, except for a few more bells and whistles, they are exactly the same. Great car! Plenty of room. My dogs love being able to roam around the back.
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RX300 2001 Problems Transmissions - 2001 Lexus RX 300
By Berny - June 13 - 10:00 amGentlemen, 2001 RX 300 has a company defect. The transmissions are failing; I have replace the transmission twice so far at 120,000 miles. I believe this to be a factory problem with the entire model for several years 1999 through 2002. I wish Lexus would step up to the plate and fix these vehicles transmissions. $2500 to $6,000 EACH REPAIR!
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Just about the best! - 2000 Lexus RX 300
By HansMom - June 9 - 10:36 pmWe bought this car used and have been extremely pleased. It is the perfect size, perfect height for getting in and out of, and handles beautifully in winter driving. We have had very few maintenance issues, though have put a little money into repairs. Our complaints: no shoulder strap for middle rear position, front seats dont adjust quite enough so that the seat is too flat for us, sometimes hesitant at fast accelerations... but one learns to drive it as is. Great car for nearly anyone, though you do find yourself at the gas pump fairly often! I would prefer this car as is over most newer makes and models. Visibility is better than with the newer RX 330.
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Comfartable and excellent luxury car - 2000 Lexus RX 300
By arunsen - June 9 - 2:00 amGreat drive, smooth ride, interior is awsome, Exterior is very nice and was appreciated by many. Looks great.. Drives great, Needs a liitle more power. Turning radius should be improved. Music system is awsome... Heated seats and Memory seats and very good.
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RX 300 - 1999 Lexus RX 300
By Disappointed - June 7 - 6:56 pmPaid cash for this beautiful car in the summer 2.5 years ago. I have since put so much money into repairs that I dont know what to do. Ive put less than 12,000 miles on it in 2.5 years and spent thousands. First - O2 sensors (TWO) at once, then electrical, which NO one but Lexus will touch and will probably run me thousands at 90 an hour. I suddenly had no control over heat, radio, - anything on the console. Now, as of today it is parked because of yet another problem. Seems like horrible mix of gas - O2 sensors again??? I cant even limp it to the dealer this time. Second owner. Now I know why he got rid of it.
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Luxury, Quality, Safety - 2002 Lexus RX 300
By JohnDTW - May 27 - 2:23 pmA friend and I went to a nearby Lexus dealer, checking out SUVs for him. An hour and a half and he was out the door with a new RX300. I was extremely impressed with the treatment he was given; I decided to lease an RX300. I received the same respect he was given. This SUV is meticulous! Its bank-vault solid, rides great, and the AWD is flawless. Its not a typical thirtysomething "guy car" and not the coolest SUV out there, but Im one guy who thinks this SUV is great.
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Best car ever built - 1999 Lexus RX 300
By Bixby503 - May 22 - 10:26 amI have had my RX300 since 2002. It now has 134k miles on it. This is the best car ever built in my opinion. I will not give it up ever, for any price. It is absolutely incredible on snow, ice and rain. It is very safe, drives great and rides even better. I also own an SC430, but I prefer the RX300 to it any day.
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Great Car! - 2003 Lexus RX 300
By Cameron2 - May 19 - 2:00 amThe lexus rx300 is a great suv, but not to much of an SUV that it is a gas- guzzler. Also great handling and breaks. If you are looking for that big SUV feeling, this probably isnt the right car for you.
