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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  Great Little SUV driving it for 5 years - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Ferres - May 2 - 1:44 am

  I had my RX300 for 5 years now, it has 175k miles and still drive like new, no problem of any kind , just oil change and brake in 3 years tires still good after 3 years of heavy driving, smooth ride, ok on fuel, AC and heating is great accelerate good for AWD , reliable, I had a lot of cars in my live Jeep, BMWs, Kia, Honda, Nissan X terra , ford, Montero, Mercedes Isuzo , Hyundai this Lexus IS the best if u find one buy it no matter what is the miles on it it will last for ever

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  GREAT VEHICLE - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By JEANNE - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Overall Wonderfull vehicle. Smoothest ride of any SUV. Decent gas mileage avg around 26mpg on Mobil Regular. Good sound system.Great styling.

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  Drives like a car... - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By LexisOwner - April 25 - 2:10 am

  Excellent quality and drivability. 5 years old and still looks current. Bought the car new and loved it. Over the years, the small annoyances start to wear on you, like having to stop for gas every 300 miles and having to back up when making u-turns and when parking due to large turning radius.

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  outstanding - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By sergsg - April 21 - 2:00 am

  excellent vehicle I have noto time for review> I just want to rate this vevicle as an excellent

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  Jury still out - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By dray24 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased a certified 2000 model and I am not surr if i am sold yet. The turning radius is horrible and the fuel economy isnt that great either. The ride is smooth, but lacks in pep. The moonroof shade is the only problem i have with the interior because it is made out of shoddy materials and is too light, will move forward with sudden braking. The should haev added a compass as part of the info screen.

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  Lexus RX300 Transmission - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By abonte1 - April 17 - 9:51 pm

  After reading reviews I thought I would add to the pot. My Lexus RX 300 SUV transmission recently went out and is in the shop as I type. Waiting for the transmission place to give me an estimate. He has had it and had to break it down. It needs to be replaced he said but is still calculating the parts and labor. I hate to hear what that is...I thought these were long lasting cars if you kept up the maintenance, which is why I bought it. It has 170K miles, so I guess it did last a bit longer than some of the others I read on the blog. I hope it runs like it use to or better after they replace this transmission.

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  A good SUV - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By surface - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I have driven this vehicle for a year and half. Generally Im satisfied with its performance.

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  RX 300 poor long term investment - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By mikeb - March 22 - 4:13 am

  A nice car for the missus - she loves it, size and drivability (except for the horrendous small turning circle) - Lexus reliability on this vehicle is a myth - the same things go wrong every two years - there is nothing worse than intermittent problems that leave you stranded!

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  I love Lexus - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By yankee2223 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a great SUV that drives like a car. It rides really smooth.

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  Great car/SUV - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By Ehud - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Moved to the RX from an Impreza GT (old shape WRX), and although totally different, I find the Lexus pleasing.