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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I love my Lexus! - 2000 Lexus RX 300
By luv my lexus - October 19 - 3:30 amI bought this car used and have had no problems with it at all. I take my RX 300 in regularly for oil changes and thats about it. I currently have 78k on the car now and hope to drive it for another 100 thousand miles or more! I would recommend this car used over many other brand new makes and models. Although my vehicle is almost 7 years old now, I trust its reliability 100%.
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Love it....but it has ISSUES!!!!! - 1999 Lexus RX 300
By 14ktlady - October 8 - 11:40 pmI love driving it in the winter, I had some problems in the beginning, but the recall took care of the oil clumping problem at Lexuss expense. They also fixed the sensors but, the oxygen still causes the engine light to come on.
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6 years later and still loving my RX-300 - 2003 Lexus RX 300
By Louis in Fairfax, VA - September 30 - 11:30 pmJusted changed by rear tail-light on my 2003 RX-300 and got to thinking that besides a set of tires and oil changes I havent had to do anything to this truck. It still rides like a new car and Im getting 17 MPG in town and 26 on the road. What more could you want from a car. My dealer is great for normal service (but high priced, I guess they all are) but I always drive off with a job well done. Might go for a 2010, but it would take a lot to get me out of this model, and have car payments all over again!
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Candys corner - 2003 Lexus RX 300
By candys corner - August 30 - 10:00 amIf your looking for style comfort and reliability look no further. This small but handsome SUV will not hold a soccer team however will make it to every game on time and in style. Drivers visibility and road feel is awesome, would you expect anything less from a Lexus?
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the bomb!! the best car!!! - 2003 Lexus RX 300
By kevin2002lexus - June 6 - 10:00 amthis is the best car!!!
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THE car to drive around the town. - 2002 Lexus RX 300
By goldy - April 24 - 10:00 amI have the best experienced with my RX300, it has very comfortable ride, beautifully designed SUV till date. Normally when u buy a car, u always have on back f ur mind, if i had gone for this other model i would have been better, Well thats not the case with RX. U have to be totally satisfied with the car.
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One of the best cars for this climate. - 2002 Lexus RX 300
By Bogdan - April 24 - 10:00 amNothing special. Lexus hit the market from the beginning and did not make any changes since then. It comes with exactly the necessary features and nothing more. It keeps the value very well. The only negatives are that the dealers do not discount a penny, there is some noise at 120-140 km/h when the moonroof is open and the color of the rear lights is too pinkish. Otherwise its like a classic song played with modern instruments and we plan to keep it 10 years or more Since it was so successful, Toyota used the same power train to build the Highlander, which may come cheaper. -- Bogdan
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Hard to beat! - 2002 Lexus RX 300
By - April 24 - 10:00 amI needed an SUV for work but wanted to drive a luxury car. The RX300 does both extremely well. Smooth, quiet perfection.
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MY GOLD BABY - 2003 Lexus RX 300
By lilshelly - April 24 - 2:39 amI enjoy my RX300 LEXus SUV the ride is comfortable and easy the maintance is affordable and the service professionals at my lexus dealer are knowledge and helpful. I will be buying a another LEXUS vehicle soon
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Great buy no regrets - 2002 Lexus RX 300
By wv - April 14 - 10:06 pmBought our rx300 new in 2002 and loved it ever since. Absolutely no problems after 130k miles. Love to drive it, comfortable ride and extremely comfortable seats even after long trips. A definite Lexus/Toyota owner for life. Great job Lexus!!!
