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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  TERRIFIC CAR TO DRIVE! - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By TAD BALINGER - March 25 - 10:00 am

  NICEST 4x4 TO LOOK AT, MOST FUN TO DRIVE! WHEN YOU ADD LEXUS RELIABILITY (THIS ONE IS MY SECOND WITH NO PROBLEMS TO REPORT) AND THE VALUE THAT THIS CAR RETAINS, WHEN YOU WANT TO SELL IT, YOU HAVE AN INSTANT WINNER!

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  Wonderful car - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By mikey f - March 20 - 10:00 am

  My experience? Easy. A perfect car. I dont even know why Lexus has a service department. Other than regular scheduled maintenance, there are NO repairs to be made ever!

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  Great Buy - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Peter L - March 20 - 10:00 am

  This is a lot of car for the buck. It drives like a nimble responsive car. The interior is very luxurious and spacious. Acceleration is quick and smooth. Brakes are strong. I got the premiem plus packege without the nav system. After negotiating, we got the car for 33,400.

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  Lexus RX 300 AWD review - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By lovethatmustang - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Love it...great to take my dogs with me. Low enough for them to jump in, High enough for me to feel safe

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  like a tank - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Charles R. Williams - March 7 - 4:53 am

  This vehicle rides like a tank. My wife likes this. I dont. She is very happy with the car. She feels safe and the seats are good for her sore back. I dont complain but I do find it top- heavy and unresponsive. Do yourself a favor and put on the best tires money can buy, get them rotated regularly and have the alignment checked. We get 19 mpg on a mix of city and highway driving. At 80000, its been reliable. I shudder to think what a serious repair would cost. For this reason alone, I am agreeable to trading it in on a certified pre-owned RX330.

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  Cool RX3 00 - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By gq008 - February 22 - 4:50 am

  Bought My 2001 RX 300 used in Sept 005. I test drove a new Murano, used X5, MDX, Highlander and a bunch of domestic SUVs. None of them rode as smooth and quiet as the RX. The good thing about the RX is that it only requires 87 or above octane. However, my best mileage has been 19 mpg. I average about 17 mpg. But I have a very heavy foot. I disliked the two tone of my RX. So I painted the models to match the paint on the body. The Silversport or Coach edition alleviates this problem but are very rare to find in the AWD. And I test drove the silversport and the b/c of the sport suspension the ride was not at all smooth. However, My RX will be replaced with another RX if and when I decide to get rid of this one.

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  madebigpoints - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By ingoodstead - February 15 - 2:00 am

  purchased 2001 with 13000 miles from our lexus dealer. vehicle has all options except nav and stereo upgrade. My wife didn,t even want to trade, but now you couldn,t pry her out of this rx, she has never cared anything about cars until now. I must admit I even take the rx instead of my car (2002 gs300) because I do enjoy driving it, but I can,t wait to replace the tires. The only downside I can see to this rv is my wife won,t ever be willing to settle for anything else.

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  Still going strong at 130K - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By TPT - February 12 - 5:40 am

  My last Lexus, I sold with less than 100k somewhat in fear that it was getting old. I see it now and then and it appears to be moving along just fine. My 2002 RX just turned 130k and it running strong. It has the parking lot dings and a few scrapes on the bumper but aside from that, I plan on pushing it to its limit. When it comes to Santa Fe snow, its a champ and have told my wife, I would get another based on its ability to handle the snow pack and lack of street clean up. Ive had other 4 wd and even my old Trooper cant compare. I would have to say its been the best vehicle Ive owned. I would highly recommend even buying a good used one. Look forward writing you when I hit 200K.

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  There is always one! - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Richard D - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Guess Im just the luck one. I have had nothing but problems, defective fuel guage, defective outside temp guage, cracked leather seat, scratched glass, over 25 paint chips, incomplete "clear bra" that resulted in more paint damage and parts replacement, dealer induced body damage. This is my second RX 300, and I regret the day I bougtht it!

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  2 RX 300s, 2 Good Experiences - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Southeatern Owns 2 - January 23 - 4:46 am

  I purchased a 99 RX 300 in 2005 for my college daughter. Early in 2008, after 3 years of excellent service and tremendous utility and service from that vehicle, I purchased a 2001 silver one for myself. Both had just under 100K miles when purchased, both perform better than most new vehicles. If you are looking for excellent service, a used Lexus is a good bet. Repairs are rare, maintenance costs are very reasonable, and the cost to operate are low for the level of service, reliability, and safety delivered. Regular gas is a plus, mileage on these vehicles is around 21-22 combined. Solid vehicle.