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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  Dont judge an RX by its cover - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By J the Cube - November 12 - 10:00 am

  The car looks and feels great. But I am truly dissapoimted with Lexus. The laundry list of problems has me running from Lexus. From the now twice broken back hatch door shocks, the dried out & cracked front window channels, the needed lubrication of the back windows, the bad idle control valve, the noisy brake pads....and this car only has 31K miles!

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  yep - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By dfksj - November 7 - 10:00 am

  this is a very nice vehicle. im thinking about buying the new 330 series. Maybe next year or the year after, even decent milage !!!

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  it is an outstanding car - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Bubu - October 13 - 10:00 am

  this car is the best suv I have ever driven.It has everything you need in a SUV.

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  Mobile money pit - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Foggy - October 11 - 10:00 am

  This is a terrible car. I bought a Lexus for the reliability, but spent a fortune on repairs. Air Compressor, Transmission, would be the 2 biggies. Check the lexus owner website about the complaints on this model. I was lucky that the tranny went out at 145,000. My Compressor went out at 59k. Transfer case died at 185k.

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  RX 300 - quite a package! - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Rocky Mountain Man - September 28 - 4:30 am

  This car is great. I had to replace my Maxima because it handled poorly in the snow. Cant wait for the first snowstorm! We had lots of luck with Toyotas over the last 9 years with excellent reliability, and low maintenance. This car handles well, though you can certainly tell its not a performance car with its heft. The 3 liter V6 is adequate and I have actually been getting 22 to nearly 26 mpg for an AWD car, which is amazing! It rides very nicely, and handles bumps well. Its a great cruiser on the highway, or great on rutted dirt roads. We had it on some pretty rough roads and it was great. I hope the Lexus reliability that I found during my research is as good as our 4Runner.

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  You must test drive it at highway speeds - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By shmerls - September 18 - 2:00 am

  It drives great in the city, badly on the highway. The front feels heavy and you have to steer it all the time. It doesnt just cruise straight. The steering is progressive power steering which gets more like manual steering the faster you go. Feels like a truck without power steering on the highway. This makes highway driving tedious and tiring - your arm muscles are always slightly flexed like isometrics. The CD and AC and heater controls are confusing and not intuitive. If you lower the steering wheel, you cant see the blinkers or the mirror controls. The estimated gas mileage is not accurate. Im only getting 16 mpg. I am VERY sorry I bought it.

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  PERFECTION! - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Bdiddy - September 12 - 10:00 am

  GOOD CAR!!! BUY BUY BUY!!

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  How I wish to be in it now - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By TheMULTIMEDIAman - September 4 - 5:13 am

  The best purchase that I made in automobiles. Saw the vehicle on the lot at night and two days later the vehicle was in my garage. All done over the telephone. Documents signed in a hamburger joint parking lot Hassle free! Lexus knows how to treat their clients

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  rx300 - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By RX300RN - August 17 - 9:20 pm

  I only service my RX300 at this dealership based on their reliability and quality of work. In addition the personnel have been gracious and professional over the 10 yrs of ownership As an RN I know from experience the importance of qualities such as these in providing reliability and confidence as well as a level of luxury. I have driven this vehicle in treacherous driving conditions, including weather and traffic situations and marveled at the performance. Urban conditions are also more manageable because of the improved visibility from the drivers seat. Great Vehicle, Lexus!

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  Expensive with problems - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By ExpensiveFun - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I was so happy with my 96 ES300 I got an RX300 for winters. What a disappointment. Within a year I had it in 3 times for the same problem. I never had service other than oil changes on the 96. It rattles alot. I just had my 45,000 maintenance and feel as though I got charged $90 an hour for labor when it looks no different and I have no proof for what was done.