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:

• 

  First Lexus, Not the Last - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By GeoffM - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Our first SUV,purchased with 45k and factory certification to 100k. Great ride, handling a little mushy around corners, but good for SUV. Very comfortable, and we always "feel" the pleasure of a luxury riding vehicle. Very quiet ride. Did not get the NAV system, but am planning on purchasing top-of-the-line portable system. Have tested the new Acura MDX and BMW X5, and while nice cars, we still like the RX better. This is my wifes car, but I like it so much that Im buying a 2001 AWD RX Silversport with 33k, factory certified, sports suspension that handles curves better. I never buy new; let some other guy eat the depreciation.

• 

  myreview - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By rmendenh - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I really love my rx300!

• 

  Lexus RX 300 2000 - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By pbowman - January 31 - 9:43 am

  The transmission went out without warning. I called Lexus, they said sorry about your luck. It will cost me $4200 to start for a reconditioned transmission. My mechanic said this model transmission is in such demand they are difficult to find. The name Lexus is nothing to me now!

• 

  RX300 - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By tsheer - January 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the only time in 25 years of car buying that I bought the same vehicle a 2nd time. I had a 1999, and when it was time to replace it I couldnt find anything else I liked as well. Its big enough to carry a lot of things, but still small enough for easy parking and maneuvering.

• 

  Lexus, NEVER AGAIN - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By RX300 - December 22 - 1:50 am

  The Lexus RX300 is all about look and false reputation. I bought this 99 RX300 108K 8 months ago hopping to have a reliable vehicle at least for 50K based on Toyota/Lexus false reputation and transmission blew at 120k, then I saw on the web forums that is very common on RX300 transmissions blowing under 100K (90, 80 or 75K). Lexus RX300 is a piece of crap. Overpriced to buy, insane to fix. Next time I will definitely go with Ford or Chevy family. I will recommend it to my worst enemy.

• 

  Love this Lexus! - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Karen - December 11 - 6:13 am

  This is my 2nd Lexus RX300...traded the 1999 for this Certified Pre-owned-a little more expensive, but worth it! Great handling in poor weather conditions, comfortable ride, great cargo space. Newer RX 330 didnt have as much room width-wise. Rear passengers ride comfortably-even the long-legged teens. Great car for drivers education!

• 

  Couldnt be Happier - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By MobileDandA - December 8 - 10:16 am

  I purchased my RX300 as a certified pre-owned vehicle with 36000 miles on it from a Lexus dealer. Finally, after 245,000 miles, it had its FIRST breakdown. The transmission went out. So, instead of putting a lot of money into a vehicle with almost a quarter of a million miles on it, I purchased another 2002 RX300 exactly like the one I had except for the exterior color and it had about 190,000 fewer miles. Couldnt see buying anything else because you cant get the reliability and service you get from Lexus. I cant recommend this vehicle highly enough!

• 

  Many issues for luxury car - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By rx300hater - December 6 - 5:06 pm

  96K miles and trans is shot. power door locks do not work, power window works sporadically, had numerous check engine light issues, replaced sensors many times, dash light went out, steering wheel squeaks, these "luxury" cars will nickel and dime you to death, Never had so many problems with a non-luxury car.

• 

  lexus rx300 - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By winter - November 23 - 2:00 am

  excellent no complaints only drawback is the turning radius is a bit wide so there is some difficulty parking in small spaces. The power is also a little lacking but this is made up for by a very luxurious ride.

• 

  Totally l ove my RX !! - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By nailzplez - October 31 - 10:00 am

  We bought our preowned 00 RX this past June, and Ive loved every day of driving it. It was not in our budget to buy brand new, but I loved them so much, that I was more than willing to wait until an affordable preowned came up.