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:
Showing 271 through 280 of 403.00-
bad bad car - 2001 Lexus RX 300
By plipps - August 16 - 7:20 amI purchased my car drove it for less then two years, I replaced the transmission in it 3 times and right now it this very moment I need another transmission I paid out more for transmissions than the car cost me. I loved the car that is why I tried to keep it but it put me in the poor house, shame on Lexus
-
Great Car - 2000 Lexus RX 300
By vtvish - July 30 - 10:00 amThis is a great car for all types of drivers - moms, dads, singles, etc. Its roomy, yet sporty!
-
Looking forward to the next edition. - 2002 Lexus RX 300
By MILLER - July 12 - 2:00 amLooked at Acura MDX, Mercedes, and The RX. Wife liked the styling of the RX so we bought it. LIKES: The size and related styling is great for our needs. The ride is most comfortable and accommodates five adults easily. The quality of construction is excellent with few imperfections. Did not need the navigation system but ordered it anyway; absolutely love it! Will buy a Lexus product again even though we have owned Acuras in the past. DISLIKES: The roof rack "knobs" are most cumbersome (look at Jeeps set-up). The turning radius is too limited particularly for a SUV as short as this one.
-
rebadged Highlander - 2002 Lexus RX 300
By Pete - July 6 - 10:43 pmIve been driving it for about a year and the whole experience is boring to say the least. Theres little road information in the sluggish steering feel and road tracking isnt always linear and true. Braking is lousy and made artificially light. what really irks me is a wide turning circle that hinders parking and no such things as back up sensors offered. While cornering, you really feel its weight. I really feel this car is for a much older crowd. This car offers a silenced cabin and wallowy ride, yet unable to smooth out road bumps. Overall, disappointing car considering its hefty price and bad fuel mileage.
-
DONT DO IT...! - 2002 Lexus RX 300
By BillYo - June 17 - 2:00 amWITH A NAMEPLATE LIKE LEXUS...YOU WOULDNT THINK YOU WOULD HAVE THE PROBLEMS I HAVE EXPERIENCED....EVERYTHING FROM BEING STRANDED OUT OF TOWN WITH A BLOWN TRANSMISSION...TOO FEW LIGHTS..AND CHRONIC FUSE BLOWING...INTERIOR LIGHTS ..SECURITY ALARM...THE LIST GOES ON.... NEVER EVER AGAIN...BUT THE SERVICE WAS GREAT AND VERY APOLOGETIC....SORRY BUT THE STING OF BEING STRANDED ON YOUR VACATION LONG OUTLIVES THE FINE SERVICE.
-
the bomb!! the best car!!! - 2003 Lexus RX 300
By kevin2002lexus - June 6 - 10:00 amthis is the best car!!!
-
Any older Lexus may be tempting, but dont do it.. - 1999 Lexus RX 300
By Kevin - May 31 - 8:40 amBought my 1999 RX300 for peanuts and thought it was a killer deal. Low miles, dealer serviced. But save yourself the headache and just dont do it. Yes these are technically "Toyotas", but the newest RX300s are now over 14 years old. They are a PITA to work on. Mine just went into limp mode due to bad knock sensors, and I just spent $685 for that. Parts were only $185, but it took ten hours of labor to change them. Drove it home, and when I parked it, it started idling at 2k rpm. Back to the shop it went! Ive now been without my Lexus for two weeks. Fuel economy on my AWD model is terrible and it has very little power. Its comfortable and safe, but expect to spend ALOT on repairs.
-
Great Car! - 1999 Lexus RX 300
By Terry Feldmann - April 24 - 11:33 pmThis was my first "luxury" vehicle. I bought it used and have never had any trouble with it. Smooth, beautiful ride, and nice to look at; just a little too "big" for me, especially with gas prices the way they are. Id love to have a Lexus SUV down one size like the Jeep Loredo or Ford Escape. Automatic window buttons can be funky to operate.
-
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.
-
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
