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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  my 1st SUV - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By jed / david - March 11 - 7:43 pm

  Great ride, good looks, good gas millage with regular gas, and plenty of room for my 3 kids.

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  Great vehicle - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Gerryusa - March 5 - 2:00 am

  The ride on the Lexus RX300 is unsurpassed in this class. Ive seen reviews where the ride is compared to a minivan and listed as a "con". This is ridiculous. I dont live in the mountains. I dont need a truck that rides like a semi. This vehicle is a car with everything an SUV delivers. And you never have to worry if it will start or breakdown. Which is definitely a worry with Acura, Mercedes, BMW & any american "truck".

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  my golden McNugget! - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Mackenzie, Brocks daughter - February 10 - 6:17 am

  hi i am Mackenzie! I got McNugget for my first car at 16 years old this past summer with only 101,000 miles. WOW! Yes it did smell like moth balls and it had an exhaust leak, but it sat at my grandparents in Florida for 2 years, so what do you expect. The battery has some trouble in these cold Connecticut winters! The butt warmers work great in the snowy weather, as does the AWD system! It does have a temper, like me, and it doesnt like to start sometimes, then give it 10 minutes and it starts right up. It is 14 years old though, so what do you expect! It honestly is a great car if you dont always need reliability and you want to be known for the weird smells in the parking lot, so what do you expect, eh?

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  A Reliable SUV That Could Have Been - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By UKFan4Sure! - January 31 - 7:46 pm

  Wow! That was my first impression driving this beauty after having two Jeep Grand Cherokees before this. It is smooth and quiet with seamless acceleration that seems adequate but not stellar. Its body lines are magnificent and its interior is well appointed and very well crafted. It has 94K miles on it now and if I didnt tell you that, I could fool you into believing it had 20K. No joke. It does have some unexcusable shortcomings, though. Something you dont expect out of Toyota. I will list those below.

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  2001 lexusrx300 is great! - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By MarkSZ - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Awesome! This is the best car I have ever owned or driven. It beats the American competitors hand down.

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  My Best car - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Marcello - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This SUV handle like a car and is fun to drive. Very well built and sharp looking.Very please with the vehicle.

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  Great Car - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By billy bob - January 7 - 12:03 pm

  Fantastic vehicle. Owned for three years without a problem. Decent gas mileage for an SUV. Great for long drives with comfort and convenience. I would not hesitate to purchase this vehicle again.

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  Certified Pre-Owned Bargain! - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Tyber - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Like some other reviewers, I was looking at other Lux-utes, but just wasnt ready to spend $40k to $50k+. So when I heard Lexus had 1.9% financing on their CPO inventory, I decided to check out 01s and 02s. Got a low mileage 01 RX300 2WD w/ Navigation for a rediculously low price (I think). Its awesome. Ride quality and sound levels are amazing. Build quality, fit and finish are excellent. Performance is great for an SUV, and better than many sedans. The dealership has honestly been a pleasure to work with. All in all, Im very satisfied.

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  Surprised Me! - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By Dr.Kev - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I was all set to buy a 4Runner when my wife slyly suggested we drive an RX300. Wow, what a difference! I was very pleasantly surprised by the acceleration and ride compared to the 4Runner. This isnt a sports car, but its still a very pleasant vehicle to drive. It grows on you. You start to appreciate the competent, well thought- out features and the very high level of quality. Every time I use the turn signal, I appreciate the "feel" of it. Its a nice car and it does what I need it to do.

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  Lexus rx300 - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By judibutz - December 7 - 10:00 am

  The most reliable car I have ever owned. I wish the look had been changed so I could buy again. Am going for the Murano. Handling was a draw back to the rx although I love this car - turning radius leaves a lot to be desired.