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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  Love my Lexus! - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By Loretta - August 12 - 10:46 am

  All of my cars have been imports. A friend of mine is a car dealer and got this vehicle. Within minutes of seeing it, I drove it and told him to hold the car for me. Two days later, I turned my Camry over to him for the RX and I absolutely LOVE IT! I travel to Mexico frequently and it handles nicely on the dirt roads. I tend to agree with the other reviewers in that the gas mileage could be improved, but everything else the vehicle makes up for that little nuisance. If youre considering purchasing an RX, I would highly recommend it. It doesnt get any better than a Japanese-made vehicle if youre looking for reliability. I say "I did find a better car and I did buy it!"

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  My last Toyota purchase - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By c krempley - August 8 - 7:00 am

  This car did not live up to my expectations. After owning many Toyota products, a Corrolla was my first car, I will no longer be purchasing their product. The hype that this car would run for 200 to 300 thousand miles is just hype. My transmission gave out on a major highway at 10:00 PM in a construction zone 30 miles from ANY gas station or other help. Two years ago the air conditioning unit needed replacement and now there are electrical problems. I have never had so many problems with a car.

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  SuPeR DuPeR - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By LexusLover - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I love the RX 300. Just bought a 2001 model last year. Feels great. Rides wonderfully. Love the car. You should buy one too!

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  JUST BOUGHT A 2002, 2001 INCREDIBLE!! - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By COMMACK4 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  JUST ORDERED A 2002 AFTER DRIVING MY WIFES 2001

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  Lexus RX300 - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Jonathan3215473 - June 24 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned it rides great and it is verry nice.

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  2000 Lexus RX300 - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By scott R - June 22 - 5:40 am

  Common problem with this model is transmission failure at 90k - 130k. Well, mine failed at 144,000k. This is a low end Lexus and would not recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Cant Beat the RX300 - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Fun is back - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Lexus is the benchmark builder of the small SUV. The RX handles like a car and provides the utility of an suv. Performance and road feel are very good. Its hard to switch brands after driving one of these.

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  Second RX300 Proof Positive - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Norm Kutz - June 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my second RX300. Owned a 1999, and liked it so well, bought the 2003. Small improvements since 99 make it even better. It continues to be my favorite looking and driving vehicle.

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  great suv - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By david/greenberg - May 29 - 11:43 am

  I love our rx300. its the best. it drives great. here is a car wew love very much. it is very well bulit. the rx300 was the best car we have ever had.

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  The First 200k Miles... - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By jonesiam - May 7 - 10:40 am

  Purchased it pre-owned for an individual and it has been excellent with only a couple of small problems. I am at almost 200 thousand miles and it still drives great. Aside from regular service, Ive only had to replace a rear wheel bearing and washer fluid pump. Both together were less than $600 which is not bad for a nine year old car. I did make the mistake of trying to upgrade the spark plugs to Bosh IRs which burned 3 coil packs before I went back to the original Toyota plugs. So I would suggest to stay "factory" when it comes to tune-ups.