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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  Great car to switch to from sedan - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By DmitriyK - May 4 - 2:00 am

  If you are like me and always drove a sedan then Lexus RX300 is an excellent choice to try the SUV arena. Its not as large as full-size SUVs and it handles as well as a Sedan while providing the comform and security of a larger car. Aside from all the excellent drive/comfort/design/etc this is really a great car, solid build, and costs thousands less then overpriced BMW X5, while offering all the amenities needed and expected in a luxury SUV.

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  Shocker - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By AndyRoo - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I was originally looking at the new RX330 but really was not in the moood to spend a whole lot of money. I decided with a used because it has a good reputation and there was not a lot of difference in features. Im Impressed!

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  Lexus RX 300. The right Rx for the blahs - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Zelion - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Having driven almost every type and year of automobile ever made, I have found the RX300 to be the best all around car to have. Its versatile in every dimension. It has everything NEEDED and most WANTED features in one reasonably affordable package. Some people accuse us of being rich. They spent more on their Chevy pickup or custom van, which doesnt have the versatility or a "WOW" factor of 1, than we did on a "LEXUS". Luxury, quality, dependability, versatilty all in one. What a great concept!

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  GREAT LUXURY SUV - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By J. Davenport - April 4 - 10:00 am

  This LEXUS RX300 is worth every penny...purchased used and is a pleasure to drive.

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  Love it!! - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By JFisher - March 26 - 2:13 am

  Originally went looking at a brand new Explorer. For a lot less I was able to buy a used 2000 Lexus. The quality is a lot better than any SUV I test drove. This vehicle sits high like a truck, yet rides smooth like a car. The driving view is also impressive. The look and feel of the interior and exterior says "luxury" all the way around.

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  Changed my allegiance - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By True Lexan - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Im a recently converted Lexus fan. I thought it would just be a dressed up Toyota, but Lexus really got it right. This car does everything!

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  love it - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By kirsten - March 17 - 2:00 am

  beautiful car, loved the steering, efficient, not very expensive, great vehicle for a family to use!!

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  Riding in the Rx - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Bennett9 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I really couldnt be happier! Every aspect of this purchase has been a pleasure for me. The Rx300 rides wonderfully, the interior is simply outstanding, and Chatham Parkway Lexus service pre-and-post sale is unassailably high quality.

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  A joy to own - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Vssc400 - March 6 - 5:46 am

  Bought with 71k on odo. now 103k on the odo. I decided to buy the RX 300 AWD w/LSD because I have been a happy owner of a 92 SC 400 and it was such a pleasure to own so buying the RX 300 was a no-brainer choice for me. My car pool guy who has a 2000 Grand Cherokee LTD w/40k miles who made fun of me drove it for a week and 3 weeks later he sold the Cherokee and bought a 99 RX 300 AWD. I didnt like some of the remote key functions and the dealer re-programmed the CBEST settings for and washed the car for free (I didnt even buy the car or serviced it from them). Awesome performance on snow, ice, hills. I cant believe a 1st year of a new model lineup could be this good.

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  google engine sludge rx300 - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Paul W Miller - March 4 - 5:28 pm

  Bought as fifth owner with 136K miles. Perhaps a risky move but the engine crapped out on the first 300 trip. After looking at the horror stories Id never consider a RX300 again unless the previous owner maintenance could be verified beyond a shadow of a doubt, too risky.