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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Still Gorgeous - 1999 Lexus RX 300
By Frumious - May 20 - 10:00 amShes 6 years old now and still seems brand new. Not a single flaw - ever. The paint polishes up showroom perfect. The leather is still perfect. Im really appreciating the quality design materials and workmanship that went into this car. Much, much better than my 2001 Benz ML. (which I just sold out of dissappointment).
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Great car - 2000 Lexus RX 300
By Liz - May 9 - 1:46 amThis is a great little car. It handles the road well and is very comfortable. The only problem I have with it is the terrible turning radius and the small gas tank has to be filled up often twice a week.
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the "feel good" ride - 2000 Lexus RX 300
By rkworth - April 13 - 10:00 amwe just purchased a used 2000 rx300, and loved it so much, purchased another 1999. i was a die-hard nissan fan, but i have to say this is a great ride for the money. drive one, and you will want to own one. one thing i noticed later, lexus has 2 sound systems. nakamichi and i believe pioneer. if you can, get the nakamichi - it sounds better, and has more of a "punch". either way, the vehicle is a dream to drive.
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2001 RX 300 - 2001 Lexus RX 300
By DevLopper - April 10 - 2:00 amThis is a fine car and the quality in design and craftmanship stand out.
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Amazing - 2002 Lexus RX 300
By Melissa Perea - April 6 - 5:03 amI love this car! I had a 1987 Chevy Blazer for the past 7 years and now I know why people buy luxury cars. It has been the best experience ever driving this car and I cant imagine my life without it now. Very luxurious and comfortable. Its the perfect SUV.
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My first Lexus - 1999 Lexus RX 300
By sp8891 - April 4 - 2:00 amI bought this used with 50,000 miles...have put on 10, 000 since. Great ride, luxury feel, but still functional. I especially like that its lower to the ground to get into but high enough to see the road ahead clearly. I drove an Infiniti Q45 before this one, and was sure I would miss it, but I am happier with this small SUV and would buy it again.
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BEST of the BEST - 2003 Lexus RX 300
By Good Man - March 30 - 10:00 amMy best SUV/CAR I owned so far !
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I love my Lexus - 2003 Lexus RX 300
By R in Detroit - March 25 - 10:00 amThe first thing I noticed driving my Lexus was that it made everything easy. It is easy to get into, easy to steer, easy to accelerate, easy to change radio stations. Everything is easy. I have had upscale Jeep Grand Cherokees and GM Blazers. The Blazers are still way too trucky. You have to push the accelerator all the way down and it groans along. My Lexus seems much more peppy. Id say it rides lot like the Grand Cherokee. It is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. I have not had to do anything to it in 20000 miles. I have never owned an American made vehicle that didnt need to be in the shop for some repair within the first year.
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Solid SUV - 1999 Lexus RX 300
By mdavis - March 5 - 10:00 am70,000 miles and no issues with this vehicle. Very well built with no rattles.
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After several months of driving - Review - 2002 Lexus RX 300
By JabaJaba - February 26 - 2:00 amThis truck is excellent! Two things the are outstanding are the base stereo and the brakes. The stereo is crisp, clear, rich, and loud. It is the best sound system I have ever heard. The braking system is superb. Braking is smooth and effortless and is not touchy or grabby at all.
