1999-2003 Lexus RX 300: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1999-2003 Lexus RX 300 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Exterior finish
- Passenger and cargo room
- Ride
- Build quality
- Interior materials
Cons
- Audio and climate controls
- Wind noise
Vehicle Highlights
With the RX 300, Lexus became a pioneer in what came to be called "hybrid" or "crossover" vehicles, which blend the attributes of a truck and a passenger car. Introduced as an early 1999 model, it quickly became the top Lexus seller. Available with front-wheel drive or permanent all-wheel-drive, the new-wave four-door SUV was based partly on a passenger-car platform, but had a personality all its own. Exterior dimensions were similar to Jeep's Grand Cherokee, with a 7.5-inch ground clearance. Absence of low-range gearing marked Lexus's new model as an all-weather on-road wagon, rather than a true off-road 4x4. Sole powertrain was a 3.0-liter V6 engine with variable-valve timing, coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission. The gearshift lever protruded from the center console. Towing capacity was 3500 pounds. Seat-mounted front side airbags and antilock all-disc brakes were standard. Handy touches included full automatic-up/down power windows, two tiers of drawers in the center console, and large map pockets in each door. Two small underfloor bins flank a covered spare-tire well.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Lexus RX 300 w/AWD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 61 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1999-2003 Lexus RX 300. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1999-2003 Lexus RX 300.
Year to Year Changes
2000 Lexus RX:
Except for a newly standard trailer hitch, nothing was new for 2000. A satellite-based navigation system was optional.
2001 Lexus RX:
Safety took precedence among the 2001 changes. A new standard Vehicle Skid Control (antiskid) system modulated brakes and engine power to maintain stability in slippery conditions. A new Brake Assist feature applied full braking force in response to rapid brake-pedal movement. Also new were a three-point center rear seatbelt and rear child-seat anchors. An alloy spare wheel replaced the prior steel unit, the fuel tank was enlarged, and the grille was modified. New options included all-black leather interior trim, a wood steering-wheel and gearshift knob, and heated seats with dual warmth levels (rather than a single setting).
2002 Lexus RX:
For 2002, the navigation system got revisions including multiroute calculation, simplified graphics, and route preview, along with a faster computer and the ability to play DVD movies on its dashboard screen.
2003 Lexus RX:
In the final year before a redesign, no changes were made to the RX.
Our road test for the 1999-2003 Lexus RX 300 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1999-2003 Lexus RX 300 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1999-2003 Lexus RX 300 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Whether it has front-drive or all-wheel drive, an RX 300 delivers snappy off-the-line acceleration and has plenty of power throughout the speed range. The V6 is a model of refinement, augmented by flawless transmission behavior--though some early units exhibited uneven shifting until warmed up. An early 2WD model did 0-60 mph in 8.2 seconds and averaged 16.3 mpg--short of EPA estimates but better than most midsize SUVs. All-wheel drive doesn't slow it down much. An RX 300 feels like no other SUV--more like a luxury car or a minivan, unlike the posh but truck-flavored Mercedes M-Class. The ride is impressive, smothering large and small bumps with ease--better than many cars and less bouncy than most SUVs on scalloped freeways. An RX 300 corners with fine stability and little body lean for an SUV, helped by responsive steering. Still, it's too big and heavy to be a truly sporty handler. Routine braking is good, though the pedal might be a trifle spongy. Some tire noise occurs on coarse pavement, but the RX 300 is pleasingly quiet overall--except with the sunroof open, when wind rushes past with a mighty roar. Entry/exit is a simple matter of stepping in and out. Five adults can ride without complaint, and the center-rear position matches the comfort of the supportive outboard seats. The driver sits commandingly high, but roof pillars may be too thick for best outward vision. The tilt steering wheel does not adjust to suit everyone. Though it works well enough, the video-screen display for climate and audio settings is unorthodox and a little gimmicky. Other instruments and controls are attractively arranged, large, and functional. Conversion of the back seat is convenient, but the load floor isn't so long with seats up, and liftover is relatively high.
Value for the Money
Essentially a "suburban utility vehicle" rather than a traditional SUV, the RX 300 is posh, refined, roomy, and pleasant to drive. Strong demand keeps prices high, but we recommend it highly.
Essentially a "suburban utility vehicle" rather than a traditional SUV, the RX 300 is posh, refined, roomy, and pleasant to drive. Strong demand keeps prices high, but we recommend it highly.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Lexus RX 300 w/AWD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 61 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Lexus RX includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Lexus RX .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Audio system:
Noises from the speakers (Nakamichi unit) can be corrected by exchanging the amplifiers under warranty. (1999)
Brake noise:
Squealing front brakes may squeal require revised rotors, shims, support plates and/or pads. (1999-2000)
Exhaust system:
A booming noise from the exhaust system is corrected by installing a damper weight. (1999)
Suspension noise:
Noise from front suspension could be due to problem with strut support. Revised support with new bushing is available. (1999-2000)
Wind noise:
A throbbing wind noise from the moonroof is due to the location of the luggage-rack cross bars. Repositioning them may reduce the sound. (1999)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $555 |
| Alternator | $310 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $955 |
| Brakes | $380 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $915 |
| Exhaust System | $550 |
| Radiator | $600 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $350 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $425 |
Our price chart for this generation Lexus RX details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2003 | |||
| RX 300 | $14,500-16,500 | $13,200-15,000 | $9,000-10,200 |
| 2002 | |||
| RX 300 | $12,700-14,500 | $11,400-13,100 | $7,400-8,400 |
| 2001 | |||
| RX 300 | $11,000-12,500 | $9,900-11,300 | $5,900-6,800 |
| 2000 | |||
| RX 300 | $9,500-10,800 | $8,600-9,700 | $4,900-5,600 |
| 1999 | |||
| RX 300 | $8,300-9,500 | $7,500-8,600 | $4,300-4,900 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Lexus RX include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.0 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 180.1 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.5 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 65.7 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3692 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 75.0 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.2 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.5 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.7 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.2 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.4 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
All RX 300 models used the same powertrain. A 3.0-liter, dual-overhead-cam V6 engine, rated at 220 horsepower, drove a four-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V6 | 3.0 / 183 | 220 | 222 | 4-speed automatic: 19/24 | 4-speed automatic: 16.3 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Lexus RX include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 RX 300 |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1999-2003 Lexus RX 300 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1999 w/optional traction control:
If one of the dual brake lines fails and driver applies brake, vehicle will feel unstable compared to vehicles with proper brake distribution.
1999:
Headlights and taillights may not automatically illuminate in low ambient light, when headlight switch is placed in "Auto" position.
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