1999 Lexus RX 300 Review
1999 Lexus RX 300 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Relatively inexpensive (as Lexus vehicles go, anyway).
Cons
- Don't kid yourself, it's not a real SUV.
What’s new
The RX 300 is an all-new car-based SUV from Lexus designed to compete in the luxury SUV segment.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Lexus RX 300 4dr SUV AWD and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.18 per gallon for regular unleaded in Oklahoma.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Oklahoma
$217/mo for RX 300 Base
RX 300 Base
vs
$178/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Lexus, like many manufacturers these days, is jumping on the sedan/sport-utility hybrid bandwagon with the all-new RX300. Touted as a "new breed of SUV," the RX300 is supposed to offer the style, versatility, and poor-weather traction of an all-wheel drive SUV without the compromise in ride, fuel economy, or ease of entry/exit associated with most SUVs.
While it may be "new" for Lexus, this luxury market segment had already been addressed by Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz and the new Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, Lexus chose to base the RX300 on a car, rather than truck, platform. Consumers who want all the luxury of a high-end sedan along with the apparent security and beefiness of a truck are buying these vehicles faster than the manufacturers can produce them.
Powering the RX300 is a 3.0-liter 24-valve V6 that makes 220 horsepower and 222 pound-feet of torque. Lexus' trademark Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVTi) is used to create 80 percent of the engine's torque at 1,600 rpm. It also enhances fuel economy and reduces emissions.
For buyers living in mild climates, the RX300 can be had in front-wheel drive, which improves both performance and gas mileage. To add to the front-wheel drive model's capability in less than perfect weather, electronic traction control is optional. Full-time four-wheel drive is also available with a viscous center coupling that directs torque to the wheels with the most traction whenever slippage occurs.
In keeping with its Lexus nameplate, the RX offers numerous luxury features like a dash-mounted liquid crystal display for relaying climate control and trip computer information. A standard 190-watt Pioneer system can be upgraded to an optional 230-watt Nakamichi sound system for audiophiles who like to scare the wild life while slogging though the wilderness.
With its long list of luxury and safety features (side airbags are standard in the RX300) Lexus is able to offer a lot of car (in the guise of a truck) for not a lot of money. While we wouldn't recommend the RX to anyone with serious off-road aspirations, it fulfills its intended mission of giving semi-affluent buyers an SUV that won't offend the other country club members.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Lexus RX 300.
5 star(67%)
4 star(22%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(0%)
86 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Best Vehicle I have ever owned. I have owned lots.
Jay Alan, 06/25/2018
1999 Lexus RX 300 4dr SUV AWD
I have a 1999 and it is going strong with 228,000 miles and the only maintenance so far has been brakes, tires, oil filter, air filter, AC Recharge, and bulbs replacement. Considering it is the first year make and model I would rate that reliability tremendous. I think was is the most impressive feature of the RX 300 AWD is how great it performs in the snow, It has been in 2 to 3 feet in … Wyoming and in the Sierra Mountains in California and Nevada. Never been stuck and have never had to chain up. The only complaint I have is the durability of the leather on the front seats. The leather wore out after about 10 years and now have to use seat covers.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Good older SUV
krw5, 11/04/2012
1999 Lexus RX 300 4dr SUV AWD
I bought this with 167k on it as a "winter beater" three years ago, never thinking that with that many miles it would be as great a vehicle as it is.
The only thing that's ever gone wrong is that the ignition coils needed to be replaced.
Still gets 20-25mpg, passes California smog with flying colors, looks pretty good for a 14 year old Lexus.
It did have the advantage of being a one … owner vehicle serviced exclusively by a Lexus dealer (it even has a Lexus brand battery).
I change fluids religiously and expect it to go another 100k.
5 out of 5 stars
Lexus saved our lives!!
lexusluver, 05/14/2012
1999 Lexus RX 300 4dr SUV AWD
Owned a 1999 Lexus Rx 300 for five years. Three weeks ago
my husband and I was hit from behind by a full sized pick up while sitting at a stop light,then pushed into another SUV
in front of us. The police report said that the driver of the pick up never even noticed us and never slowed down and hit us doing 45mph. Although we received back/neck injuries, we feel that because we were … driving our Lexus, it saved our lives. A police officer and a fireman both called our Lexus a "little tank" and told me that we were lucky to be driving
it. we were
told it could have more serious. We are definitely purchasing
another Lexus as soon as we settle with insurance co. Miss our Lexy!
4.75 out of 5 stars
Affordable Luxury
Cmazanec, 05/03/2006
1999 Lexus RX 300 4dr SUV AWD
I bought this car in late Fall from a private party. After much debate about what kind of SUV to buy I can now say I made a great choice! I was comparing it to the 4Runner and other comparable SUVs. I was a litte hesitant about buying a Lexus because of the cost factor and I thought that it may be too much to maintain. Since I bought it all I have done is a front brake job which I … knew it needed when I bought it. Of course at first I brought it to a Lexus dealer but after seeing their review and estimates I brought it to my local shop and they did the same work for a lot less. I saved about $150 on the brake job with them. I have been extremely satisfied with it so far!
1999 RX 300 Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $206/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 30.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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