2003 Lexus RX 300 Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Looks like an SUV (sort of). Drives like a car. That's why this is Lexus' best-selling vehicle.
Pros
Well-appointed interior, perfect road manners, excellent crash test results, optional four-wheel drive.
Cons
Allergic to major off-highway work, cumbersome LCD screen in center of dash, feels more like a minivan than an SUV.
What's New for 2003
Nothing has changed for the RX 300 during its move from 2002 to 2003. Prospective buyers should note that it will get a complete redesign for 2004.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Moved from sedan to RX 300
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Lexus RX 300 AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
Review
This vehicle is a pleasure to drive. The AWD is flawless, the car has plenty of power (for me), the ride is very smooth and quiet. I preferred this car's ride to the ES 300 sedan which I found floated to much. This car is an all around treat to drive. Good viewing all around from driver's seat.
Favorite Features
AWD, comfort, Pretty much has everything I want.
Suggested Improvements
Turning circle a bit wide, side curtain airbags (which the 2003 ES 300 has? go figure), dual AC (also the ES 300 has).
6 out 6 people found this review helpful
Great Car!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Lexus RX 300 AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Awesome car! love how smooth it is. Great for longer trips, not as fun as my Porsche but what is?
Favorite Features
Awesome sound system, easy to use controls, wood trim, nice leather.
Suggested Improvements
passenger seat does not move up and down, not good.
4 out 5 people found this review helpful
Nice Car, but could be better
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Lexus RX 300 AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Over all the RX 300 is a very good car! It is easy to drive as the steering feels effortless. The design is good but needs some refinements such as more room. The ride is stiffer than the MDX. Fuel economy is fair at best.
Favorite Features
The easy steering. The sound system is top notch! Reliability is very good.
Suggested Improvements
Make it larger. Not enough cargo room. The seat warmers should shut off automatically when the car is turned off and not turn back on when restarting the car. The area of the shifter needs to be redesigned.
4 out 4 people found this review helpful
Love my Lexus
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Lexus RX 300 AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Excellant small to mid-size luxury vehicle with the comfort of AWD. Comfortable to drive, even my 6'3" husband has no problem with headroom, even with a retractable moon roof. Plenty of room in backseat, if you don't need the availability of 3rd row seating with plenty of cargo area also.
Favorite Features
Memory seat, I am 5'5" and husband is 6'3". On other vehicles I could never return my seat to where I needed. Auto night/day mirror, auto temp control.
Suggested Improvements
CD player the most difficult player to load/change. For a $40,000 vehicle I think Lexus would be able to come up with something that has to be easier. i.e. Like the CD players like Toyota Highlander and/or 4-Runner, both which I have owned. Tilt wheel not handy, better on colum.
4 out 4 people found this review helpful
Great SUV
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Lexus RX 300 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I've had it for 1 1/2 years and have loved every minute of it. This is the 2nd SUV I've owned and the other one didn't come close to this one. So far I've I had great gas mileage for an SUV (22.5)-that's almost as good as my last CAR! It is worth the price.
Favorite Features
One-touch windows & sunroof. Reclining back seat. Memory seat feature.
Suggested Improvements
Better placement of rear cupholder and more than 1. Better placement of the CD changer - the dash is very inconvenient. Automatic door locks. I can't believe it doesn't have them!
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2003 Lexus RX 300
- 2002 Lexus RX 300
- 2001 Lexus RX 300
- 2000 Lexus RX 300
- 1999 Lexus RX 300
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