2003 Lexus RX 300 Review
Fuel Economy
18 mpg
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
6 years later and still loving my RX-300
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Lexus RX 300 AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Justed changed by rear tail-light on my 2003 RX-300 and got to thinking that besides a set of tires and oil changes I haven't had to do anything to this truck. It still rides like a new car and I'm getting 17 MPG in town and 26 on the road. What more could you want from a car. My dealer is great for normal service (but high priced, I guess they all are) but I always drive off with a job well done. Might go for a 2010, but it would take a lot to get me out of this model, and have car payments all over again!
Favorite Features
Great car like ride. Like the center storage area and gear shift. Better visibility out the rear than the 2004 and up. Very reliable.
Suggested Improvements
Wish there was any easy way to connect up my iPod
Katie's
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Lexus RX 300 AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Still smells like "NEW"! I want to sell this car for a 2005?? model. Poor turning radius & does not coast at all - you let off the gas & that's it. Uses more gas that way! Short seats being husband is 6' & long legged. Gives him sciatica!
Favorite Features
Has the look & nice color - mineral green. Nice sounding radio & disc. A lot of windows for touring the Blue Ridge here in WNC. Like the programmed garage door opener in visor.
Suggested Improvements
Turning radius, longer seats, cup holder more convenient place, car should coast a little for gas savings (feels weird), still figuring out the alarm.
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
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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