Used 2003 Lexus RX 300 Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Best Car I've Ever Owned
I bought new a 2003 Lexus RX300 and have owned it for 16 years. It has183,000 miles and the car has been rock solid! Still drives like a champ, comfortable, quiet, and it has been rock solid for reliability. NO major issues.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Still going strong at 130K
My last Lexus, I sold with less than 100k somewhat in fear that it was getting old. I see it now and then and it appears to be moving along just fine. My 2002 RX just turned 130k and it running strong. It has the parking lot dings and a few scrapes on the bumper but aside from that, I plan on pushing it to it's limit. When it comes to Santa Fe snow, it's a champ and have told my wife, I would get another based on its ability to handle the snow pack and lack of street clean up. I've had other 4 wd and even my old Trooper can't compare. I would have to say it's been the best vehicle I've owned. I would highly recommend even buying a good used one. Look forward writing you when I hit 200K.
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,950107 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,999157 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $10,995160 mi away
Great Little SUV driving it for 5 years
I had my RX300 for 5 years now, it has 175k miles and still drive like new, no problem of any kind , just oil change and brake in 3 years tires still good after 3 years of heavy driving, smooth ride, ok on fuel, AC and heating is great accelerate good for AWD , reliable, I had a lot of cars in my live Jeep, BMWs, Kia, Honda, Nissan X terra , ford, Montero, Mercedes Isuzo , Hyundai this Lexus IS the best if u find one buy it no matter what is the miles on it it will last for ever
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Good SUV
I bought my RX 3 months ago as a pampered one owner with 102K miles an excellent maintenance history. I have owned several Toyotas so was attracted to the quality and reliability of the Lexus brand. We also have a 2009 Nissan Rogue with 117K miles so I will use that car as a comparison. My RX is based on the Toyota Highlander and drives like one. The ride is smooth but a bit "trucky" on back roads with bumps. The turning radius is wide compared to most cars. The transmission is a 4 speed which is outdated by today's standards. At 6'2" I could use a little more front leg room - wish the seat had more travel (a body shop could fix this for a few hundred dollars). This is a very good car with a lot of features and I would buy it again. Compared to our 6 year newer Rogue, the RX is not competitive as far as handling, gas mileage, and suspension refinement. The car does exude quality though and even the under carriage is really clean for a 13 year old car. No evidence of body rust or rusted out brake lines like a friend's Chevy truck. Toyota/Honda/Nissan must use more alloys as none of my cars have issues with under body rust. October 2016 and the Lexus is still bullet proof and all is well. Just routine maintenance. Traded the car as of April 2017. Wanted something more nimble with better gas mileage. Was starting to have issues the the check engine light and VSC light coming on. it is all exhaust and emissions related and the car was running fine. Seems to be an issue with this generation RX300
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Loved Both Of Them. Now Own a 2012 Lexus RX350
This is our second RX300. AWD The first was a 2000 with 52,000 miles when we bought it. It now has 227,500 and Runs & looks just like when I bought it. I found a one owner 2003, RX-300 AWD 91,100 miles on it with navigation plus other updates. Lots of nice upgrades from 2000 to 2003. Both Fantastic cars. I cannot say enough good things about the Lexus RX-300. If you want a car that will take you where you want to go, again & again & again with pure luxury car comfort, plenty of cargo space and 4WD like a snow plow this is the car you want. Knock on wood but we have had little minor problems almost not worth mentioning. #1, A window control switch acting up, #2, A window oh wait I already mentioned it. We are now selling our first Lexus but I have not listed it in over a month. I am having a hard time letting go of a vehicle that has been so good to us. Your first big tune up is do at 125,000 miles. Timing belt, Spark Plugs, Water Pump, Maybe valve adjustment. Average cost. $2000.00, then you should be good to go for 100,000 more miles. Fortunately the first owner on our 2003 did it early. Thank You!! We have now had our second Lexus RX300 for over one year. Even though it's looks very similar to our first Lexus. Lexus did many updates on the cars computers, suspension. etc. Has been a problem free car. These are a one of a kind car that are a pleasure to drive anywhere and everywhere in comfort and confidence. UPDATE: It is now 3-01-19. We lost our 2003 Lexus in the Paradise Ca, Camp Fire. We put over 35,000 miles on it from when we purchased it with 91,000 miles. It still looked and drove like a new car. Never had a problem with it. We purchased a 2012 Lexus RX350 with 71,000 miles on it for $18,700.00. This car brings the RX into a whole new realm. This RX handles like a dream with every option you could ask for. 2 TV monitors on the rear of the head rests, even has air conditioned seats. Every thing is controlled with a joy stick and voice control. You tell the car what to do and it does it. With a six speed trans, 19" wheels & tires and 3500 engine the power and drive is amazing. We have put 6,000 miles on so far and enjoyed every one of them. Our 2000 & 2003 Lexus RX were both amazing luxury cars. The 2012 is a amazing performance luxury car. All 3 had 4WD and drove excellent in snow and bad weather. I am sold on Lexus RX models for reliability, comfort, and great driving experience. Toyota Motor Division at its best!!!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
MY GOLD BABY
I enjoy my RX300 LEXus SUV the ride is comfortable and easy the maintance is affordable and the service professionals at my lexus dealer are knowledge and helpful. I will be buying a another LEXUS vehicle soon
2003 RX300
I am a tall person so the seat is a little short. The power locks have messed up and really pricey too replace/fix. This has been a great car. I have 272,000 miles on it. I have replaced the timing belt one time since I got it. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one with a hundred thousand on it. ad of today, July 25, 2021, I still drive this at 329,000 miles. this us still the best automobile I have ever owned. I still only do regular maintenance on it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Reliability
- Value
6 years later and still loving my RX-300
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!
Nice Car, but could be better
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.
This 4x4(AWD) is best ever SUV on the roads today.
This Toyota MDT, knows all about the Toyota and Lexus lines. With this said, the Lexus RX300 AWD is one of the best cars ever made witch shows all it was designed to good. Lexus changed engine in 2004 and started making them heavier for a much more pricy RX. My first one,1998 RX2003 Lexus RX300Awd which is still in our garage. A SUV that I would drive anywhere with any road condition.(I bet you now know why I say this is best SUV on th300Awd saved my life when a BMW going to fast, ran a Red Light I was driving across with my green light. My drivers side with me having this BMW hitting me around 60mph into my drivers door. I after looking over knew I could drive my "Totaled RX" back to my Toyota/Lexus garage, which I did. I then bought my 2000 Lexus, my 2nd RXAwd which had 280 thousand when I bought it, I sold it a few years later with 330,000miles and bought my 2003 RX300Awd that had low miles. I can and do drive it where ever we want any time of year.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Beware of driveability
I have 1,200 miles on my RX and have had it in for service 3 times to try to fix the tracking, alignment problem. The car will not drive down the road straight and stay driving straight as if the front and rear wheels are out of sync or camber. I have to constantly correct the car from drifting right and left. It's as though it responds to any and every imperfection or shift in the road and will drift off regardless of whether you have the wheel pointed straight. I cannot relax and cruise with this car and must keep my arms flexed and be ready for every unexpected shift in direction. Long drives are out of the question. I couldn't be more unhappy...
My Lexus review
The car is a very good riding car. We have taken it on several trips and it cruises at highway speeds very comfortably. All our friends that ride in the back seats says it is a very comfortable riding car. The car also serves well when I have to carry larger objects that a regular sedan cannot handle. Dealer service has been excellent (South Bay Lexus)
Many issues for luxury car
96K miles and trans is shot. power door locks do not work, power window works sporadically, had numerous check engine light issues, replaced sensors many times, dash light went out, steering wheel squeaks, these "luxury" cars will nickel and dime you to death, Never had so many problems with a non-luxury car.
Excellent Vehicle
This SUV/car is very fun to drive. It feels like a car yet gives you the advantages of an SUV. I have always felt that Lexus is overpriced. After owning one for almost a year, I understand why people are willing to pay a premium for these vehicles.
Moved from sedan to RX 300
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.
Best Car Ever
I have never owned a more reliable comfortable vehicle before. I would recommend to anyone.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Best Car I Ever Owned
244,000+ miles and it still runs and rides great! Replaced the oxygen sensor once but otherwise only routine maintenance.
My new 20 year-old
I had been looking for a used SUV from a private seller, not wanting a car note, given the ridiculous state of used car prices from dealers these days. My very non-scientific way of figuring out what was worth considering (along with reading the great professional reviews here on Edmunds, thank you) was the fact that I kept seeing so many of these still on the road, which says a lot considering Atlanta traffic. Found my '03 RX 300 on FB this past October- 189k miles for $3700. I may be still in honeymoon mode, but this car has been everything I hoped for and more! Was very well-maintained; I think I am 3rd owner from being originally purchased new from a local Lexus dealership. Still drives like new, higher clearance making it so easy to get in and out of, and the kicker being that it is a luxury SUV-that runs on regular gas! Surprised that more reviewers have not commented on that. Toyota definitely put their best ideas and execution into this one. They make it easy to be loyal to their brand-as long as they keep putting out products that prove to have top quality for the consumer's needs and longstanding value at the forefront.
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great SUV
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.
MJ
This SUV is more about looks and dependability versus comfort and roominess. We (a family of 4) feel crowded in ours. Two car seats, a diaper bag, book bag, a gym bag, a stroller in back, plus 2 adults make this SUV feel very confined. If the adults have the seats adjusted to perfect comfort levels, then the kids can barely get in the back seat. Plus, there is only one cup holder, low to the ground in the back that the kids fight over, if and when they can reach it from there car seats.
206K miles still running strong
Replaced the original Denso Alternator at 206k just a week ago. Replaced lifetime original transmission filter with 1 of 2 proven replacements at 175k. Aside from the regular scheduled maintenance that is needed nothing else has been replaced but some light bulbs at high miles. Exceptional build quality in my 2003. The antenna always breaks and its not worth fixing just use the CD player. The leather quality is great, and the VSC all wheel drive is reliable in rainy conditions and ice/snow. Easy to change fluids and service yourself. HID lights look great with this older generation, and you cant tell it apart from a early gen 350. Very happy, and going to use this car until her last mile.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2002 Lexus RX300 Coach Edition
A pleasure to drive! Very smooth & quiet ride. I test-drove and researched luxury suv's thoroughly and this one is best in overall value for the price.
Totally l ove my RX !!
We bought our preowned '00 RX this past June, and I've loved every day of driving it. It was not in our budget to buy brand new, but I loved them so much, that I was more than willing to wait until an affordable preowned came up.
Best car ever
Regular maintenance and it'll last forever. I'm at 214000
EXCELLENT SUV
I looked for 3 months trying to decide what SUV I wanted. Coming from a mid- sized sedan, I wanted an SUV that wasn't too big and handled well. I looked and drove everything from a Kia to a Lexus. I can honestly say this is the best SUV out there. It is worth the extra money.
2003 RX300
I bought my Lexus RX300 almost two years ago. It had 233000 miles and my peers said I was crazy. My last vehicle was a 1999 Toyota Forerunner which had 300000 miles on it and all it needed was a new clutch. This car is almost like a never version with a few bells and whistles. I stand behind it all the y
Love my Lexus
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.
Great Car!
Awesome car! love how smooth it is. Great for longer trips, not as fun as my Porsche but what is?
The Best
Love this vehicle. It is reliable, sleek, and fun to drive. Drives just like a car.
Love my lexus
It is a joy to drive, I love the way it looks. If you want an suv buy it.
Ole reliable
I have owned this car since she was new October 2002 (a 2003 model)...still going strong. Just done routine maintenance except replaced power steering mechanism 5,000 mls ago. I never thought it would last 20 years! I still have people that offer to buy my car. I take good care of it, keep it clean. Everyone is amazed when I tell them how old she really is. I will run this car till she can't move anymore. It is roomy...and love that the seats go down to give a large cargo back. Only wish it had a trunk door that lifts itself.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Simply the Best!!!!
Hands down the very best vehicle that I have ever owned. 21 years of great service with normal maintenance and occasion repairs.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Katie's
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!
You must test drive it at highway speeds
It drives great in the city, badly on the highway. The front feels heavy and you have to steer it all the time. It doesn't just cruise straight. The steering is progressive power steering which gets more like manual steering the faster you go. Feels like a truck without power steering on the highway. This makes highway driving tedious and tiring - your arm muscles are always slightly flexed like isometrics. The CD and AC and heater controls are confusing and not intuitive. If you lower the steering wheel, you can't see the blinkers or the mirror controls. The estimated gas mileage is not accurate. I'm only getting 16 mpg. I am VERY sorry I bought it.
Vibration Problems Continue
Although there was always some engine vibration (with car idles at say red light) with the RX it has gotten worse and the dealer says "normal", then the extra words that even the new ones have more vibation than some cars (I also have an old Chrys. minivan, which has none>>>, and says that since the motor mounts are different in the RX, than the other Lexus cars, then it will never be "normal', just exceeding the norm...Not pleasant when you have to shift into neutral at a red light, to keep your teeth from chattering.
Lexus RX
Just a little disappointed. I think if I had to do it over I would buy the Hummer.
RX 300
Good suv, but would of rather of had the 04 330 model. The 04 has more of what I want. WE averaged 15.8 in the city and 16.0 on the highway in gas milage. I could get the same gas milage with a V8 and more power too!!! When the sunroof is open you get a bad wind like nose with the wind defector down and/or if one of the windows opened. It buggs!!! Service is way to exspenseve, but you atleast get a free rental car. You should for the price they charge! Other than that it is a good suv. I would recomend it to anyone. Every car, truck and suv has it's downs sides! As my dad would say " It is a 100 times better than an American SUV"!!!
Ya think?
This year I purchased three Lexus vehicles. First the LX470 (too big and hard to handle), then the ES300 (SUPER car, but still yearned for Utility. The RX fills the gap between the sedan and the SUV. Still handles and rides like the Sedan with all the Utility of an SUV. Great Single Female vehicle, especially with the NAV system with Emergency capability. Too Cool! Bravo Lexus!
suv that's fun to drive and trouble free
The Lexas RX300 if the perfect family suv because it is fun to drive, has more cargo room than the Jeep Grand Cherokee LTD, best fuel mileage in its class and completely trouble free and totally reliable.
Love My New 2003 RX - Good Price
Have driven my new 2003 RX only 1000 miles since purchase (11/02), but LOVE it! It's a better ride than any car I've ever had and just looks great. Super service at the dealership (including a very good salesman). I've hauled big things with the rear seats up and down and I'm impressed with the room. Plentiful power, sure steering, and a quiet ride make this car a winner.
First rate suv.
The RX-300 was not my first choice, but my wife absolutely wanted it. So it took alittle bit of selling on my wifes part. But was I convinced once I drove the car. Unbelieveable ride so quiet and smooth and the quality of the way this car is built.
Disappointing
I am a little disappointed in the car. Ive had to replace the ignition switch, and now the check engine light comes on. Some say its an O2 sensor, another shop said it was an exhaust leak. I did however, detect a leak when it was on the lift.
Great Car!
The lexus rx300 is a great suv, but not to much of an SUV that it is a gas- guzzler. Also great handling and breaks. If you are looking for that big SUV feeling, this probably isnt the right car for you.
RX 300
This car never give me any probblem except when I need to make a U turn. I need to backup several times to completed the U turnb
03 RX300
An absolute pleasure to drive this vehicle. Very smooth and quiet. Handles well in all weather conditions. Comfortable and roomy interior. Plenty of space for cargo in the back. One or both seats folds down, a very nice feature. Sound system is superior. Lots of cup holders and other various storage locations which are well hidden when not in use. Overall, a sharp vehicle that is fun to drive.
Reliability
I bought this car because of the fact that everyone I know who has a Lexus has had no issues. I traded an Audi 2.8 quattro in for this and miss the sporty driving experience, but it was in the shop frequently. The RX 300 is very practical and drives more like a car than other SUV's tested. Now I wish I would have opted for the navigation system.
Two RX300s already and still loving it.
This car drives like no other SUV including the Mercedes ML320 BMW X5 is the real competition, but still, don't drive like the RX and is more expensive. If you buy one, buy the AWD. You'll never going to drive another car.
Pure Luxury
We shopped for SUVs for over a year and the RX 300 is the best overall SUV for the money, bar none. It is the best looking and the most comfortable. We definitely love this SUV.
2003 Lexus RX 300 FORVER
236,000 MILES AND STILL FEELS NEW, been told these first RXs will do over 300,000 plus. a Beast in the snow, unstoppable
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
The best luxury vehicle on the market!
This is where luxury meets luxury. This is my second one and I would never buy another SUV. The RX300 is the ultimate driving machine. I couldn't have made a better decision. It is great for road manner, winter weather, horsepower (pick-up), car- like ride, and pretty much everything else. Toyota's luxury line has done it once again.