300 still the best RX model!
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: NY
300 still the best RX model!
OK, this is biased because we're in NYC. But our 2003 RX 300 is SO easy to park -- because it's ONLY 180" long -- and it is SO roomy inside, has great visibility and has SO MUCH cargo space. What an amazing design! The newer RX models are too big for parking easily in Manhattan, the visibility is not good (hence one must have a rear-view camera, like it or not), and the cargo space has actually shrunk a little.
We've been trying to find a new compact SUV that has all the wonderful RX300 characteristics, but none does. RAV4 is the closest, but that's not acceptable. Why can't Lexus replicate the RX300 design??
We've been trying to find a new compact SUV that has all the wonderful RX300 characteristics, but none does. RAV4 is the closest, but that's not acceptable. Why can't Lexus replicate the RX300 design??
Driver
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 13
From: Maryland
I agree with you that RX300 is the best of the RX series. The only downside is the wide turning radius. I hated the center storage "pit" in the RX330 (instead of drawers), and the 2010 model doesn't even have an open area between the front seat leg areas.
I haven't really been looking, but I think the current Honda CR-V might come the closest to the RX300, particularly in length, weight, and layout.
I haven't really been looking, but I think the current Honda CR-V might come the closest to the RX300, particularly in length, weight, and layout.
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,189
Likes: 16
From: NY/NJ
Since you're talking Toyota and Honda... no consideration for the Highlander?
As for design, I think the 1st GEN is still the best CUV ever. Redefined the market, for good or bad. The RX300 seems like they put a lot of thought into it, because they wanted to get it right the first time, but then the 330/350 and 2010 350 it's almost been change for change to make it look different... not better, just different.
The 2010 350 video monitor, you're telling me that couldn't be designed to look better integrated into the headrest? Looks like an afterthought of "oops, we forgot to design the monitor..."
On paper, the 330/350 was NOT smaller than the 300 interior, but it felt and does have less usable space in terms of interior full width and height etc.
There have been no improvements that were outstanding on the 330/350 to make me switch and the 2010 has made me consider jumping makes if my 300 fails before 2015 for 2016 model year.
As for design, I think the 1st GEN is still the best CUV ever. Redefined the market, for good or bad. The RX300 seems like they put a lot of thought into it, because they wanted to get it right the first time, but then the 330/350 and 2010 350 it's almost been change for change to make it look different... not better, just different.
The 2010 350 video monitor, you're telling me that couldn't be designed to look better integrated into the headrest? Looks like an afterthought of "oops, we forgot to design the monitor..."
On paper, the 330/350 was NOT smaller than the 300 interior, but it felt and does have less usable space in terms of interior full width and height etc.
There have been no improvements that were outstanding on the 330/350 to make me switch and the 2010 has made me consider jumping makes if my 300 fails before 2015 for 2016 model year.
Driver
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 13
From: Maryland
And you could have added transmission failure issues.
I think there is consensus that sludge isn't an issue if you change your engine oil every 3-4,000 miles with a high quality oil. Also, the sludge seems to effect the 1999-2000 models the most.
There is some indication that doing a transmission fluid drain-and-refill every 15,000 may reduce transmission failures to a low rate.
I think there is consensus that sludge isn't an issue if you change your engine oil every 3-4,000 miles with a high quality oil. Also, the sludge seems to effect the 1999-2000 models the most.
There is some indication that doing a transmission fluid drain-and-refill every 15,000 may reduce transmission failures to a low rate.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 959
Likes: 2
From: New Jersey
Come on Lexus, take the RAV4 get rid of the ugly tire on back, fix the hatch so it opens the right way, Lexus it up a bit and throw a Lexus emblem on it
Trending Topics
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
From: Rhode Island
If lexus put the rx300 back into production, but fixed the tranny, the turning radius, and added new features such as the push start and HUD, i would buy it in a heartbeat.
It is so much better looking than the newer models. People always tell me that it looks brand new. It's not outdated at all...
It is so much better looking than the newer models. People always tell me that it looks brand new. It's not outdated at all...
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,583
Likes: 1,397
From: Austin, TX
My only design complaint has been the encroachment inside the rear trunk from the rear wheel suspension. The alternative would have been leaf-springs and they would have impacted the ride. Cant have them all.
Salim
Salim
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post