Introduced in 1999, the Lexus RX 300 was the Japanese automaker's second effort in the sport utility market...but it's more complicated than that. Built up from the Toyota Camry chassis, the RX was intended as more of a large all-condition station wagon than a real 4x4. Vehicles like the RX (it was designed to compete with the Mercedes ML320) were the original automotive definition of 'hybrids,' as they were really a link between cars and sport utilities. Lexus referred to the RX as a 'crossover' vehicle, and it quickly became their top seller. It was a viable option for parents who weren't yet ready to surrender to minivans.

The RX 300 was no departure from what you'd expect from Lexus. The standard power plant was a 220-horsepower 3.0 Liter V-6, which propelled drivers from 0-60 in eight seconds. Fuel economy was observed between 22 and 24 mpg on the highway, depending on FWD or 4WD. In 1999, these were odd sounding numbers for a sport utility. Drivers reported on the driving experience as quiet, comfortable, responsive, and maneuverable-very car-like.

On the other hand, the RX may not be all you'd expect from an SUV. Off-road travel is a delicate matter with just 7.5 inches of ground clearance. Lexus marketed the RX more towards hauling kids and groceries, leaving the larger LX 470 as the true off-roader. Transmission problems are the most common customer complaint, while others include the lack of interior room, and the high cost of building the luxury options up from the base model.