1999 Lexus RX Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$32,045 to $33,445

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.2

avg user rating

(22 reviews)
1999 Lexus RX Preview summaryImage

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.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 1999 Lexus RX

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User rating:
by Diana B
Mar 21, 2020
My husband and I love the car. Great car for a great price!Mar 21, 2020
by Anonymous
Jul 10, 2014
RX300 is almost a trouble free car since day one when I drove it out of the dealership in 1999. Great warranty and services at Peachtree street in Atlanta Georgia. I took it with me when I relocated to LA 3 years ago. Just like a trustworthy friendJul 10, 2014
by Anonymous
Apr 24, 2014
Looking for a used crossover sized SUV, I found this VERY LOW Mileage (65k miles), well kept 1999 RX300! I would never have purchased such an old car except for the mileage and the fact it was owned by a "very wealthy" family who also owned several other cars where-in this one was a seldom driven convenience car and had regular Lexus Dealer service. I love driving this car to various ghost town sites and old mines here in the Nevada and California deserts! Living in Reno, I also have the ability to drive in snow with little difficulty. The only drawback is the poor gas mileage (16 in town, 21 highway) for such a small car.Apr 24, 2014

1999 Lexus RX Pricing

Original MSRP
$32,045 to $33,445
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
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YoY price change
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Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: power · Premium Brand: Nakamichi Audio · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Exterior Features

Paint: special factory paint

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Nakamichi Audio · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

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