I have 156,000 on my RX300. Need 6,000 work. Should I keep it?
Hearing folks say the transmission goes out about 150,000. Hear anything about that? Would do repairs if not true.
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2001 Lexus RX Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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While Lexus had pioneered this once unique crossover between the luxury car and the SUV, they were encountering more competition by the third model year. The Acura MDX and Infinity QX4 provided new options in the car/SUV niche. Originally based on the Japanese market Toyota Harrier, the RX would return to Toyota as the Highlander for 2001 in the United States.
The 2001 RX featured several changes. Most notable was the standard skid control system which regulated braking and engine power to maintain sure-footedness in slick conditions. A larger gas tank, water repellent front glass, and minor styling details rounded out the changes. New options included a navigation system, heated seats, and wood steering wheel and shifter.
Drivers who expected the RX to have the capabilities traditionally associated with SUVs were disappointed, and found the vehicle to be a poor value in that respect. However, those expecting a Lexus were not let down. Drivers reported the RX as powerful, smooth, comfortable, and luxurious. The 3.0 Liter V-6 provides 220 hp and 222 lb.-ft. of torque, but the gas mileage is certainly acceptable at 19/24. Common issues included a tight interior, uncomfortable front seats, and poor steering radius (41.3 ft) and responsiveness.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2001 Lexus RX
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by Anonymous
Jan 08, 2025
Great, family oriented, urban living, budget conscious, eco-conscious, commuter, outdoorsyJan 08, 2025
by Dawn C
Oct 30, 2024
My favorite car ever. Nice size and shape. Rides great.
Wish they still made them!Oct 30, 2024
by Mike G
Aug 31, 2023
Excellent and Reliable , very good. Nice SUV to buy.Aug 31, 2023
User rating:
by Anonymous
Jan 08, 2025
Great, family oriented, urban living, budget conscious, eco-conscious, commuter, outdoorsyJan 08, 2025
by Dawn C
Oct 30, 2024
My favorite car ever. Nice size and shape. Rides great.
Wish they still made them!Oct 30, 2024
by Mike G
Aug 31, 2023
Excellent and Reliable , very good. Nice SUV to buy.Aug 31, 2023
by Ben A
Dec 30, 2022
Solid engine package with luxury interior features reminiscent of much more expensive vehicles Dec 30, 2022
by Anonymous
Sep 09, 2022
This car is the definition of reliable, I havent had a single problem besides a now broken window due to me locking my keys inside. If I could, I would buy another. Sep 09, 2022
by Norman M
Nov 02, 2020
Its nice too old spider new automatic car cover for somebodyNov 02, 2020
by Andrew E
May 20, 2015
Overall a very dependable car, it does require regular maintenance to keep it on the road. Not the vehicle for the person who feels oil changes are optional, or that a battery should last the life of vehicle. To keep it running smoothly and dependably, it takes regularly scheduled engine, trans, and diff fluid changes. If you mostly follow the Lexus schedule, it should never let you down.
Its comfortable, it rides smooth and quiet, and allows for great on road visibility.
May 20, 2015
by Christopher R
Feb 25, 2015
This 2001 Lexus RX300 had over 175000 miles on it when it was sold after being a one-owner car. This model is what I refer to as the classic 'Moon Car'...as far as miles driven, it will go to the moon and back!
Many vehicles after they get a number of miles on them start to have issues with switches and latches, lights, doors, sunroof, hatchback, and other parts of the car that are the working parts. Not this model! Everything still worked well even after 15 years on the road which is a tribute to the built- in quality that Lexus buyers expect.
Now, is it all sunshine and perfection? No, of course not; the transmission that was originally designed for these cars and models that were just a few years ahead and a few behind had transmission problems. However, Lexus and their dealers for the most part stood by their product and replaced the transmission in this car with a factory replacement model around 60,000 miles. It's still shifting and running well. The main thing is not to 'Hollywood' the car through stop signs as the transmission needs to cycle down all the way before the torque converter is ready to go again in progressive gear up-shifting. The main point on this is you have to drive the transmission 'nice' otherwise you will feel it slip and seem to miss in the lower gears as the automatic transmission clutches attempt to cycle to the next gear.Feb 25, 2015
by julie s
Mar 06, 2014
Mid-sized family SUV, with a V-6 engine, leather interior, premium sound, moon roof, alloy wheels and a roof rack make the Lexus 300 a very comfortable and cozy ride. This car handles really well in all types of weather. It has plenty of power and is a safe car.Mar 06, 2014
by Sameh N
Jul 02, 2013
fulloption its almost loded and powerful looks nice, slided moon roof and family car every thing is working properly and the car doesn't need nothing very clean its look like a brand new car thats my review least about my carJul 02, 2013
by Keegan S
Mar 30, 2013
She has never disappointed me. Started easily in 90 degree washer a well as 10 degree weather. Very comfortable for passengers a well as driver. Drove through snow, ice, rain mud, etc... With no issues. Expensive looking interior with black leather and wood grain. This is an exceptional vehicle.Mar 30, 2013
by Kris L
Nov 11, 2012
If only gas prices weren't so high, a V8 would be my choice, the Lexus V6 still fits the bill though. Roomy, good handling, quiet ride; it's bee a nice car and I'd consider another Lexus in the future. KNov 11, 2012
by Adam P
Jun 09, 2012
The car was a blessing to our family. Never failed to drive us from home to work or on vacation in any type of weather.
Sound is excellent, like in a concert hall. Good classical music can be heard w/o noise.
Butt warmers are great in winter. AC works perfect too. Highly recommended to everyone. Jun 09, 2012
by Ralph C
Nov 28, 2011
Excellant car with great dependability and wonderful ride. Great family car, very comfortable for all passengers with plenty of storage room for vacations. This was the first luxury car we ever purchased and it has proven to be the best car for our family. Nov 28, 2011
by Ralph C
Nov 14, 2011
I like it so much I bought another one, just a different color.
Best car I have ever owned with no major problems and 160,000 miles, the last set of tires
lasted over 90,000 miles. I almost hate to part with it.Nov 14, 2011
by Anonymous
Nov 05, 2011
there is nothing to dislike about this car. only one reason is gas. it will take lit bit expenses in gas compare to other cars because of all wheel drive. the main reason i am goint to sell this car was i have nother car so i dont want to keep this car.Nov 05, 2011
by Anonymous
Feb 18, 2011
This Cross-Over is made on a car base so the ride is smooth (with coil
springs; rather than truck-like w/rear leaf-springs as on some SUV (Sport
Utility Vehicles). Average Highway Mileage: 18.7 MPG (with Regular
Unleaded Gasoline). Comfort and Luxury with Lexus Pride in Ownership.
White Exterior Color is cool (even under the West Texas Sun).Feb 18, 2011
by Stefan K
May 21, 2008
The car overall is great but the gas is sucksMay 21, 2008
by Brendan S
May 09, 2008
fast, responsive, reliable, nice interior, gpsMay 09, 2008
by Paula H
May 07, 2008
this car is super safe, has good gas consumption, it is spacious, it drives like a car not an SUV...I LOVED THIS CAR!May 07, 2008
by Justin W
Mar 29, 2008
Very reliable all around and roomy.Mar 29, 2008
by Hobart L
Mar 15, 2008
This lexus is surprisingly nimble for its height. Going down a curvy mountain road at 50 mph, it felt incredibly stable and safe. The interior amenities are also decently luxurious, with comfortable leather seats and imitation mahogany trim. The only complaint is a soft transmission that sometimes hunts through gears on moderate uphills.Mar 15, 2008
What users have asked
Lexus 2001 rx 300 check engine light on
Had the transmission replaced in my 2001 rx 300 about 4 months ago and now my check engine light is on it says gas cap and heater 2 senser is bad...but i need to pass the emission so i can get a tag untill i can get money to fix it how can i go about passing the emissions.i tiredto unplug the battery but after i drive it the light comes back on should i leave the battery unplunged longer are what can someone help me
119 views
vsc..engine light..trac light on 2001 lexus rx 300
these lights have gone on and off for over 20 years...it is something for me to be concerned about...they have been on for over a yr now
109 views
Head lights, blinkers, power windows, and A.C. heater controls stopped working
First my windows stopped rolling up or down then the headlights and blinkers stop working and the AC and heating control on the – stop working have checked fuses and can't seem to find the problem please help
92 views
Lexus 01 RX300 shifting issue
I shift into drive... the transmission shifts through the gears until the last one. Going 60 mph with 4k rpm is not good. The overdrive light is off, I've cycled it but no help. This doesn't happen all time and if it does I turn the car off, wait then restart it and it works ok for awhile. What's up?
42 views
Top Comparisons
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2001 Lexus RX Pricing
Original MSRP
$34,500 to $36,250Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Premium Brand: Nakamichi Audio · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Premium Brand: Nakamichi Audio · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent