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2002 Lexus RX 300RX 300 offers front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. Standard on either version is 3.0-liter V6, automatic...
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RX 300 offers front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. Standard on either version is 3.0-liter V6, automatic transmission, traction control, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system and emergency-stop brake assist feature. For 02 the optional DVD navigation system gets new functions, including multiroute calculation, simplified graphics, and route preview. It also gains a faster computer intended to speed up route processing and map scrolling
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19 Reviews from Epinions.com
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2002 Lexus RX 300
I have been driving SUV's for over 15 years and have always enjoy the 4 wheel drive handling, the ruggedness, the better visibility, and other goodies that go with SUV's.
A couple of years ago we decided to trade in one of our 4Runners for a newer model. We test drove the 2002 4Runner and a bunch of other SUV's and we decided on the 2002 RX300 at the end, instead of another 4Runner (that would have been our fifth of that model). For the sake of comparison and context, the reader may want to know that we test drove the Acura MDX (drove like a Honda), BMW X5 (too expensive but fun), Mercedes M Class (noisy, not as refined as other MB models, but not bad) and a bunch of other SUV's.
Roominess and Cargo Space:
Due to clever and efficient interior design, the interior of this vehicle is so roomy that you would think you were in a full-sized SUV. Both head room and shoulder space are more than adequate for everyone. Most notable is the leg room in the backseat. Since the backseat is adjustable (slide-able), you can trade rear seat leg room for cargo space when necessary. The backseat has a 40/60 split and it is very easy to flip the seat up and down for hauling cargo.
All-Wheel Drive:
This vehicle comes with an AWD system and it has none of the heaviness, noise and vibration normally associated with this type of transmission. It has skid control, traction control and a set of very effective power-assisted anti-lock brakes. There is even a "SNOW" mode for this vehicle.
Handling:
For someone that is used to wrestling with truck-like handling properties of some of the older SUV's, I was completely overwhelmed by the refined handling of the RX. It really drives like a car, corners like a car, and rides like a car. The stability of the vehicle is something extraordinary. Combined with a smooth and quiet ride, the handling of this vehicle can turn really nasty driving conditions (rain, snow, etc.) into something a lot less stressful. Even the rush hour traffic jam feels less stressful in this vehicle somehow. Oh yes, the vehicle is very quiet and you have to strain to hear the engine noise at idle.
Cruise Control:
The cruise control is excellent in the vehicle. The cruise control computer has a very high sampling and intervention rate. As a result, it is constantly making minute adjustments to the throttle to maintain the desired speed over varying terrain and inclination.
Visibility:
Since I am an aerospace buff, I will draw a parallelism between this vehicle and the Lockheed Martin F16. Talk about a commanding view of everything in front of you and around you! The driver finds himself surrounded by windows in all directions and that really improves situational awareness while on the road.
Fuel Efficiency:
This vehicle is not a gas guzzler by any stretch of the imagination, even for city driving.
Environmental System:
The RX300 has a very clever way of making sure that it does not blast you with frigid cold air in the winter when you want warmth as you get into the car in the morning. By the same token, it will automatically switch into re-cycle mode to cool down the vehicle in a hot summer day. When set in "Auto" mode, the system figures out how best to distribute warm or cold air based on interior, exterior and engine temperatures, to maintain a specific defined comfort level defined by the driver.
The vehicle also has a built-in HEPA filter as a part of the environmental system to cut down dust and pollutants.
Console:
The console and dashboard are both well designed and provide all the information the driver needs at a glance. The large monitor in the middle of the console provides information about the vehicle, environment, and sound system.
Sound:
I am a bit of an audiophile but I have nothing to complain about the sound system in the RX. Since the car is very quiet, I can even listen to classical music while I am driving. Granted that the bass is a little on the weak side, but it is a good system for driving since we are not actually expecting concert hall grade performance from it.
Other Amenities:
To name a few-
-Auto-polarizing rear view mirror
-Heated side mirrors
-Heated front seats
-Side impact air bags
etc, etc.
Maintenance:
The maintenance of this vehicle is very much carefree. We just stick to the maintenance schedule and so far, not a problem. Then again, this is what we expect from a Lexus/Toyota vehicle.
Customer Service:
Superb is the only word I can think of. The Lexus people (sales and maintenance) are well trained and thoroughly indoctrinated in the company's policy and philosophy - they do reflect the "drive for perfection" mentality of the Lexus brand.
Pet Peeves:
Only one - The turning radius is too big so parking in tight places can be a bit of a challenge sometimes.
In summary, this vehicle is an excellent entry-level luxury SUV. It is well designed, finely crafted and very well constructed. I did not think I would enjoy driving a "glorified station wagon" after years of fun with real SUV's, but I made that transition the minute I started the test drive.
A Refined Entry Level Luxury SUV
| Author's Rating: |
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Pros: Handling, comfort, console design, quality of construction, customer service.
Cons: Turning radius is way too big.
| Handling And Control: |
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The Bottom Line:
Highly recommended! Just test drive one and you will see why.
I have been driving SUV's for over 15 years and have always enjoy the 4 wheel drive handling, the ruggedness, the better visibility, and other goodies that go with SUV's.
A couple of years ago we decided to trade in one of our 4Runners for a newer model. We test drove the 2002 4Runner and a bunch of other SUV's and we decided on the 2002 RX300 at the end, instead of another 4Runner (that would have been our fifth of that model). For the sake of comparison and context, the reader may want to know that we test drove the Acura MDX (drove like a Honda), BMW X5 (too expensive but fun), Mercedes M Class (noisy, not as refined as other MB models, but not bad) and a bunch of other SUV's.
Roominess and Cargo Space:
Due to clever and efficient interior design, the interior of this vehicle is so roomy that you would think you were in a full-sized SUV. Both head room and shoulder space are more than adequate for everyone. Most notable is the leg room in the backseat. Since the backseat is adjustable (slide-able), you can trade rear seat leg room for cargo space when necessary. The backseat has a 40/60 split and it is very easy to flip the seat up and down for hauling cargo.
All-Wheel Drive:
This vehicle comes with an AWD system and it has none of the heaviness, noise and vibration normally associated with this type of transmission. It has skid control, traction control and a set of very effective power-assisted anti-lock brakes. There is even a "SNOW" mode for this vehicle.
Handling:
For someone that is used to wrestling with truck-like handling properties of some of the older SUV's, I was completely overwhelmed by the refined handling of the RX. It really drives like a car, corners like a car, and rides like a car. The stability of the vehicle is something extraordinary. Combined with a smooth and quiet ride, the handling of this vehicle can turn really nasty driving conditions (rain, snow, etc.) into something a lot less stressful. Even the rush hour traffic jam feels less stressful in this vehicle somehow. Oh yes, the vehicle is very quiet and you have to strain to hear the engine noise at idle.
Cruise Control:
The cruise control is excellent in the vehicle. The cruise control computer has a very high sampling and intervention rate. As a result, it is constantly making minute adjustments to the throttle to maintain the desired speed over varying terrain and inclination.
Visibility:
Since I am an aerospace buff, I will draw a parallelism between this vehicle and the Lockheed Martin F16. Talk about a commanding view of everything in front of you and around you! The driver finds himself surrounded by windows in all directions and that really improves situational awareness while on the road.
Fuel Efficiency:
This vehicle is not a gas guzzler by any stretch of the imagination, even for city driving.
Environmental System:
The RX300 has a very clever way of making sure that it does not blast you with frigid cold air in the winter when you want warmth as you get into the car in the morning. By the same token, it will automatically switch into re-cycle mode to cool down the vehicle in a hot summer day. When set in "Auto" mode, the system figures out how best to distribute warm or cold air based on interior, exterior and engine temperatures, to maintain a specific defined comfort level defined by the driver.
The vehicle also has a built-in HEPA filter as a part of the environmental system to cut down dust and pollutants.
Console:
The console and dashboard are both well designed and provide all the information the driver needs at a glance. The large monitor in the middle of the console provides information about the vehicle, environment, and sound system.
Sound:
I am a bit of an audiophile but I have nothing to complain about the sound system in the RX. Since the car is very quiet, I can even listen to classical music while I am driving. Granted that the bass is a little on the weak side, but it is a good system for driving since we are not actually expecting concert hall grade performance from it.
Other Amenities:
To name a few-
-Auto-polarizing rear view mirror
-Heated side mirrors
-Heated front seats
-Side impact air bags
etc, etc.
Maintenance:
The maintenance of this vehicle is very much carefree. We just stick to the maintenance schedule and so far, not a problem. Then again, this is what we expect from a Lexus/Toyota vehicle.
Customer Service:
Superb is the only word I can think of. The Lexus people (sales and maintenance) are well trained and thoroughly indoctrinated in the company's policy and philosophy - they do reflect the "drive for perfection" mentality of the Lexus brand.
Pet Peeves:
Only one - The turning radius is too big so parking in tight places can be a bit of a challenge sometimes.
In summary, this vehicle is an excellent entry-level luxury SUV. It is well designed, finely crafted and very well constructed. I did not think I would enjoy driving a "glorified station wagon" after years of fun with real SUV's, but I made that transition the minute I started the test drive.
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