2003 Lexus RX300 AWD review from North America

Transmission problem with 3.0 liter

4 speed automatic AWD.

This review is for 2003 RX 300 AWD (US market). We were in the market for one and realized that lexus RX went to the 3.3 liter (330) with 5 speed transmission in 2004 (that’s the new shape). After reading the reviews on this and other websites we decided to stay away from the 2004 and higher models due to transmission problems. We drove at least 10 2003 RX300 with AWD (3.0 liter engine with 4 speed transmission) in Chicago, IL market. They all had 30K to 50K miles. While the vehicles were nice, they all had some problems. Most of the vehicles had the transmission surge problem every one is talking about (I was surprised to see hesitation in 4 speed transmission as well). Some had electrical/cd related problems. The vehicles were also at the lexus and other reputable dealerships and they all refused to agree on transmission problems.

We ended up buying a 2003 highlander limited with leather and heated seats. It has 55K miles, but drives very nice. Although it shares a lot of parts with RX, the transmission seems to be okay (we have only owned it a month). Not sure why, but highlander seems to have better ride and power then its RX sibling.