1999 Lexus RX300

Luxury car buyers have always been demanding. And as car sales shift from sedans to sport-utility vehicles, these well-heeled folks are getting tougher to please. Take the situation of Toyota and its luxury brand, Lexus. Like many manufacturers, Toyota responded to the demand for luxury sport-utes with a fancier version of its big, tough land cruiser. They called it the Lexus 450. But while many customers liked the big LX, a lot of them demanded a machine that was smaller, quieter, and a real Lexus. So Toyota gave the go ahead for Lexus to build the new compact RX300. It's not like anything else in the Toyota lineup. But is that enough to make this a real Lexus?

While the 1999 RX 300 is different in form, it remains fervently true to the Lexus philosophy. Upon close inspection, it's quickly evident all the qualities that make Lexus a standout in the luxury car segment, are also found in this new SUV.

Starting with the crystal-clear, aerodynamically wrapped parabolic headlamps and projector fog lamps that flank a bold, vertical barred grille, all fronting a profile remarkably similar to that of the Mercedes M-Class, although the RX 300's roofline is nearly five inches lower.

The slightly flared wheel openings and 16-inch tires on alloys give the RX a look of civilized ruggedness, while the multi-light theme continues at the rear, with oversized lens extending into a single-piece hatch with standard wiper/washer.

Smooth performance is also part of the Lexus legacy. The standard 3.0-liter, Quad Cam, 24-valve V-6 launched us to 60 in a very fine-for-an-SUV 8.6 seconds. We passed the quarter mile in 16.6 seconds at 83 miles per hour.

Pumping out 220 horsepower and 222 pound-feet of torque, this Camry-based powerplant is the only one offered in the RX 300. But with new features like Variable Valve Timing with intelligence, a three-stage variable intake system, and an active engine mount that cancels vibration at idle, it's the only one you'll need.

It feeds through an electronically-controlled 4-speed automatic transmission that delivers seamless shifts and full-time 4-wheel drive through a viscous center differential.

Like most car-borne SUVs, there is no low range. But, there is an optional Torsen limited-slip rear differential on 4X4 models. On 4X2s traction control is available.

But despite having 7.7 inches of ground clearance, the unibody RX 300 isn't a boulder hopping, tree climbing SUV. And it doesn't pretend to be.

It is, however, the most refined SUV we've tried. Indeed, out on the highway, the RX's manners are impeccable, and it's readily apparent why this SUV wears a Lexus badge.

The 4-wheel independent, MacPhersen strut suspension tenders a ride that is soft and compliant, without being excessively so, even when encountering the uneven surfaces so prevalent on secondary roads.

A trip through the slalom showed the RX can be pushed more aggressively than most truck-type sport-utes. A modest amount of understeer was evident on turn-in, but lateral transitions were smooth even with a fair amount of body roll. Alas, the rack and pinion's power steering pump couldn't keep up with our most rapid switchback movements.

But there was no twitchy movement under heavy braking. As the ABS-equipped 4-wheel disc brakes hauled us in from 60 in a very stable 127 feet, stable and comfortable.

And with ample wood trim, the RX 300's interior looks 100 percent Lexus. The optional leather upholstery covers wide seat bottoms and backs that are plush but supportive. Seat-mounted side impact air bags are standard.

Step-in height is very low, and with 10-way power adjustment on the driver's seat, just about any and all driving positions can be found.

The thickly padded tilt wheel faces a crescent-shaped IP that houses the gauges, backlit with the excellent Optitron lighting system.

The lighting doesn't work so well with the LCD screen in the center stack, however. Displaying stereo, climate, and trip computer functions, it easily washes out in sunlight and proves more distracting than helpful.

Too bad since the 190-watt sound system delivers superb sound and an optional glovebox mounted 6-disc CD changer. Also the controls are awkwardly divided between the faceplate and the bottom of the LCD screen.

Fortunately, the climate controls are right where you need them and self-explanatory.

The shifter is close at hand, too, as it's mounted in the upper half of the RX's odd two-piece console. A switch activates the winter and power shift modes.

The split arrangement leaves a bit of cross-over foot room in front of a well executed floor console, that has almost as many compartments as a steamer trunk.

Equally spacious are the comfortable rear seats with nearly 5 inches of fore and aft travel. There is plenty of hip and shoulder room for two adult occupants. Now Lexus claims three, but we wouldn't want to be the one in the middle.

The 60/40 split seat backs recline and fold forward to create additional room for the rather smallish cargo bay.

Prices, while certainly not smallish, are quite reasonable when considering the level of content and the Lexus marque. Base price on 4X2 models is $32,045, with 4X4s starting at $33,445. Our 4X4 tester totaled out to $38,603.

And it's that price-to-content ratio that tops our list of hits. Followed closely by the refined ride and handling, clever center console, and the glovebox-mounted CD changer.

Misses are the obtrusive LCD screen, awkward stereo controls, and small cargo bay.

The 1999 Lexus RX 300 takes the concept of combining car-like manners, wagon versatility, and all-wheel drive safety and utility, an idea made popular by the Subaru Legacy Outback, and pushes it to a new posh extreme. It's such a no-brainer that the RX 300 is almost guaranteed to be a success. And yes, it is a real Lexus!

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