Test Drive Lexus RX 1998 - 2003 SUV

Adutant Your Excellency

You probably had to watch the picture who walked down?, When some bull terrier drags on the host lead. So many prestigious cars in nature are bright and strong walked their owners. With Lexus-RX300 this will not happen. He knows how to faithfully serve the owner, without imposing his own self.
 



Choosing a full sacrifice, not least need to be guided by the functional capabilities of a particular model. For example, Pajero and Grand Cherokees are close at the price, prestige level, and externally, in general, are similar. However, they show their strengths and weaknesses in different areas. Accordingly, the pleasure of possessing them will be completely different.
 

Lexus-RX300 Crossover (or Parquer). All representatives of this tribe, including prestigious models, are very close in their consumer qualities. Therefore, in this case, you can choose the car that most fully corresponds to your taste or image. However, the choice of RX300 pushes its price primarily.
 



What is the price?
The prestige of the Lexus brand is felt already at the entrance to the car dealership. Price lists are printed on a gluable colored paper. Information plates next to the machines on expensive wooden stands. Rotating podium from natural parquet. Yes, and the RX300 itself, there is no doubt, the luxury crossover. In this case, the machine in an exhaustive configuration R1 costs $ 56,400 cheaper Prado and Pajero.
 

R2 version is richer. Its equipment includes everything that Sibarit's soul can wish. Wooden steering wheel? Please. Parktronic? So he, and not only in the back, but also in the front bumper. Drive by car in turn with my wife? At your disposal, the memory of the settings of the chair, steering wheel and mirrors for two drivers. The miniature spouse is inconvenient to raise and lower the huge trunk door? For her it will make a servo. Even the steering column will automatically rise up, and the body will take place on the air suspension, so that the beloved owner is easier to enter-leave the car. There is such a thing $ 62 400. For comparison: any European competitor with a similar set of equipment will cost $ 73,00085,000.

 

Seat settings memory, mirrors and steering wheel for two drivers are in versions R2 and R3

The box with cup holders and boxing between the seats can be moved back

This button turns off the parking sensor when people walk around the standing machine
 



Finally, the R3 equipment with a hatch in the roof, the audio system of Mark Levinson and the adaptive rotary headlights of the near light at a price of $ 65,900. True, the hunters on it are a bit. Luke thing on an amateur. Mark Levinson is, of course, prestigious. But after all, the basic music of the RX300 is cool. And for the swivel lights while they did not appreciate them in the repospace.

 

When the rear window is turned on, the side mirrors automatically go down

If the logs are not pressed on the sides, the trunk curtain will automatically turn when the fifth door is opened

In the configuration R3, the AFS Off button disables the automatic rotation of the near light of the headlight
 



As you can see, at the price of the RX300 does not leave competitors no chance. This is an absolutely better sentence in the classroom. Moreover, Lexus Dealers decided to put another one who finishes. For example, business car until the end of December offers New Year's gifts worth $ 1500 ... Happy New Year to you, buyers RX300! Well, I will perform in the role of Santa Claus and put in the bag the most desirable, the most asked modification R2.

 
       
When you press the output button (the appropriate symbol lights up on the dashboard), the car will squat on the pneumatic suspension when the doors opening
 


List of standard equipment

Equipment R1:

ABS with electronic brake distribution
Amplifier emergency braking
VSC dynamic stabilization system
TRC anti-test system
Seven Airbags: Frontal, Front Side, Window, Knee Pillow Driver
Xenon headlights with washer
Fog lights
Automatic inclusion of headlights and overall lights (illumination sensor)
Internal mirror with automatic darkening
Cruise control
Security alarm
Immobilizer
Separate 2-zone climatic control
Electric windows
Side mirrors with electric adjustment, folding and heating
Central Lock with Du and Double Lock
Cassette Magnetola HI-FI level with CD changer on 6 disks and 8 speakers
On-board computer
Adjustable in height and angle of inclination steering column
Electric adjustment and heating front seats
Folding in proportion 40:20:40 Rear sofa with adjustment
longitudinal movement and angle of tilt back
Leather interior with wood and metal trim
Steering wheel and lever KP with leather trim
Ragging Roof Railways
Lightweight alloy wheels with tires 225/60 R17

Equipment R2 additionally:

Adjustable pneumatic suspension
Wiper with rain sensor
Front and rear parking sensors
Steering column adjustment electric drive
Memory of front seats, side mirrors and steering columns
Electric opening / closing fifth door with doors
Steering wheel with leather and wooden and knitting KP with wooden trim
Tires 235/55 R18

Equipment R3 additionally:

Rotary headlights
Audio System Mark Levinson with 11 speakers
Luke in the roof with electric drive




Outside and inside
The appearance of the previous RX300 was controversial. More precisely, too Americanized. The proportions of the current model did not undergo revolutionary changes, however the machine turned out to be more elegant and harmonious. The rapid profile with the sweep of the bodies, transparent headlights and lights with round light guns, aerodynamic visor on the stern. The RX300 definitely creates a positive attitude.
 

Some find the appearance of Lexus too caramel, not male. Well, unlike BMW x5, the RX300 really does not play muscles, does not demonstrate a rough strength. But do you need a car with a Tyson T-shirt figure? Lexus looks intelligent. And to the one who heard himself looks the same, the RX300 will like it.
 

The convenience of landing-disembarking is one of the advantages of crossovers over cars and full-fledged oscidence. The ceiling at Lexus is high enough, and the floor of the body, on the contrary, is low, since there is no frame and a huge disduction. Therefore, the RX300 is not sitting in the RX300, but you do not go around, namely you go, slightly nourished as in the minivan. And if you press the output button? First, I did not feel that the car has become noticeably more convenient for entering out. Secondly, after opening the door, you manage to leave the car before the suspension is blown away. Apparently, only the real owner of Lexus will be able to estimate the function of a comfortable landing, who understood life and in no hurry.

 
  
When the headlights are burning, their washer is turned on separately from the glass washer. Thanks to this, non-freezing is spent economically

Button on the ceiling can be turned off the sensor of the internal volume when the animal remains in the protected machine
 



The interior of the RX300 is made in the same restrained, unobtrusive style, as well as its appearance. It is very cozy, relaxing atmosphere. The accuracy of fitting parts and the quality of finishing materials at the highest level. Chairs and door panels are inhabit thin, soft skin. By the way, on the seats it is perforated, with small folds and, which is especially nice, not slippery. Numerous inserts under the tree are very plausible to imitate natural material. The soft texture of the torpedo at the distance of the elongated hand is quite possible to take for genuine skin. If the central console finishes more like a natural aluminum ... But in this form, the interior looks very noble. The main thing is that the number and area of \u200b\u200bdecorative inserts under the tree and under the metal does not pass the face that separates respectfulness from KICH.
 

In addition, Lexus bribes attention to the trifles. Cosmetic mirrors in sunscreen visors are equipped with a backlight brightness regulator. The shifts of the non-stuff box installed between the front chairs are open and closed by pressing the button. The compartment for the phone in this box is lined with a soft foam. Even the efforts of the springs of the cup holders are chosen so that they are revealed softly, noble. Similar nuances are distinguished by really expensive cars from those that just try to seem like.

 
  
Rear head restraints fold, slightly improving the review. Nevertheless, Parktronic Lexus is vital

Left on the front panel is a comfortable retractable cupboard
 



The layout of the RX300 salon is close to minivans. The floor is absolutely even, and the seat cushions are located at the optimal level higher than in the passengers, but lower than in most sorts. Thanks to all the inhabitants of the cabin provided a very fence landing. The back can be accommodated and threesome, however, a double sofa is emphasized. At the disposal of passengers regulated over the corner of the backrest, multifunctional central armrest and adjustable ventilation deflectors. Perhaps someone will incorporate on the absence even in the most expensive configuration of the second microclimate control and rear seat heating. However, the RX300 is not the car that would be suitable for the role of the representative all-day.


Behind the wheel
Running forward, I will say that the organization of the workplace in all modifications of the RX300 is close to ideal. But in the R2 and R3 versions, the comfort worked at all five with a plus. As soon as the ignition key is removed from the lock, the steering column with the electric drive is moved up and forward for the convenience of landing-disembarkation. The key is back in the lock, and the Branca automatically returns to the initial position. And not only she. The chair and mirrors, if their settings were shot down, also returned to the place. True, after pressing the memory button. How comfortable it is! After all, the more adjustments, the more convenient you can get driving. True, the harder it is more difficult to return the previous optimal landing after a long trip, to the finish of which came half a litage.
 

The driver's seat was particularly pleased with the rarity tenacious leather upholstery and, most importantly, unexpectedly large for a Japanese car a range of longitudinal adjustment. German competitors will be even more difficult to beat the lexus of tall buyers. True, in the form of the front seats RX300 is somewhat inferior to the ideal Anatomians of BMW-X5. But they definitely do not call amorphous or uncomfortable. And for long journeys, even folding armrests are provided.
 
 


Landing geometry optimal. Not too low, but not a high captain, it allows you to confidently navigate in the stream and at the same time not to get tired on long-distance travel. All controls in place. Especially I want to note the selector of the machine gun with a zigzag slotted on the riddle of the central console. Past of the right position with such not mishadeed. Yes, and manual regime is performed comfortably lever at hand. The onboard information is read at times. The information display is located optimally, and its large screen is clearly divided into two levels: at the top of the clock and readings of the route computer, at the bottom of the modes of climatics.

 
Controls
 

1. Pedal of parking brake. 2. Window block. 3. Button blocking the central lock. 4. Parktronic switch and remote unlocking button of gas tank. 5. Remote Mirror Settings, Function Switch Output and remote control button of the fifth door. 6. Instrument illumination brightness knob and mileage meter switch. 7. Remote control of the audio system. 8. Cruise control panel. 9. Multifunctional information display. 10. Display brightness control. 11. Clock correction buttons. 12. The onboard computer control button. 13. Alarm switch. 14. Climate control control panel. 15. Audio system. 16. Switches and seat heating switches. 17. Headlight washer switch. 18. Pneumatic height regulator. 19. Switch of the Winter Mode of the ACP.
 
Dashboard
  











1. Tachometer. 2. Pneumatic height indicator. 3. Speedometer. 4. Run meter. 5. Fuel level pointer. 6. Cooling fluid temperature pointer. 7. ACP mode indicator.
 


But especially liked the optimile instrument panel. It is necessary to see it! When the ignition is turned on, three black bottomless wells flashed with neon light. Not only is fantastically beautiful, the readability of devices are great, and data displayed on the dial is organized logical. Class!

If you find fault, you can note the inconvenient location of the parking sensor switch, the instrument illumination control knob, the odometer switch and the illogical neighborhood of the headlight washer buttons and the adjustment of the air suspension. But all this is pretty quickly get used to. I strongly did not like only the wooden steering wheel. When in places of the main grip, the rim of the steering wheel, wherever nothing went. But the driver of Lexus has two fingers of each hand feel warm and pliable skin, and three other slippery knuckles. Because of the same steering wheel, you can take the R1 package.
 

Overviews from the driver's seat prevent only massive front-racks of the body and adjacent to them huge lops mirrors. But the mirrors themselves are excellent. They can boast not only a large area, but also the ability to descend down when the reverse transmission is turned on. The folding head restraints of the sofa, not overlapping the glass, also contribute to reversal maneuvering. However, the lower slice of glass at Lexus is highly difficult for him may well hide a car. Yes, and the front dimensions are felt with difficulty. Therefore, the front and rear parking sensors are included in the R2 and R3 package.

 
Engine
 









1. Glass washer tank. 2. Power steering tank (under the lid). 3. Tank of the main brake cylinder. 4. Block relay and fuses. 5. Rechargeable battery. 6. Engine radiator cork. 7. The plug of the oil-coal neck of the engine. 8. Oil Property Engine. 9. Engine cooling system expansion tank.
 




Georgis baggage
Completeness of the tool when issuing a car checked the seller, and I turned to the trunk after the span of a hundred versts on a slakful country track. Silver feed turned into gray-black. But I do not have to get a stack of hands. Press the button on the key, and the fifth door smoothly rises to the servo to the full opening (it also closes without your participation). The edge of the eye notice that the roller curtain of the trunk is watched and moves along the sled, as if causing the mouse in the chest clutched. It turns out that if the locks are not pressed, the curtain is really removed automatically when opening the fifth door ... Full service!
 

By itself, the trunk of the average volume (440 l), and the suspension boxes protrude inside greater than I would like. However, the Larchik is not bad. On the right and on the left lighting plaffers, there are a 12-volt socket, in the floor two secret compartments. And again attention to detail. The lid of the long-rankeric, in which the jack is stubborn and the tool set, in the raised position supported by a metal barbell. According to the care of the construction of the construction, it would completely walitate for the weapon rack. And both short underground covers smoothly rise by microlifes.


 
Both parts of the rear sofa are separated in the proportion of 40:60 are equipped with adjustable longitudinal movement and angle of tilt back. If you add the middle part of the back, you can carry long tricks, do not lose landing places


The back of the sofa is either in proportion 40:60, or its average 20 percent part
 


Pleased well-thought-out trunk transformation. If it is necessary to increase its volume slightly, without damping seats in the cabin, each of the two parts of the sofa can be moved forward. At the same time, the stock of space in the legs allows an adult to accommodate the rear with sufficient comfort, even if the sofa shifts. For transportation especially cumbersome boosted separate sofa backs of the sofa. The loading platform does not work with absolutely even, but two with your extension cubic meters of your space. But the most interesting thing is that the back is divided in the proportion of 40:20:40. Folding the narrow middle part, you can drive fourwise and at the same time carry in the car, for example, four skis pairs. In the usual ski lung, which is far from all machines, takes a maximum of two pairs.
 

 
Dimensions of the car, mm
 
Salon dimensions, mm




Security
Independent crash tests according to the EuroNCAP technique, Lexus-RX300 was not subjected. But according to the results of the American series of tests on the passive security of the USNCAP, the car was awarded the highest rating. And although the European and American techniques differ, nine airbags allow not to doubt the high level of security RX300. True, most other automakers would see only seven pillows in Lexus, since the window curtains are not accepted to divide on the front and rear. However, they protect the heads sitting in front and rear, so I am ready to agree with the Japanese.

For the carriage of children in special armchaks in the rear sofa, the best sustained solutions are scheduled for today. But to install a children's chair on the front passenger seat the backrest is impossible, since the right front cushion is not turned off.
 

In addition, Lexus is rich in active security with means helping to avoid accidents. This is a system of dynamic stabilization, an emergency braking amplifier, regular xenon (and in configuration R3 also turning) headlights, as well as stop signals with variable-variable intensity in the intensity of the brightness of the glow.
 



On roads
After departure from the car dealership, we get to the ice bugs, which are transmitted to the salon, though elastic, but very sensitive shocks. The seams and joints of the asphalt also respond to a sharp boom boom. And although with the growth rate of Lexus becomes more comfortable, suspicion is custled: Are we really on pneumatics? The suspension is really pneumatic, although it does not provide royal smoothness. Of course, everything is known in comparison. On a frank washingboard, on which it is simply unpleasant to go on the RX300, the BMW-X5 would have embarrassed the seals from the teeth at the same speed. But it is clear that Lexus in the execution of R2 / R3 was given pneumatics primarily for the sake of opportunity to increase ground clearance at a congress from asphalt. For comfort, it differs little from spring suspension version R1.
 

But if you do not wait for a miracle from pneumatics, the RX300 simply captivates the driving comfort and reliability of behavior on the road. In the cabin surprisingly quiet even in the mode of intensive overclocking. The power engine is optimal not to show either its lethargy or the sharpness of the responses to pressing the pedal. The automatic shifts the transmission very gently. Reactions to steering actions are also predictable and adequate. But most of all surprises how confidently keeps in turns, especially on uneven coating a car with a rather high center of gravity.
 

Such comfortable and predictable RX300 behavior literally dissolves the sensation of speed and driver voltage. On the speedometer 140, and it seems only a hundred. Behind the wheel of Lexus do not work, and rest! Just do not think that I am for the first time I go on a car worth $ 60,000 and chopping from delight. Lexus-RX300 is really extremely adequate and comfortable on the move crossover even in its price category. This is an excellent cruise ship for the one who spends a lot of time driving.
 

But the athletes RX300 hardly like it. As soon as they move a certain threshold of comfort and you begin to ride aggressively, Lexus is removed from you with Mercedesian arrogance. Strong rolls appear in turns, the steering wheel becomes empty, the machine is too thoughtful (even in sports and manual modes), and the stabilization system begins to interfere in your plans rudely and unceremoniously. In general, you must admit that the RX300 is not a drive car. It is designed primarily for a comfortable ride. Let fast but comfortable.
 



... and without them
It is clear that the Lexus-RX300 is just an all-wheel drive car and one cannot be on any serious off-road on it. But if you plan to turn off the asphalt, it is better to take a modification with an adjustable pneumatic suspension. On ordinary springs, as on pneumatics in a normal position, the ground clearance is 185 mm, which is quite a bit. In addition, the car will lie down with gentle levers of passenger suspension, exhaust pipe and soft gas tank casing. Pneumatics also allows you to raise the body and increase the lumen by 30 mm. But note that at the highest possible position, the pneumatic suspension stretches almost until it stops and begins to knock on irregularities. This is fine.
 

From the means of increasing the passability of Lexus there is only an anti-duct system that imitates the soft blocking of differentials by peerling the buxer wheels. In most situations there are enough of its capabilities. In any case, at a flat and homogeneous snowy virgin, a depth of 1520 cm RX300 in winter tires is confident enough. But if the car is still lying or drawn up diagonally, virtual blockages are ineffective. Therefore, repeat again: Lexus-RX300 is a parcoatnik. That is, a great all-weather car for any roads. It is the roads, but not off-road.


Operation, service
Dealer network of Lexus, to put it mildly, unbranched. In the whole country, there are only three authorized dealer two in Moscow and one in St. Petersburg. However, buyers from other regions this delivers inconvenience only during the purchase of a car. All 17 Russian Toyota dealers can carry out a full range of after-sales service, whose geography is much wider. Warranty (3 years or 100,000 km of run) is preserved. Spare parts supply is also carried out through the Central Russian Toyota Warehouse, therefore there are no problems here.
 

But there is a problem with frequent visits to the service. The intervals between that for Lexus, as well as for Toyota, constitute only 10,000 km. It turns out that for the first 30,000 km of run (or in one year intensive operation) you will leave at least $ 780 in the service. I'm not talking about the fact that every visit to the technical center is lost time. And the time of the owner of Lexus is also worth something. Maybe it's time to increase the intersavice intervals? Moreover, for all other Japanese stamps, they make up 15,000 km. I would like to be thought about it in the representation of Toyota.

 
We liked
 


Ergonomics of the driver's workplace

Beautiful and well read by any lighting optimile devices
 
Soft and not slippery perforated leather seats

Ease of use of the trunk (especially if there is an electric drive door)


As well as:

Calm and reliable driving character, perfectly appropriate to the image of the car
Close to optimal equipment R2
Unconditionally the best in class price
  
We did not like
 


Solid and slippery wooden steering trim

Small and slippery seats heating regulators

Wide front racks and huge mirror housings make it difficult for an angular overview


As well as:

Hoody pneumatic suspension
Small interservice intervals
 
Lexus RX300.

common data
 
Body (number of places / doors)
Universal (5/5)
 
Curb weight, kg
1830.
 
Максимальная скорость, км/ч
200.
 
Acceleration 0-100 km / h, with
9.0
 

Fuel consumption, l / 100 km highway / city
9.4 / 16.9
 

Fuel reserve
72.
 

Engine
 
Location
Front cross
 
Design
gasoline, 6-cylinder, V-shaped, with four top camshafts
 
Number of valves on the cylinder
4
 
Diam. cylinder x piston stroke, mm
87,5x83.
 
Working volume, SMZ
2995.
 
Compression ratio
10.5: 1.
 
Power, hp at rpm
204/5600.
 
Torque, kgmm at rpm
28.8 / 4500.
 

Chassis
 
Drive unit
Permanent on all wheels with inter-axis differential without blocking
 
Transmission
automatic, 5-speed
 
Gear ratios I; II; III; IV; V; Z.Kh.
4.24; 2.36; 1.52; 1.05; 0.76; 3.38
 
main gear
3,48.
 
Suspension
Independent, such as Mac Foodson, pneumatic, with transverse stability stabilizers
 
Steering
Rack type with amplifier
 
Brakes:
With ABS
 
in front
Disk ventilated
 
behind
disk
 
Tires
235/55 R18.
 
Prices for spare parts and then $

TO1 (10,000 km) 250
TO2 (20 000 km) 280
TO3 (30 000 km) 250
Oil filter 13.
Air filter 25.
Fuel filter 56.
Ignition Candle (1 pc.) 16
Timing belt 56.
Brake front pads / rear 105/61
Tip steering traction 80
Steering thrust 134.
Ballery Lower 69
Front shock absorber / rear 153/142
Pneumatic resistant front / rear 1034/902
Front wing 233.
Wing rear 483.
Hood 439.
Front door 572.
Rear door 481.
Front bumper assembly 686
Rear bumper assembly 686
Windshield 515-562
Side front glass 165
Front headlight assembled 476-583
Rear lamp assembled 155 + 84

 
    
We decided:

Realizing the price of such a statement, nevertheless recognize: Lexus-RX300 is close to ideal. If you draw a certain collective image of the optimal car in all respects, it is RX300. At the same time, Lexus will especially like the connoisseurs of riding comfort and moderate, restrained style.
 

Alexander Konov, Maxim Goncharov
 
 

A source: Journal Buy Auto [23/2004]