Overview & Reviews

If the marketing term "entry-level luxury sedan," were something you could look up in a regular dictionary, you would undoubtedly be referred to an artist's rendering of the Lexus ES 330. Few cars throughout history have offered such a by-the-book interpretation of affordable luxury.

For Lexus, the near-luxury experience implies supreme comfort, capable performance and impressive fuel economy. And so like every ES sedan before it, the Lexus ES 330 was a softly suspended, front-wheel-drive sedan with a creamy V6 engine and an automatic transmission programmed to shift for smoothness and efficiency rather than maximum acceleration. Inside, the ES 330's midsize dimensions provided room for four adults to bask in leather seats cushioned to sectional sofa standards. Painstaking use of noise-dampening insulation ensured a serene highway ride for all.

Although it brought calm and relaxation to many a frazzled commuter, the Lexus ES 330 was not an entry-level luxury sedan for everybody. In its quest to deliver the most luxury possible, it sacrificed driver involvement and enjoyment. For anyone with enthusiast leanings, the un-sporty ES 330 was a dull drive.

It's no surprise, then, that Lexus made the ES 330's successor, the ES 350, quicker, more agile and a bit more engaging. For consumers who aren't worried about sport-sedan pretensions, though, the Lexus ES 330 is an excellent choice for a used car purchase, particularly when you consider its first-rate reputation for reliability.

Most Recent Lexus ES 330

Sold from 2004-'06, the Lexus ES 330 debuted during a mid-model-cycle refresh for the fourth-generation Lexus ES sedan. The last full redesign had been in 2002, and '02 and '03 models wore the ES 300 badge and were powered by a 210-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. With the name change to ES 330 came a new 3.3-liter V6 with 225 hp and considerably more low- and midrange torque. (Note that this engine was re-rated at 218 hp for the '06 model year in adherence with new SAE certification standards.)

Lexus also increased equipment levels in the ES 330 transition, as must-have items like leather upholstery and a moonroof became standard fare for the first time. On the safety side, larger side curtain airbags were fitted.

Other standard equipment on the Lexus ES 330 included 16-inch alloy wheels, 10-way power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a seven-speaker CD/cassette audio system and convincing faux walnut trim sprinkled throughout the cabin. Major options included a higher-wattage Mark Levinson sound system, a navigation system, heated front seats, a real wood/leather steering wheel, xenon HID headlights and a stability control system.

Chrome wheels were optional as well, though on '05 and '06 models they measured 17 inches in diameter. Ventilated front seats became optional in '05, and satellite radio joined the list for '06.

Like all ES sedans, the Lexus ES 330 was based on the Toyota Camry, so driving characteristics were similar, though Lexus buyers could look forward to an even plusher, even quieter ride. Zero-to-60-mph times were in the mid-7-second range on both cars. Those wanting firmer handling around corners had the option of ordering an adaptive suspension, which varied the shock absorber damping according to road conditions, vehicle speed and driver input.

Consumers shopping for a used Lexus ES 330 should feel free to select from any of the three model years, as substantive differences were minimal. Lexus did give the ES some cosmetic upgrades for the '05 model year: The front and rear fascias were revised and fitted with new lighting elements, while inside, buyers could opt for bird's eye maple wood-grain trim in lieu of walnut. In addition, prospective ES 330 buyers who want a factory-installed navigation system may want to focus on '05 and '06 models, as they had voice activation technology.

User Reviews:

• 

  Love my new SportDesign ES330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By chgoRX300 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Just got my 2nd Lexus 2 weeks ago! Lease due in Dec.2004 but Lexus wants to keep their happy customer offered me a 6 mo. payment waiver program. Basically I drop off my 42 mo. old RX300 and bought a new ES330 without any hassle. I picked the SportDesign Special Edition which has a sportier looking wheel and Black-eye Maple wood trim and smoky black finish in the back, GPS and ML is the best in the market, rear sun shade is cool. The ride is quieter than my RX300 (SUV) and the engine runs silkily smooth. I already have over 500 miles on my new baby.

• 

  Lexus 330 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Roger Fischer - February 8 - 5:40 am

  My experience with this model has been excellent. Quality workmanship and this model has been refined over the years to have a great deal of reliability and little or no defects. The moonroof is standard, however I never use the moonroof and am paying for it in the overall price. I also prefer a solid roof for greater (potential accident) safety.

• 

  Style and Grace - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Ron Huber - February 2 - 2:00 am

  When it comes to great style with grace lexus has it.It purrs down the road and travels with its head up high. Some would say its stuck up but its just showing off its beauty. Trat this lady right and she will stay with you fo a long time. Lovely!!

• 

  Baddabing - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By tlcbjc - January 28 - 7:03 am

  The 2002 Toyota Avalon I drove was my favorite. Not true since I bought my 2005 ES330. The luxurious interior and standard equipment of the ES330 outshined the Avalon. I have had many compliments on the Silver/Black interior. Truely a beautiful ride. For more bang for the buck, this car cannot be beat.

• 

  Long term winner - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Davidinbend - January 27 - 8:33 pm

  Our friends said we overpaid for a "fancy Camry". Now we are laughing because this car is as good as new. They all have had to trade for new cars and cant believe our Lexus runs and looks so good after four years. Not one mechanical problem,great highway mileage and the navi/Levinson setup ROCK.

• 

  The best car I have ever owned - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Lexus es 330 - January 12 - 12:16 pm

  I have to rely on my car everything, and this is my 5th year owning a Lexus, I am amazed that this car has never left me stranded on the road. I work the midnight shift, and it is important for me to have a car I can depend on. The Lexus performance is excellent. I am so happy with my car that I tell everyone to buy a Lexus, even if it is pre-owned. I only take it for an oil change and keep on rolling. Keep up the good work Lexus.

• 

  Truly Happy - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By richard - January 10 - 4:40 am

  From the moment I purchased my ES 330 I loved the plush feel, silent ride and smoothness, I found myself wanting to share the experience with everyone. Subsequently, I brought my wife to the dealership and promptly acquired an RX 330 for her. The ES and RX are the wisest and best investments I have ever made regarding vehicles

• 

  he who hesitates is lost - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By paulinpennsylvania - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Car rides nicely. Big problem with hesitation when you get off the gas then on again or come to a stop and try to go immediately thereafter ( 1 to 1 and 1/2 second delay). If you get off the gas under hard acceleration and back on the gas the transmission gets confused. pulls to left slightly. With regards to hesitation, Lexus says the car is "functioning as designed". They have no plans to fix it at all. If you leave your key in ignition and headlights are on, the lights wont shut off automatically if you accidently do not shut your door tightly.(I already gat 1 dead battery for this reason. Im going back to Audi. (They care about their customers).

• 

  Black Diamond Edition - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By gafuldem - December 7 - 11:56 pm

  This car is a very nice car. It is very smooth, reliable, I am 6 foot 3 I have found enough room to drive the car. It is comfortable. It looks nice. It is good on gas. No vibration. Black Diamond Edition makes it even better. Stereo is nice. I care about keeping my money in my pocket. I like to keep extra extra money in the bank. :) Repairs arent an issue because it seems that it will not break. Maintaining the car is affordable also if you take it to a great mechanic who treats your car well. Mercedes Bmw and every other expensive car on the road has to pay for expensive repairs and to also maintain it. People who drive those cars normally have their eyes fixed on mine. Get one. Save$

• 

  Love My Lexus ES330 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Suzanne - December 5 - 4:26 pm

  This is our second Lexus. We had a 1994 Lexus ES300 that we put 181000 miles on through all types of driving conditions in Alabama, Maine and Maryland. When the 2004 ES330 came out, we decided it was time to part with our beloved ES300. The first one still looked and drove like new. That car NEVER gave us one minute of trouble in any way. The new one has more power than the ES300, which is nice. We are now in Florida where the front wheel drive wont be needed as much as it was in the treacherous roads during our winters in Maine. We are sold on Lexus, and will most likely buy one again.