Overview & Reviews

Ever diligent in its "Relentless pursuit of perfection," Lexus completely revamped its RX 300 midsize luxury crossover SUV for 2004. This already popular model in the Lexus lineup received a radical makeover that included a new 3.3-liter V6 and a resultant new name: RX 330.

With the first-generation RX's style being deemed a bit too soft, stylists gave the new Lexus RX 330 a more aggressive character. A sharply angled grille and rearmost roof pillar gave the RX 330 more visual attitude, while more power, more backseat room, a number of new high-tech features and tighter handling made the RX better than ever before. Still, the folks at Lexus were careful to retain the beloved features of the previous model, and this meant keeping a plush ride, a rich cabin, fantastic build quality, a serene demeanor on the open road and a strong reputation for reliability intact.

Those who think driving is a passion and not just a necessity should know that the Lexus RX 330 is still not a sport-utility vehicle with a sport sedan personality. If you're looking for thrills on twisty roads you'd be better suited by a few other choices that trade off practical aspects such as passenger and cargo space for a sportier drive. But for the greater majority of used luxury SUV consumers who just want as trouble-free and comfortable an experience as possible when dealing with commuting, shuttling the kids around and taking weekend road trips to see the relatives, the RX 330 is hard to top.

Most Recent Lexus RX 330

Available from 2004 through 2006, the Lexus RX 330 brought more power, more room, more luxury features and more aggressive styling to Lexus' popular midsize luxury SUV.

Still loosely based on the Toyota Camry platform of the time, the RX 330 benefited from the same new V6. At 3.3 liters, the newer V6 produced 230 horsepower and 242 pound-feet of torque, increases of 10 hp and 20 lb-ft, respectively, over the RX 300's V6. A broader torque curve along with a new five-speed automatic transmission gave the RX 330 more kick off the line as well as more energetic passing and merging performance. Once again, buyers could choose front- or all-wheel drive. Towing capacity, at 3,500 pounds, was unchanged and still relatively meager compared to truck-based SUVs.

Standard luxury content increased slightly, as in addition to the expected automatic climate control and full power features there were now larger (17-inch) alloy wheels and a CD player. In addition to available leather seating, power moonroof and navigation system were new options that included a DVD entertainment system, a superb Mark Levinson audio system, an adjustable air suspension, adaptive cruise control, a back-up camera and adaptive headlights.

Safety was also improved, as in addition to stability control there were now larger side airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver's knee airbag and a tire-pressure monitor.

While it retained the quiet and refined demeanor of its precursor, the Lexus RX 330 was more athletic. Acceleration was noticeably stronger (at 7.8 seconds, it was a full second quicker to 60 mph than before) and, when equipped with the optional air suspension, handling was tighter. The RX was still not as involving a drive as a few of its German and home country rivals, which provide superior steering feel and communication to the driver.

Shoppers looking for a used Lexus RX 330 won't go wrong with any year, as changes were minimal throughout its brief run. The most notable upgrades occurred in 2005 when Lexus made the power rear hatch standard and the navigation system gained voice control. The final year of the RX 330 brought power lumbar support for the front passenger, while revised SAE testing procedures changed the engine's output rating from 230 hp to 223, though no actual performance was lost.

User Reviews:

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  Great Luxury SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By fleetfoot - June 11 - 10:00 am

  After several weeks with the vehicle, theres not much to dislike about it. It rides and looks great, the build quality and materials are all top shelf, and we expect that the legendary Lexus/Toyota reliability will be there.

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  the best car ever - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By yourmother - June 11 - 10:00 am

  i own it.Fun sporty but yet respectible.

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  Unrefined RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Johnnie - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is for people who do not want quick acceleration and solid corning. The vehicle leans too much when turning, and the acceleration is horrible. The drive-by-wire feature needs to be redesigned to allow the driver to be the decision maker, instead of some computer programs. There are also various interior squeaks and rattles. Very un-Lexus.

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  So glad I bought it! - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By Nancy - May 31 - 1:33 pm

  Out of the many luxury SUVs we could have purchased, there was one that always made me look harder at those that were on the street. Everywhere we went they were all over, and some of them were over 3 years old and still looked great and have great service records on reliability, customer satisfaction etc., enough that the driver kept the vehicle and would not think of trading it in unless it was for another RX. We are so pleased that we will never chose another make of car. From the dealership to the sales person to customer service, really a wonderful experience that we hope will last throughout our ownership. Keep up the great work Lexus!

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  My Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Timothy - May 30 - 10:03 am

  My wife and I purchased this vehicle for her, and since I must drive it periodically I feel free to comment on it. I am somewhat disappointed with the performance and handling aspects of this vehicle, it handles almost as badly as my Isuzu and no where near as well as my Benz. The transmission and the parts cost are my single major complaints, as well as the service intervals, which for a vehicle of this so called caliber should be less frequent. The transmission really feels like an old Yugo with a stick, too much jerky and choppy. I would not purchase another Lexus until they could assure me that this and the maintenance intervals are more rational.

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  A qualified great car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By rick - May 29 - 8:26 pm

  I bought a used car with 12K miles. Have had it for 18 months and am very happy with three exceptions. The back up lights are terrible. I can hardly see behind the car when bcking into garage. I am going to try to install some aftermarket lights. The information center is good but trip miles and ET go back to zero when you turn off engine at a rest stop defeating the whole purpose of this information. When you start up again it starts at zero thus defeating the whole purpose of this feature. The high intensity headlights are great at first but you get a black cutoff line that really makes it hard to see far ahead. Mileage decent for this size. 28 highway at 60 mph. Tire wear fair.

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  I love this car - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Doreen M - May 24 - 12:30 am

  The Lexus 330 is a pleasure to drive and handles exceptionally in the snow. The ride is smooth, quiet and comfortable. It hold 5 people well but is most suited for four. Cargo is not huge, but holds enough for most trips. A cartop carrier takes care of big cargo loads. I love the engines power when I need to accelerate quickly.

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  Just bought 1 yesterday - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By metalbandit - May 22 - 1:47 pm

  I just bought the Lexus RX330 2004 yesterday, so far no complaints. Whom ever was the previous owner took immense care to keep it nice. The whole vehicle still looks & runs like new. It being a 2004 it only has 89k + miles on it, and its just been very nice. Now with that in mind of course, I have read reviews, and such people saying that when it gets around the 90k mark things start going wrong with it, so I have a full 2 year coverage for just about anything that goes wrong with it. But for right now its been a great 2 days so far. Im on the hunt now to see about getting the onboard GPS updated on it, well see what happens.

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  After Three Months Of Looking I found It - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By lifeisajourney - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I looked for a vehicle since the end of January 2003. Test drove six different ones including the BMW X 5, Range Rover, Volvo, and done of them were what I was looking for. My husband saw a commercial for the 2004 RX 330 on Thursday night, suggested I go take a look on Friday, took it home Saturday! I LOVE it. I do not feel like a "soccer mom", as my youngest just left for college. It is soooo comfortable, great visibility, somewhat sleek (not BMW sleek racy), the perfect vehicle for me.

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  The best even got better !!! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By martyoooo - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I drove the first Lexus model RX 300 for 86,000 miles and fell in love with the new design of the RX 330. The car is miles ahead of the RX 300 in features, luxury, and comfort. What started out as a great car got incredibly better. Leave it to the people at Lexus !!