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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  RX 330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By GLATT - April 23 - 10:00 am

  EXCELLENT SUV ! VERY WELL MADE...A QUALITY PRODUCT.

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  Total dog - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By goldie20 - April 8 - 11:37 am

  This car has been a dog since the day I got it 8 years ago. From the beginning, the car refused to accelerate. "Give it time to learn your driving habits," the dealership told me. Right. It has made an awful, grating, metallic noise every 10 starts or so right from the beginning. Dealership has been unable to diagnose why. Finally, a brake sensor has broken 3 times at a cost to replace of $300 each time. This on a car with 40K miles. I make it my mission to make sure no one I know ever buys a Lexus. What a disgrace.

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  It pays to lease! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Even better than B-4 - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I just got off my lease from my 2000 Lexus RX300 and I got this baby in Neptune Blue Mica, pretty much the same color I had before. I got almost every option you can think of excluding the leveling system and navigation/entertainment choices (Who needs that any way? Im not gonna go off roading, are you?)Im beyond satisfication right now. I cannot explain it, you have to see and drive one to understand what I am talking about. I thought they couldnt make this any better but they did and then some.

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  extreme disappointment - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By pankur - March 29 - 10:00 am

  bought this expensive junk thinking it will be more quite than my corolla but so far at 1000 miles it has been a big disappointment. Car makes so much noise when it starts and jerks when it restarts after applying the brakes,everytime. Once it is running at highway speed it may be little quite than my corolla,but not much. I would have better bought acura MDX

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  Lexus Rx 330 Review - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Chilling - March 23 - 2:00 am

  The Rx 330 is the best cross-over vehicle on the market. It handles well and has a nice pickup. It also has good fuel economy and is very safe. It has many new technologies including a rear backup camera.

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  Review of LEXUS RX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Roxanne - March 19 - 7:43 am

  This is the third SUV (LEXUS) we have had since 2000. They keep improving each year. Nothing ever goes wrong with these cars although we admit that we do not drive them hard nor do we put a lot of miles on the vehicles. The major factor is that they are very safe vehicles along with all their luxery.

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  Best Car EVER!!!! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Maggie Rehman - March 11 - 10:00 am

  This has been the best automobile Ever! Its comfortable, gracious, Femenine, elegant, it has it all. BEST CAR EVER!

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  Poor performance - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By johntemp - March 6 - 10:33 am

  We bought this brand new and kept it only 7 months. In buying it my wife did not understand her desire for a car that actually went when you pressed the gas. After trying to get constant hesitations programmed out of the controller for our car we gave up and sold this nice but totally poor performance car for a BMW X5 which blows the Lexus away.

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  lexus rx330 review - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By kjflesch - March 6 - 10:00 am

  This is our third Lexus RX. We are obviously satisfied and loyal buyers. The RX330 has refined the previous models and improved gas mileage. All told-a great car.

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  Lexus RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Nancy Gamier - March 6 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is very comfortable especially if you are in your vehicle alot-which I am. Im on the road doing sales and the smoothness of the ride is unbelievable, even in the backseat. I had my husband go with me on all my test drives so I could sit in the backseat and see how smooth the vehicle drove. When I have to go anywhere with other sales staff, I always offer to drive. Just a side note-before I leased this vehicle I test drove 14 other SUVs. The handling on this is exceptional as is the steering radius. The back up camera is a great option as far as safety to have.