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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  car does not go at 20mph - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By susie q - March 6 - 10:00 am

  car has a terrible hesitation at 20 mph has completely ruined the fun of it

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  lexus 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By SAMMY - March 2 - 10:00 pm

  overall in one word - "smooth" - handles great.

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  Do I need to explain, its a Lexus.. - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By Alienx99 - March 2 - 11:26 am

  Im a Realtor and I spend quite a bit of time in my car so I got everything I pretty much needed: GPS Navigation, Bluetooth phone. I really like the hands free phone because I can crank up the radio and it turns it down and tells me I have a call coming in without having to do anything. Easy controls on the steering wheel: stereo volume, phone, voice activated commands. Yup, you can tell it to do certain things with just your voice if youre feeling too lazy to reach a button. When people get in it, without knowing its a Lexus, I always get complimented on the smooth ride and stylish interior. What else could a girl want?

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  Toms Lexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Thomas Merola - February 22 - 4:46 pm

  My RX 330 is probably the best car I have ever owned. The ride, and comfort is by far the best car on the road. I wish every member of my family could own one. Not only for the ride but the safety and dependability if offers.

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  Exciting - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By GW8 - February 20 - 10:00 am

  The best SUV I have ever purchased. A great buy.

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  Fun but jerky - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By DJ Winger - February 16 - 7:00 am

  I really love my new RX 330 in almost every way. I love the looks, and the enterior and the on the open road. Running errands around town is easier in the 330 than any car Ive owned. My only problem with the 330 is a jerking sensation from the transmission whenever I let off the excelerator and then step on it again. This is especially noticeable at low speeds like taking corners in my residential neighborhood. It is truly annoying. The dealership tells me it is caused by the electronic excelator instead of the old-fashioned cable. They claim all cars suffer from this problem, but I have never felt it on any other car I have owned or driven any length of time.

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  Awesome - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By biabia - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I had baghut a year old ML500 from this dealer and hated it and they told me to com test drive a new RX330, so I did a now am the proud owner of a 2004 Lexus RX330. I love it. The power rear door and the interior feel is great. I recomend this car 10 out of 10.

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  Frustrated - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Brian Tuomala - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my RX330 in August and up until a month ago I was very happy with the car. Then a slight clunking noise developed whenever the transmission downshifs from 4th gear to 3rd gear. The same noise also appears when lightly accelerating or decelerating at speeds from 30 to 45 mph. Lexus says its normal torque converter noise. Not on any other car I have driven especially when the price tag is approaching $50,000. Assuming Lexus is not going to fix this problem, this will be the last Lexus I will buy. So much for the relentless persuit of perfection.

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  This car is AWESOME, a work of fine art - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By J. Emmerman - February 4 - 9:36 pm

  I have only the best compliments to pay to the engineers who designed this vehicle. I feel incredibly safe in the worst driving conditions and it is always fun to drive. Very safe, reliable, stylish, smooth, awesome all around.

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  Poor manufacturing quality control - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Carrol - January 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned the RX-330 for 6 months. Of that time, it has spent over one month in the shop while the dealer tried to figure out some of the problems. There were two sqeak/rattles, one on a front strut and one on the rear hatchback door. Then there is the very noisy wind sound from the area of the drivers side window. The Lexus dealer has tried replacing almost everything associated with the drivers side window and side mirror, all to little avail. They now say that the noise is associated with the side mirror. My Toyota Tundra has a larger side mirror, and it is quiet. The quality control is not up to Lexus standards!