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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Pure Joy! - 2005 Lexus RX 330
By Richard Levy - January 25 - 2:56 pmWhen you drive this vehicle around town, its just another car. But when you take it on a trip - ITS PURE JOY! I love the nav. syst. It helps to keep me awake & alert when Im driving through the desert to Las Vegas in extreme comfort using cruise control. On a long trip this car is a "toy". its my entertainment, & I love it. Dual temp. control is a great feature. I inflated the tires to 37 psi & got 26 mpg without sacrificing comfort. Plenty of room for 2 sets of skiis & all our gear for a week of skiing at Las Vegas Ski Resort. No need to purchase ski rack. We needed chains for last 10 miles. No problem! We had rain in Las Vegas, Snow at Mt. Charleston, & wind on the freeway. No Problem!
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best car so far - 2005 Lexus RX 330
By L. Van Zee - January 11 - 5:20 pmA nice midsized SUV with good mileage and ease of care. Maintenance is cheap in comparison to other SUVs in its class. That was one of the reasons I choose the car
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Lexus blew it with the RX 330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By Indiana driver - January 10 - 7:50 pmThis vehicle is a huge disappointment! We had an 01 RX 300 that was perfect. This vehicle has horrible wind noise. The seat heater switches are hard to use and poor quality. The tires are worn out with less than 25000 miles. I recently drove it to Oklahoma, 900 miles one way, and the seats were extremely uncomfortable. My passenger told me they would never ride in the Lexus again. The rear windshield wiper is lousy.
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Warning Problem with Rotors - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By Wally - January 5 - 5:10 pmThe rotors had to replaced at l4000 miles after the steering wheel began to shake. At 27000 miles I was driving down a 8 mile 7% grade in third gear and needed to brake because the traffic slowed, the steering wheel suddenly shook so badly that I had to pull over and let the rotors cool before proceeding. Rotors were replaced for a second time. If you have paint chip on the bumper do not take the RX330 through a high pressure car wash as the paint may peel off the bumper as it did in my case. Lexus will do nothing about. It is your problem even if the car is within warrentee. I feel the vehicle is unsafe because of the rotor problem. I would not suggest buying one.
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Dont buy lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By 777 - December 31 - 10:00 amI owned 2004 rx330 for 2 years now pies of crap! I had a BMW that I trade for Lexus and that was the biggest mistake in my life transmission is crap! Stereo system broke doesnt read cds getting error 3 and 4 when then something is knocking inside the dashboard pretty loud, behind the stereo you take your Lexus to the dealer services and tell them whats wrong they dont want to do anything just tells you that thats the way its should be but its really not! Never get Lexus again
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Deceptively Quick and Very Smooth - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By Qualitim - December 27 - 2:00 amThe RX is faster and quicker than most people test driving it might think. This may be due to the fact that the noise in the interior at full throttle is very little louder than when cruising. Just watch the speedometer and youll see the real story. The RX is as agile around town as mid-size sedan and will cruise effortlessly on the highway at any reasonable speed. The all-wheel drive inspires confidence in wet and foul weather. Fuel economy? 20mpg or over in combination City/Highway, City only never less than 17mpg, highway only gets 23+. Who would haved expected such economy in a luxury vehicle?
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Doesnt get much better than this - 2006 Lexus RX 330
By SUV2SUV - November 29 - 9:06 pmThis is basically a Toyota Highlander with upgraded trim, equipment and dealer network. That said, you give up some space for much better ergonomics, a little more style (although neither vehicle is going to win any one-off design awards) and gizmos. Reliability is Toyota all the way, but with a service department that is told to treat you like a valued customer instead of joe schmo. Performance is in the range of a Camry (same chassis, not surprising) which is to say it gets you to Target and back but youre not going to be autoXing this thing. Despite the supposed exclusivity of Lexus, the RX sells well so you see a ton.
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Driving the RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By spd522 - November 29 - 5:40 pmThis is a very comfortable and quiet vehicle. Seats and steering adjust to find the best position for all drivers. Handling is quite good for this type of vehicle. It is very easy to park although there is a blind spot at the rear roof pillars. We have been getting 22 mpg for all around driving. It has gotten 24 on the highway and seems to improve with each tank the more it gets broken in. Fit and finish are the best I have seen. Every detail is perfect.
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Dont waste your money - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By Watch out. - November 26 - 10:00 amThe vehicle handle perfect when I drove it off the lot. After a feel weeks later I notice the on board systems started to fail. The dealership could not rectify the problem but offer to change out the entire components. I notice now the vehichle doesnt respond as well. The on board computer became really mess up. More shop time was needed. In the process, the service department mess up the paint job and had to bring it to the body shop for repainting. The vehicle does not handle well on turns.
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lexus rx330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By Joshua Storey - November 26 - 10:00 amI would recommend this car to anyone who asks about it. It is very comfortable and fun to ride in. This is a very spacious suv.
