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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  The best - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By jcrhsr - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is the second luxury car Ive bought. The first was a Lexuse 300 ES. I really wnated another one, but decided to switch to the RX330 after looking at BMW, Infinity, Mercedes, Volvo. I did not want a hard European ride. Instead I wanted a smooth cushy, quiet ride. I got what I wanted. Unless somethig dramamtic happenes I cant imaging owning anything else.

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  Step Up - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By JimTerry - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Have had a great experience in the 45 days and 1200 miles we have driven the car. Our second SUV (Ford Explorer), but first luxury model. No complaints thus far. Great styling, comfort and gas mileage is as reported at +20 city.

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  love It - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By LSU Tiger - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Unbelieveable, I love this car. I read the reviews before I bought it and tried to find out what was negative. Ive come to the conclusion that if you think theirs something wrong with this SUV, your a spoiled brat. Best vehical by far that I have ever drove. Nothing close.

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  Love It! - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Gwen - October 13 - 12:43 pm

  This was a birthday present to myself. The drive is wonderful and is fun to drive.

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  review from spring garden - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By tecumseh - September 30 - 10:00 am

  The big disappointment has been the transmission. When you are driving at 60 or 70 kilometers an hour and let off the gas to slow down, the transmission puts on some type of brakes on and off and makes for a very jerky ride when you are slowing down I usually slip the transmission into neutral and back into drive, and this gets rid of the problem. This is the main reason why I would not consider buying another RX330 Its been back to the dealer 3 times The dash has an irritable sqeak, The dealer knows about it , but as of yet do not have a fix. I have shoved some rubber hose down between the dash and the windshield.

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  RX330 BEST IN CLASS - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By KLC - September 23 - 10:00 am

  BETTER THAN THE 300, BEST OVERALL SUV ON THE ROAD AT ANY PRICE.

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  rx330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By dale schafer - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Dealer has been above and beyond on everything.

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  Unbelievable Lemon Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By No to Lexus - September 10 - 11:53 am

  I purchased the Lexus for mechanical reliability; unfortunately in the first week the gas tank had to be reattached because it was not bolted properly. Shortly after that the power steering pump had to be replaced; the radio stopped playing, the amplifier had to be replaced; the ignition system chimed after I removed the key, had to be replaced; then the radiator was recalled and had to be replaced. The transmission seemed confused at times when accelerating.I asked for a replacement car after the first incident in the first week;Lexus customer service said it was all covered under warranty and offered an extended warranty 6 mo later. I would not pay the extra money for a Lexus again.

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  Engine noise too loud - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Signman - September 9 - 10:00 am

  When accelerating the engine noise is loud and rough. It doesnt have the smoothness of a Lexus sedan. I wonder if Toyota forgot to put extra sound barriers around the engine. Paid a whole lot of money for a car that sound really cheap.

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  Love it - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By sofiegrace - September 9 - 5:53 am

  I love this car. this is my 3rd Lexus suv and it gives you luxury, style, comfort, reliability and great dealer/product service. I would and have recommended this car to everyone. Lexus cannot be compared to any other car!