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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  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!

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  LUV MY LEX - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By LEXGRL - August 27 - 2:16 am

  From the time I test drove the RX330 I instantly knew this was the vehicle I wanted. So luxurious. Seats are comfortable. Smooth ride, feels safe and is best looking SUV in its class.

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  Ungrateful? - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Jazmine - August 23 - 6:26 pm

  It depends on what you want. More power and more comfy seats would be ideal. Other than that. Its great. My back hurts all the time from the seats, though.

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  AWESOME VEHICLE - SMOOTH RIDE - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Karen M - July 30 - 2:30 pm

  This is my first Lexus. This car drives like a dream; quiet, smooth and extremely responsive. One of the easiest car purchases Ive ever made. I love everything about this vehicle.

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  Just Awesome - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By firsttimeLEXUS - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Just love everything in it.This is my first lexus product to own and am 100 % satisfied w/ everything, it delivers the whole package that I needed in an SUV. Just made right-not overdone.

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  Great Lexus SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By lexus59 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  It is a beautiful car. Im a previous Cadillac owner,the Lexus ride is truly outstanding. It handles like a dream. I looked at other vehicles, test drove them but found the RX 330 to be the best. I recommend owning a Lexus RX 330 if your in the market for a SUV/LUV.

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  Couldnt Be Happier - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By GC in Memphis - June 26 - 12:26 am

  I just bought a used 2005 RX330 and am so glad I did. At first, I wasnt sure I wanted anything other than a full- blown SUV, but this baby has all the interior room I need and more bells and whistles than I know what to do with. Aside from the smooth ride, great handling and spectacular amenities, there is a certain confidence and attitude that come with owning a Lexus. It is wonderful, yet hard to describe. I have received so many compliments. I have only owned it for a week, but, so far it has been excellent. I keep finding new features that blow my mind, seeing as it was so affordable.

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  Second Lexus... more to come - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Lexus fan - June 23 - 9:03 pm

  This is our 2nd RX, 1st was 2000 also bought used, now with 120,000 miles passed down to son. These are great cars, great company to work with even if there are issues; the perfect car. Crossover sits higher, easier to enter/exit, safer on road. Great in winter, fun to drive. Two recommendations: buy Certified Preowned from a dealership you trust. 2nd recommendation: do not scrimp on tires as they make a huge difference in road noise and handling. Recommended: Michelin Energy LX4. We compared the RX with a 2005 Acura MDX, which felt cumbersome with a boring exterior.

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  Radio and CD - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Diane - June 20 - 3:00 pm

  My Lexus only has 20,000 miles on it, but the CD player is already going out. I can only play one CD instead of the 6 that are available. I took it to a place I know is reliable (they work on car sound equipment) and he said it is almost gone. Other than that I love the car..

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  Some major problems - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Karen - June 19 - 6:06 pm

  While I love driving my Lexus, I have had some major concerns with design problems and one significant safety issue with my rotors. Twice it was necessary to machine my rotors because of warpage from overheating and which caused significant and uncontrollable shaking of my steering wheel. Also, if only a rear window or sunroof window is opened, an intense vacuum is created in the interior which hurts my ears. I must open my drivers window to eliminate this vacuum -- very poor design! I have also had problems with my rear window spoiler weatherstripping, several scratches on the exterior finish, intermittent unworkable power rear door, and transmission surges and jerks from shifting.