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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Satisfied Lexus Newbee - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By J Chafer - October 17 - 10:00 amWanted FWD for better milage but none were available in our area. However mpg has been at least as good as the VW Passat 4Motion we traded so no complaints. Also have not had problems noted by some with the transmission or sun roof. Liked the looks of the FX35, but an afternoon with a loaner was more than enough - loud exhaust note was tiresome and the suspension bone jarring on our patched and potholed mid- west roads. Also drove an X3. Handling was great and the suspension firm but not uncomfortable like the FX35. But the X3 interior is sparten and cheep looking. And the small gas tank and low mpg didnt bode well for long trips.
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Positive review - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By Merlyn - October 11 - 10:00 amThis car is new to me as I have only had it for about a week. Thus far, it has proven more than satisfactory in ride and performance. My one complaint is that the interior does not have enough nooks and cranies to store things.
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Likes & Dislikes - 2006 Lexus RX 330
By John Carey - October 7 - 4:40 amThe car drives and rides like a dream. The acceleration is outstanding for a 6 cylinder engine. When starting the engine I cant tell if it is running, it is so quite. The trunk is huge. I am very impressed with the car overall.
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Delivers Best Performance & Value - 2005 Lexus RX 330
By Andrew - September 22 - 1:30 pmThe RX 330 really delivers performance and value. This vehicle is packed with all the features one could look for in a sport utility: leather interior with wood accents, power seats with drivers side presets, navigation system, rear adjustable seats with beautiful center arm rest, one touch power windows and sunroof, powerful engine, turns on a dime and the best feature of all; the power rear liftgate for easy loading and unloading of all those items you will be able to afford with the money you save from purchasing this vehicle. I cannot stress enough how wonderful the RX 330 is. We love it.
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no place to put change! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By TheMasterTailor - September 21 - 10:00 am5 cupholders but NO change bin! Dealer donesnt know how to install the cargo net!
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Convert - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By dmpiech - September 21 - 10:00 amHaving been a loyal Jeep owner for years, I already had my deposit down on a 2004 Overland. One day I passed the Lexus dealership an thought why not test drive the new RX330 just for something to do. Had no intention of buying because of the price difference between the two. After sitting in it, taking a short test drive and seeing all the creature features I gave the salesman my deposit orderthe the 330, picked it up five weeks later and couldnt be happier! I am now a Lexus convert.
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RX330 Fan - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By pmonson - September 9 - 2:00 amBest luxury SUV in class. Styling is very pleasing to the eye. Too many wonderful features to list. Compared to MDX, FX35 and XC90, RX330 wins hands down. Lexus dealership experience much superior to Acura, Infinity and Volvo. Build quality is supurb.
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Our first Japanese vehicle-ever - 2005 Lexus RX 330
By RX330 - September 6 - 5:10 pmLove it. Probably the best interior of any 40K vehicle. They set the standards on this one. Not good mileage as we expected. Terrible back up lighting at night. Cannot see a thing in the dark. They claim nothing can be done. Ride and handling-excellent. Definately a crossover. More car-like than truck like. HIDs a problem on dark roads. A defined line that is a short distance from the vehicle. At high speeds you can overrun the headlights. We use High beams alot.
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My MSM RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By msilverIS - September 4 - 10:00 amIm not too pleased with the transmission, which has a mind of its own sometimes. In stop & go traffic, it sometimes hunts for gears and gives a manual transmission-like shake. The overall ride is very smooth and quiet. No coin box. Faulty-designed mirror visors replaced, rear-door computer being replaced soon (hatch wont automatically open/close sometimes).
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Luxury - 2006 Lexus RX 330
By Diane - August 6 - 9:26 pmI love this car. It drives so smooth. Drives good in the snow. Seat warmers are great. Back up camera is great also. The navigation and bluetooth really are the step above luxury.
