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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  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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  Slow in show - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By johoba - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought this baby and loved it. Now Im think on trading it in for Acura MX. I found the acceleration slowing down. Its getting sluggish and the pedal is getting stiffer.

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  Total dog - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By goldie20 - April 8 - 11:37 am

  This car has been a dog since the day I got it 8 years ago. From the beginning, the car refused to accelerate. "Give it time to learn your driving habits," the dealership told me. Right. It has made an awful, grating, metallic noise every 10 starts or so right from the beginning. Dealership has been unable to diagnose why. Finally, a brake sensor has broken 3 times at a cost to replace of $300 each time. This on a car with 40K miles. I make it my mission to make sure no one I know ever buys a Lexus. What a disgrace.

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  Dont buy lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By 777 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I 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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  Dont waste your money - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Watch out. - November 26 - 10:00 am

  The 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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  The Flip Side - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By TAAWN - July 4 - 2:00 am

  One very noisy car. Had to modify/insert shocking absorbing material to eliminate rattling noise inside the car. No one knew what the problem was. Then window rattled and had to secure the harness inside the door. you need to turn up the volume so high to listen to CD. Then you better make sure that you turn it back down to listen to your radio. Not worth your money. With $40,000, you can do better!

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  Rattle and thud - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By 2nd and final Lexus - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Has been in the shop to fix rattle for three days. It has come back again. Transmission is not smooth at all and transfers with a thud. Dealership tried to fix it and replaced the software to no avail. Very disappointed! Dealership and service department are great

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  DO NOT BUY 2004 RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By edev31 - May 16 - 2:00 am

  HUGE disappointment and waste of $44k. Taken back to dealer 4 times since July for rattles they cant fix (ripped out dash twice) jerky transmission that "clunks" when you come to a stop, loud wind/road noise-it sounds like a window is open. Loud,ticking noise from engine. Lexus says this is "normal" although their ES330 with the same engine does not have this noise. DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE.Dealer admits there are many problems with the new RX330. Many others are having the same problems.I would hope that Lexus would adhere to their bogus "Passionate Pursuit of Perfection" and stop production until they can produce a quality vehicle.

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  Buy something else. - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Sade - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Look, I owned this SUV for two months and all I can say is that I bought my RX330 based on the name of Lexus. Dont make the same mistake. The turns are sloppy and the engine noise is horrific. Rides a little bumpy, maybe due the fact they lowered the clearence.

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  Lexus Engine failure at 23K miles - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Ikanutlose - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Not only did this piece of garbage blow upwith little mileage, the dealer would not honor the warranty. The Toyota leasing company promised to inspect the vehicle but didnt see fit to do so after 6 months of calls. I will never buy another lexus or toyota product again. Btw, on the toyota website they mention the engine design flaw which caused this problem but take no responsibility for it. Just bums.