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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  Not So Happy - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Michael Ranieri - December 27 - 8:56 pm

  I have the car since August. I have taken it back 3 times for an alignment. It pulls to the left. They have tried to fix it and they now tell me that is how it is. Because of the new tires and new style when you take your hands off the wheel it pulls to the left. I would not buy this model again. Otherwise it has nice options and look great.

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  Not A Usual Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Ex Lexus Lover - June 16 - 2:00 am

  The RX330 is not of Lexus quality. This car has a lot of great features but they are not enjoyable with the roar in the rear end and the wind noise from the new design.

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  Unrefined RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Johnnie - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is for people who do not want quick acceleration and solid corning. The vehicle leans too much when turning, and the acceleration is horrible. The drive-by-wire feature needs to be redesigned to allow the driver to be the decision maker, instead of some computer programs. There are also various interior squeaks and rattles. Very un-Lexus.

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  My Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Timothy - May 30 - 10:03 am

  My wife and I purchased this vehicle for her, and since I must drive it periodically I feel free to comment on it. I am somewhat disappointed with the performance and handling aspects of this vehicle, it handles almost as badly as my Isuzu and no where near as well as my Benz. The transmission and the parts cost are my single major complaints, as well as the service intervals, which for a vehicle of this so called caliber should be less frequent. The transmission really feels like an old Yugo with a stick, too much jerky and choppy. I would not purchase another Lexus until they could assure me that this and the maintenance intervals are more rational.

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  Overrated! - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Michael - April 25 - 9:33 am

  This car is overrated. We got it loaded, and that was a big mistake. All of the extra technology features, such as the bluetooth, the nav, voice recognition, and the DVD are all total junk. The bluetooth sounds terrible and is unusable. The voice recognition does not function. The nav is nearly impossible to operate--my $125 Garmin is better. The AC is not nearly strong enough for the weather in Austin which is actually not that hot compared to other parts of the south.

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  car does not go at 20mph - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By susie q - March 6 - 10:00 am

  car has a terrible hesitation at 20 mph has completely ruined the fun of it

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  Lexus blew it with the RX 330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Indiana driver - January 10 - 7:50 pm

  This 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 pm

  The 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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  Safety Problems - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Shankadelic - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Great car, but the headlights are very, very unsafe, lacking any light dispersion. But for the light issue, and, as a result, my wifes unwillingness to drive at night, its a good car. We had a few problems with the computer when we started, and there was a recall for a manifold problems.

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  Forget it take the lost - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Lawrence Liew - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Paid $46,000. Dealership should makes enough profit to cover all services cost. Five times within 9 months return for the same porblem. I guess this is why you drive or own a luxury car. Becasue you dont need to go to work got too much extra time to kill. I am very disappointed with this new world class lexus RX330. It does cost too much for a bag of LEMONS. Dealer no help or not even try to help at all. What a service means?