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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  What have I done to deserve this - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By RX330Guy - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought my RX330 with the thought that this car would last me for years. Thought the Lexus name stood for quality but I have experienced the following problems: DASHBOARD - The COWL rubs against the dashboard and makes popping and rattling noises. Though there is a COWL kit that now exists for this problem, it has not alleviated all the problems. I have taken my car in 4 times with no avail. Also, the glove box rattles when going over bumps. Lexus lined my glove box with felt and has helped to some degree. FAULTY TRANSMISSION Drive a loaner car and listen for the dashboard noises.

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  Horrible blind spot - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By tercot - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 models side-rear windows are narrow causing a terrible blind spot when backing out of a parking lot. Also, the rear door can only be opened with the remote key, meaning that if you are carrying things, you have to put them down and dig in your pockets or purse to find the key. Very inconvenient. This is not a female or Mom friendly car.

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  4 Months and Its Gone - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By volvo4life2 - June 15 - 2:05 pm

  I traded my GMC Yukon for my RX330 to be very disappointed. I was very excited to hop on the "Lexus Reliability" boat and got a 2004 with only 60k miles on it. Within the first week of owning it the check engine light came on, shortly followed by the passenger air bag going out, needing all new power steering fluid (which had to go back to the dealer twice to actually get done correctly) and my transmission fluid was a mess. All of that I could forgive, its a used car, things happen. But the thing that I couldnt forgive... There was a hole in the frame of the car somewhere that leaked when it rained. It filled the floorboards up with water and soaked through the foam, and the carpets.

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  Who invented the electronic transmission - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By very angry - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Dont get me wrong, I love the look of this car and the handling. The navigation is great! But... the new electronic transmission is awful. In stop and go traffic is slams into gear actually throwing you forward in your seat. The worst is in passing situations: Ill floor it and nothing!!!, it sometimes takes a full second to respond, and its not predictable, it doesnt always do that. Lexus says they are aware of the problem, but it meets factory standards so "too bad". A waste of $48000 bucks!! its just plane dangerous to drive!!

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  Beware - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Mrbmom - January 6 - 6:46 am

  This car has a terrible blind spot , making it very dangerous to back out of parking lots and other road situations. No amount of luxury can compensate for this flaw. Also, it is inconvenient for me to be able to open the trunk only with a key, since I usually have my hands full with packages and the key is buried in my purse.

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  Rattle Box - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Eric - November 22 - 10:56 pm

  This Lexus has soooo many recalls for dash squeaks and rattles that its amazing it got out of engineering. Ours has been in the shop 7 times in 2 months for interior noises. The air conditioning vents rattle and click, the instrument cluster bezel squeaks, and every loaner we have gotten does the same thing. The engine is buttery smooth and very reliable, but we have to get rid of this car. My wife and I spend countless hours driving around trying to find the sources of all the plastic rattles. LOW BUILD QUALITY on the interior. Too much cheap plastic. Its too bad, we cant figure out what other car we would want more.

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  Major Disappointment - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By DickV - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I agree with Mountain Drive(9/04/03) In addition, since the passenger seat lacks 8-way adj. and the lumbar support cant be moved, it can be a major discomfort on long trips. Compared to the Mercedes E-320 wagon we traded,the RX330 lacks power and acceleration, has significantly more road noise, requires half again more room for turning, and has been much less reliable. Two full repair days in 6 months vs. one day in 5 years with the E-320. Undercarraige too low for moutain road clearance. Only thing gained on trade was AWD, everything else was downgrade.

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  wish I had my RX300 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By D Johnson - August 14 - 10:00 am

  seats on the RX330 are too hard and the 18 inch wheels are too high to get in car comforablty

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  Transmission is Dangerous - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By jrat - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Do yourself a favor and read all of the boards on the web that discuss the awful and dangerous transmission. There are severe hesitations and failure to engage when accelerating. There are also reports at www.dot.gov of this problem. Just do a search on the vehicle.

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  Waste of Money - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By CarProfessional - June 29 - 10:30 pm

  The purchase of this vehicle is now my most costly mistake. Based on the quality of Toyota trucks I have owned, I bought the RX330. The RXs interior is luxurious, and has nice features, but it is the poorest performing vehicle Ive ever driven. The transmission can take over one second to shift. Very dangerous when a car is coming toward you. When accelerating on freeway, RX goes through 2 gears to find the right one. Slowest responding transmission on the market Ive driven. Also the windshield fogs so severely inside that you have to constantly run the defroster which runs the A/C. Significantly reduces gas milage and visability for yet another major safety issue.