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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  Known Defect With RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By starforce - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I read all the reports on Edmunds and Consumer Reports and was thourghly dissapointed when I bought the car to learn that it has a known defect that Lexus hasnt fixed. When stopping at red lights with the AC on the steering wheel vibrates. The Lexus service and told me that this is a known problem and they couldnt do anything at this time. What I cant believe is that nobody in this group seem to mention it.

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  Average looks, above average reliability - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By lindsey - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I have had my rx for almost 3 years it has been relatively maintenance free, yet is not that comfortable, very noisy road noise and does not feel that safe as far as handling. Going back to a German car. Not for me

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  You were better before - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By MinnesotaGal - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Lexus should have left well enough alone. I have owned a 99 and a 01 RX300, and they were both much better than the 04 RX330. The transmission is sluggish, dismal power, gas mileage at about 18mi/gal even though 80% of my driving is highway. It rides like a big slug -- even though the engine is bigger, the increased body size and weight consumes the extra power. Plus, the engine is loud. Im disappointed!

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  3 years experience - disappointing - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By kc - February 16 - 6:10 pm

  Ladies SUV; my wife was attracted to it by appearance; acceleration OK but tires (all 4 of them) wore out sooner than youd expect. Trims fell off even though parked in garage most of the time. Transmission jerks even when air conditioner is off. Dealer couldnt do anything and explained as normal - give me a break. Several recalls already.

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  Unhappy - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Itmaybme - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the fourth Lexus I have owned with two of them being the RX300 so I was really excited to see the features on the RX330 and the sleek body style. I am very disappointed with this car overall though. The car is very loud and has a constant roar in the rear, the wind noise when driving above 45 is nerve racking, and the comfort of the ride is surely not Lexus quality. This car is certainly not the dream car I expected it to be. I really wish I had kept my 2002 RX300. This Lexus is a big disappointment and if this is any indication of "improvements", then I do think I will look for another brand of car.

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  RX330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By tk watson - June 22 - 1:40 am

  Has not lived up to expectations (had RX300 for 6 years). Vehicle tends to pull to left (told that was "normal"), exterior door moldings do not remain secure to car (repaired 3x, still a problem), lots of rattles and noises. Drivers seat is not flush to steering wheel. No fun to drive.

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  NIGHTMARE - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Cathy S - January 22 - 2:00 am

  My RX330 was in for service 4 times in the 1st month that I owned the vehicle. They are unable to fix the alignment and I have had 3 speakers replaced & another broken one. No one from Lexus would return a call until the 4th time that I called and demanded to speak with a real person. They said they would replace my car and then said something different. McGrath wouldnt take it back because they said it was used. They gave me a defective car but no one would help......until I contacted an attorney.

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  disappointment - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By baronzon - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Interior vibrates if the car hits a bump on the road, arm rest is to high,which couses disaliantment of vertabreas and pain in the neck, it also very firm and narrow, which can cause ulnar nerve injuary. Safer not to use. Second safe braking pedal positoned in the left lower coner can cause injury to the ankle in case of accident, impossible to rlax left leg under it, hits the fron serfice of lower extrimity. Climate control when put in "Auto" blows wind into the face. If you change settings you will cancell "auto".

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  RX330 Disappointment - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Tom from Richardson - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I am rather disappointed at my vehicle, because I had high expectations for this Lexus SUV. I am sure the engine and the mechanicals will probably be trouble free for many years. However, I dont think the Lexus engineers have paid enough attentions to small details. There are some little rattles and twisting/grinding interior noises. The brake pad also makes noise when release too quickly. The center console is weird. I cannot even find a place to put my cell phone. This vehicle also shares too many components with other Toyota vehicles, such as the engine, steering wheel, and gauges. It makes Lexus look cheap.