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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  BARTELLS - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By PEAAIR - September 22 - 10:00 am

  NO GUTS, COMFORTABLE TO DRIVE, MOVES PEOPLE NICELY BUT NOT TO SPORTY.

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  Luxury from east - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Seung - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Quietness,Smoothness... Toyota products are well known as reliable car company and this one is above the limit! good car to commute around.

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  We Love It! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By JT - September 8 - 7:50 pm

  This is the most comfortable car to ride in we have ever experienced. Ours has all the creature comforts. ie Navigation, DVD system and Mark Levinson sound. All are top rate. We are really sold on the navigation system. Once you have a good one like this, you can never go back to maps again. At this point we only have 2700 miles on the car. Will update later in the year. But for now, the car is high on the WOW scale.

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  clunky drive train - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By mountaineer - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Better riding than an "M" class. Do away with the drive train noises and hesitation in the shift from first to second and this might be a SLV.

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  Ouch - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By BAMCL - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Go SUPERLATIVE!! Except the front passenger seat - only a 4 way adjuster, and no upgrade option- most uncomfortable on long journeys. Driver seat is superb. Go SUPERLATIVE! Except the drive train - miserable clunks in trans/transfer case. Freeway slightest slopes its shifting up and down.

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  Get what you pay for - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By RX330 Lover - April 27 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the best SUVs out there. If you are looking for one with confortable ride, but dont care about the horse power, this is the SUV to go. Very attractive interior design.

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  Poor experience - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By mjw5935 - April 10 - 9:53 am

  I bought a fully optioned 2004 RX330 and was sadly disappointed. The sports transmission has terrible hesitation that boarders on dangerous in traffic driving and the seat has a clicking noise that I cannot seem to resolve. In addition after the first 6,000 miles (during the first tire rotation) I was informed that the front end was not in alignment. Unfortunately the dealer was unable to help me with the transmission and I have not returned for the other factors yet. Very disappointed for a 50k+ vehicle.

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  Great Improvement/High Price - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By lexusxthree - March 3 - 10:00 am

  We previouly owned a 2000 & 2001 RX300. The overall handling and ride is a leap forward. Comfort has also improved to where it is comparable to Mercedes Benz. Because we purchased the vehicle within a month of it release, we were not able to get it optioned exactly the way we wanted. Our only regret is that it doesnt have the Mark Levinson system. The standard system does not sound as good as the one in our previous RX300. The Navigation system is great and the Back-up camera is to die for. This should be a required safety feature on all SUVs and Minivans. Overall we are very pleased with the new RX330.

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  A 40K+ Car Shouldnt Rattle - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Stan - February 11 - 9:23 am

  I started out loving this car. Excellent highway passing capability, spectacular emergency handling (saved my life on one occasion) and superior comfort. BUT little things mean a lot. After about 8000 miles a rattle developed under the dash. Soon it sounded as if the entire dash was shifting after a moderate bump. Still not resolved to my satisfaction. Ive since learned that this is a problem endemic to early production units. Lexus should do better.

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  One of the best cars ive ever owned. - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Len - January 23 - 9:00 pm

  This is a great SUV it has well thought out features, quiet, great powertrain and roomy inside. I wish it had XM or Sirius radio but i have to live with AM? FM CD.