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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  Lexus RX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By jstone - June 15 - 12:10 am

  Have had too many repairs. Radiator, crankshaft pulley, noise around the air conditioner line, all had to be repaired. I thought a Lexus would run forever with no problems if properly maintained. Very disappointed in this. Visibility is somewhat limited because of design. Disappointed and thinking about looking for something else. I thought this would be a car to last me 20 years.

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  RX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Pittsburgh George - June 7 - 3:13 am

  This is the most over rated vehicle in America. Soft ride with poor road feel, underpowered, overpriced. Seats too soft. Cargo space limited. Not worth high 40s with all the toys. Cost of operation not that cheap as oil change and tire rotation is $125 every 5000 miles.

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  So far so good - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By PerrinD1 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Have only had the vehichle a few months , but it gets around like a champ on the ice and snow. Gas mileage leaves something to be desired from a relatively small 6 cylinder. Power is adequate. Tranny is smooooth. Brakes are good. Lets give it 20000-30000 more miles and see how it does.

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  My RX 330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Tom Papaccio - March 8 - 2:00 am

  It drives very well, handles well and is very comfortable. My biggest complaint is the dashboard rattles. Second biggest complaint is the headlight washing system goes when you wash the windshield and gets the car full of window washer.

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  Love this SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By george - March 6 - 2:36 am

  Not the quietest or most powerful vehicle I have owned, but the overall package is great.

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  Problems - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By retired - February 28 - 10:40 am

  15 mos in service. At 25k miles, a/c clutch and hub replaced, power steering unit replaced, steering shaft "U" bolt replaced (to stop grinding sound), with tires rotated and checked for wear the Goodyears became noisy @ 25k miles and wore unevenly, tire rep said they usually give 25-27k miles service! Replacements are expensive as "performance" tires are mandatory. New Michelins are doing just fine. Numerous rattles were finally fixed after many miles of aggravation. Key areas failed not the "toys". Limited number of dealerships is a minus.

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  Maybe good/Maybe not. - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By PaPa - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Dissappointed. This is third lexus I have owned. There is an old saying, Dont buy a first year car.I didnt think this would apply to a Lexus,But it does.I have had many problems so far. I should have waited.

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  RX 330 AWD 2006 - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By CL - January 18 - 8:13 am

  This is my 1st RX 330 after years of survey. The driver side seat belt hinge keep scratching the door and leave scratch marks, the distance of the inner door of the driver side and the driver seat is too close that each drive try to pull the seat belt, the hinge will most likely be in a flip up position that driver inadvertently just keep pulling until the hinge flip down and sqeeze between the door and driver seat. I have several marks left on the inner door aleady. Wind noise also a bit loud while on the high way. Every thing else is as good as a LEXUS should be.

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  new 330 awd - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By volvonewbie - December 26 - 10:00 am

  was going to buy volvo xc90 until i drove by the lexus dealer and spied the new 330. bought it and never looked back. everything so far is really good except has blind spots but will have to get used to it. to new to see if there are any quality problems. curious as to how it will perform in ice/snow.

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  Not What I Expected - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By NewBuyer - October 2 - 10:00 am

  For the price I would be better off with a the Toyota version.