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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  RX rattles - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By khoffman - October 27 - 11:53 pm

  My RX has rattled since day one. I have had it in several times for rattles in the back seat, the door and the glove box. I love the way it drives and rides. The quality of the basic stereo is only fair. The CD player is poorer than the radio. I have had two parts replaced on my back hatch door. My dealer has given me great service and Lexus has fixed everything, but I have had my car worked on too many times!

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  A Disappointing RX 330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Paul in Dallas - October 19 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle as some unusual annoyances for such a luxury brand as Lexus. 1. the central console area very strange. I cannot even find a good place to put my cell phone. 2. The brake pedal makes this bouncing sound, if you release it too quickly. 3. the sun visor is not tight enough when it is dropped down on the driver side window. It would swing over and hit my head sometimes. 4. The biggest annoyance so far is the moonroof. It will make a constant low volume squeaking/twisting noise while the vehicle is moving. The only way muffle the noise is to shut the moonroof interior panel.

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  Could be Better - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Dan from NY - October 18 - 3:06 am

  This is a reliable, quiet vehicle that get fairly good mpg for an suv, but it is not a drivers car. Driver ergonomics and handling characteristics are disappointing. The drivers seat is not deep enough and does not have good thigh support; the pedals could be more vertical - I get tired after extended driving. The steering is too light and is easily influenced by every undulation on the road. The transmission refuses to downshift, especially when youre at 2200-2400 rpm and need to pass or merge. The engine revs up, but the tranny refuses to kick in - Ive had to manually downshift to 3rd gear many times - wost tranny Ive had. The verdict: I think Lexus designed this for my wife.

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  Still not sure - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By pam - September 27 - 12:43 am

  I purchased this vehicle 5 mos ago. I am enjoying it however I am concerned that the engine noise is louder than I am used to. I do not like the arm rest. Otherwise the ride is very comfortable. Servicing is more expensive than expected. Paint job dulls quickly. (black) Need to have it detailed and waxed too often. I came from a Cadillac and it had more electronic information capabilities.

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  I had a better transmission on my Yugo - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Rondell - June 12 - 2:00 am

  A fine SUV except for the tranny. Its horrible. Ive had 3 other Lexus autos and every other tranny was smooth, but this one jerks and hesitates at 2nd and 4th gear. I threw away 46 grand.

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  Transmission Problems - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By HAl K - April 20 - 10:00 am

  For those who have not checked into this car throughly, I suggest googling: "ES330 hesitation." Mine hesistates badly at both low and high speeds, which the dealer says is "normal." I would not recommend anyone buy a 2004 ES or RX330 until Lexus stops stonewalling and addresses the problem.

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  Good value, great vehicle, - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By British Baron - January 24 - 10:00 am

  So sooth a ride that got a ticket from ayoung cop said we were going 81 in 55 zone. Not another car in sight on a brand new stretch of 4 lane divided highway.

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  CLUNK NOISE FOR 6 MONTHS - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By R. A. Berlin - January 24 - 10:00 am

  For the 1st 6 months, I kept hearing a clunking noise when slowing or stopping. The dealer heard the noise but did not have the equipment to repair. Passengers could hear the noise also. Finally Lexus sent the equipment to finally repair. This was very dissapointing for a $40,000 car. It was NOT the dealers fault. FACTORY was at fault.

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  Pretty good, but expect more from Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By BryanW - January 15 - 12:03 am

  After reading so much about Lexus reliability and dealer service, Im underwhelmed. Its not bad, but its not great, certainly not a rating of "5" that every dealership employee begs that you give them. Our car had been good - good power, good comfort, decent reliability. The suspension in tuned too soft for my taste, and the FWD is not ideal. In the 33k miles weve had the car, weve had several items break. This includes the HID headlights, Brake master cylinder (took 3 trys to get this one fixed), auto climate control still does not work right, rear power liftgate problems, and driver sun visor. Stock Goodyears wear out in 20k miles.

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  Sunglasses Mandatory! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By OskiGuy - January 11 - 10:00 am

  Was very much impressed with the overall product. Roominess in front and rear was exceptional. Ride totally Lexus. Acceleration and "punch" OK. Quiet like a Lexus should be. Exterior design is appealing and has an "edge" (good one).