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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  Convert - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By dmpiech - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Having been a loyal Jeep owner for years, I already had my deposit down on a 2004 Overland. One day I passed the Lexus dealership an thought why not test drive the new RX330 just for something to do. Had no intention of buying because of the price difference between the two. After sitting in it, taking a short test drive and seeing all the creature features I gave the salesman my deposit orderthe the 330, picked it up five weeks later and couldnt be happier! I am now a Lexus convert.

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  RX330 Fan - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By pmonson - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Best luxury SUV in class. Styling is very pleasing to the eye. Too many wonderful features to list. Compared to MDX, FX35 and XC90, RX330 wins hands down. Lexus dealership experience much superior to Acura, Infinity and Volvo. Build quality is supurb.

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  My MSM RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By msilverIS - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Im not too pleased with the transmission, which has a mind of its own sometimes. In stop & go traffic, it sometimes hunts for gears and gives a manual transmission-like shake. The overall ride is very smooth and quiet. No coin box. Faulty-designed mirror visors replaced, rear-door computer being replaced soon (hatch wont automatically open/close sometimes).

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  Luxury - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By Diane - August 6 - 9:26 pm

  I love this car. It drives so smooth. Drives good in the snow. Seat warmers are great. Back up camera is great also. The navigation and bluetooth really are the step above luxury.

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  Everything I expected...PLUS - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By lexislady - August 6 - 4:23 am

  We sold our Rx300 1999 to our daughter and since we are retiring, wanted one final new purchase. This vehicle is everything anyone could want in an SUV. We did not have Nav on the other vehicle but do on this...have on our other vehicle so are spoiled and knew we wanted it. Back up display is great, heated seats, smooth drive on car body. No complaints...

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  Superb experience - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By discvrsun - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Excellent SUV with comfort, reliability and luxuary.Also own another Lexus and never experience any problem with it.

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  I love It - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By LB3 - July 17 - 10:00 am

  We have been very satified with this SUV.

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  Amazing machine! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By John Burtlano - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Traded my 1999 RX for the 2004 RX, I have only excellent things to say about this car! Woo Hoo!!!! John...

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  Likes and dislikes - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By V9995 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful car, easy to drive, comfortable ride, no annoyances like rattles,etc., no wind noise.

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  RX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Dean - July 7 - 10:40 am

  Overall excellent vehicle, typical Lexus high quality. Easy to read dash, radio, overall controls excellent. Rear back-up camera is excellent.