4 Star Reviews for 2005 Lexus RX 330

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.64/5 Average
191 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The power rear hatch is now standard on all models, as is wood and leather trim for the shift knob and steering wheel. The power passenger seat is upgraded from four-way to eight-way while the optional navigation system gets Bluetooth capability and voice actuated control. Last year's standard six-disc CD changer moves to the options list, making way for a standard single-CD setup.

Pros:
  • Well-appointed interior, rides more like a sedan than an SUV, loaded with high-tech features, solid reputation for reliability, excellent dealer service.
Cons:
  • Less powerful than some of its competitors, soft ride makes for merely adequate handling in corners, no third-row seat option.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 191.00
  • Disappointed - 2005 Lexus RX 330
    By -

    Lots of rattles, the brake pedal makes a constant irritating thumping noise everytime I even tap it. Windshield wipers get frozen to the windshield and rip off and inevitably scratch the windshield before Ive had a chance to replace them. A heated windshield would be appropriate. The most astounding thing that shocked me was that I had to purchase 4 expensive snow tires for this AWD SUV. The all season that came with the sale of the vehicle did not perform at all in the snow. I was literally sliding all over the road and had no choice but to spend $1000 to buy "snow blizzaks".

  • Still not sure - 2005 Lexus RX 330
    By -

    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.

  • Nice, But Not Great.Quality Has Declined - 2005 Lexus RX 330
    By -

    Although the RX330 has some improvements, there have been some steps backwards in my opinion. The car is much noisier than the RX300, particularly noticeable at speeds over 50. Highway noise is NOT muted as in other Lexus models, wind noise is a constant. Transmission shifting from a start is laborious and loud. The Mark Lev radio is nothing special and its volume controls are make it hard to find a volume that you can keep it on. The radio lite is too bright. The back-up camera is weak: at night the screen "whites out",and there is no useful depth perception. The adaptive headlights gyrate and flit around constantly as you go up and down hills and are of dubious benefit and value.

  • Sold on the Test Drive - 2005 Lexus RX 330
    By -

    It has a quiet, smooth as silk ride and handles well, taking turns much better than my 2000 Chrysler Concorde LXi. I only have 3 complaints, although they are minor. The rear passengers complain that they have no room for their feet, as the front seats are low to the floor. Second, why cant the Japanese make seats comparable to those in American cars? My Chrysler seats were much better padded and roomier. 3rd, Toyota Sienna is much better appointed with tiny things that make a difference, like a little hook you can flip out to hold a garbage bag. The Lexus doesnt even have a compartment for sunglasses, which even my husbands Sentra has. For $38,000+ I expect more details.

  • RX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
    By -

    Steering is what I would say is over responsive and can cause a swaying sensation when traveling on a straight road. I dont like the response of its acceleration at times. I notice this most when I am traveling at approximately 40 mph and I want to speed up fast, I feel a noticable loss of power, before acceleration begins.

  • A fine Lexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
    By -

    Comfortable for driver and passengers with important conveniences e.g. cupholders, multiple seat adjustments. Nav system pretty easy to figure out, rear camera great safety item. Smooth and reliable ride.

  • Few missing things - 2005 Lexus RX 330
    By -

    First, this is a really nice car which makes any omissions really stand out. For one: dual acting sun visors (actually two per side-one for the front & side window and an extra one for the front) For eleven years Ive had them on my American cars. Second one: mud flaps. Oh, they are available for $160+ installation. Without them the car tends to get splattered easily. Third: complexity of controls.Yes, they do allow flexibility and optional ways to operate but a 600+ page instruction book! Too much! Now, Ive got to repeat what a wonderfully satisfying vehicle this is. No buyers remorse on this one!

  • Headlight problem - 2005 Lexus RX 330
    By -

    The car is otherwise excellent with one major problem: because of the brightness of the high intensity headlights, they level off at a low level, and the top half of your field of vision is very dark (otherwise other drivers will feel blinded). Very evident driving in the hills or on a freeway when there is very little traffic. Depending on the steepness of the road, may not see more than 25 feet in front of you. Lexus told me it is a known problem with this model in particular but dont know theres much they can do. Id be interested in whether others have had this problem or ideas where to research it.

  • This is a great SUV - 2005 Lexus RX 330
    By -

    I bought this car after owning and loving my Subaru Legacy for 10 years. I was looking for something with more luxury appointments and better dealer service. The Lexus is a marvel of technology with more toys than anyone could ever hope to use. The navigation system is great. For my personal taste though the cahas more power than it needs and this adversely impacts on the gas mileage which is about 18 on the road. Rear visibility is bad but the large side view mirrors help quite a bit. The high center of gravity makes the car feels tippier than the Subaru but not nearly as bad as an Isuzu Trooper that I used to drive. The quiet and quality of this automobile is outstanding.

  • Bad HID - 2005 Lexus RX 330
    By -

    I find the HIDs very bad in hilly driving. I constantly have to put on the high beams to illuminate the road properly. They are nice and bright but set too low. I find no fault with the transmission. In town mileage is poor... avg 16- 17/mpg. Highway is about 22mpg. Dealer service is excellent, build quality excellent. Had a chance to use the AWD this past weekend in snow and ice... very good!

Lexus RX 330 Reviews By Year:
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