Overview & Reviews

If the marketing term "entry-level luxury sedan," were something you could look up in a regular dictionary, you would undoubtedly be referred to an artist's rendering of the Lexus ES 330. Few cars throughout history have offered such a by-the-book interpretation of affordable luxury.

For Lexus, the near-luxury experience implies supreme comfort, capable performance and impressive fuel economy. And so like every ES sedan before it, the Lexus ES 330 was a softly suspended, front-wheel-drive sedan with a creamy V6 engine and an automatic transmission programmed to shift for smoothness and efficiency rather than maximum acceleration. Inside, the ES 330's midsize dimensions provided room for four adults to bask in leather seats cushioned to sectional sofa standards. Painstaking use of noise-dampening insulation ensured a serene highway ride for all.

Although it brought calm and relaxation to many a frazzled commuter, the Lexus ES 330 was not an entry-level luxury sedan for everybody. In its quest to deliver the most luxury possible, it sacrificed driver involvement and enjoyment. For anyone with enthusiast leanings, the un-sporty ES 330 was a dull drive.

It's no surprise, then, that Lexus made the ES 330's successor, the ES 350, quicker, more agile and a bit more engaging. For consumers who aren't worried about sport-sedan pretensions, though, the Lexus ES 330 is an excellent choice for a used car purchase, particularly when you consider its first-rate reputation for reliability.

Most Recent Lexus ES 330

Sold from 2004-'06, the Lexus ES 330 debuted during a mid-model-cycle refresh for the fourth-generation Lexus ES sedan. The last full redesign had been in 2002, and '02 and '03 models wore the ES 300 badge and were powered by a 210-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. With the name change to ES 330 came a new 3.3-liter V6 with 225 hp and considerably more low- and midrange torque. (Note that this engine was re-rated at 218 hp for the '06 model year in adherence with new SAE certification standards.)

Lexus also increased equipment levels in the ES 330 transition, as must-have items like leather upholstery and a moonroof became standard fare for the first time. On the safety side, larger side curtain airbags were fitted.

Other standard equipment on the Lexus ES 330 included 16-inch alloy wheels, 10-way power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a seven-speaker CD/cassette audio system and convincing faux walnut trim sprinkled throughout the cabin. Major options included a higher-wattage Mark Levinson sound system, a navigation system, heated front seats, a real wood/leather steering wheel, xenon HID headlights and a stability control system.

Chrome wheels were optional as well, though on '05 and '06 models they measured 17 inches in diameter. Ventilated front seats became optional in '05, and satellite radio joined the list for '06.

Like all ES sedans, the Lexus ES 330 was based on the Toyota Camry, so driving characteristics were similar, though Lexus buyers could look forward to an even plusher, even quieter ride. Zero-to-60-mph times were in the mid-7-second range on both cars. Those wanting firmer handling around corners had the option of ordering an adaptive suspension, which varied the shock absorber damping according to road conditions, vehicle speed and driver input.

Consumers shopping for a used Lexus ES 330 should feel free to select from any of the three model years, as substantive differences were minimal. Lexus did give the ES some cosmetic upgrades for the '05 model year: The front and rear fascias were revised and fitted with new lighting elements, while inside, buyers could opt for bird's eye maple wood-grain trim in lieu of walnut. In addition, prospective ES 330 buyers who want a factory-installed navigation system may want to focus on '05 and '06 models, as they had voice activation technology.

User Reviews:

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  Bad Vision - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By J Fisher - December 29 - 2:00 am

  This car has a terrible blind spot on the drivers side rear.

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  Recent Lexus Buyer - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By G. F. Weeks - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I find the car to be less quiet and comfortable than expected. There is too much interior noise and road noise for an entry level luxury car. The motor, though powerful enough for city and highway driving, seems to strain when accelerating. Some good points include the A/C and stereo systems and ample trunk and passenger room. Overall, I find the car very average.

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  Take a pass on this car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By ferretlover02 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt decide between the ES330 and a C320 Mercedes. Now I wish I had gone for the Mercedes. This car is extremely uncomfortable and boring to drive. The interior is beautiful, but thats where it ends.

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  Do not buy this car! - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By luckygesss - June 4 - 10:00 am

  After driving a 95 ES 300 for 115,000 miles & 7 years this car is a MAJOR disappointment! Severe hesitation & rough shifting at times, acceleration from a stop is jerky, POOR mpg and overall sluggish. The dealer told me 1) theyve had a lot of complaints about the ES330 2)its a computer problem & 3) there is "NO FIX" for the problems! The 1995 ES 300 drove just as beautifully when I traded it in as the day I bought it. I am so sorry I bought this car!

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  he who hesitates is lost - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By paulinpennsylvania - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Car rides nicely. Big problem with hesitation when you get off the gas then on again or come to a stop and try to go immediately thereafter ( 1 to 1 and 1/2 second delay). If you get off the gas under hard acceleration and back on the gas the transmission gets confused. pulls to left slightly. With regards to hesitation, Lexus says the car is "functioning as designed". They have no plans to fix it at all. If you leave your key in ignition and headlights are on, the lights wont shut off automatically if you accidently do not shut your door tightly.(I already gat 1 dead battery for this reason. Im going back to Audi. (They care about their customers).

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  Beware of this car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By jp_60173 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  The ES330 has a plush ride, is very quiet and has a nice looking interior. However, the transmission shifts very roughly. Also, many exhibit a hesitation that makes the car feel like an old car with a dirty carburetor that bogs down when trying to accelerate. It does not happen to every car but tends to get worse with time if your car is one of the unlucky ones. The service people at two dealerships admitted to the problem but said there is no fix and that this has been a issue since the 2002 models. They believe it may be a computer software problem. Lexus does not admit they have a problem and offer no fix. Ultimately, I got rid of my ES330 after 4 months. Stay away from Lexus.

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  new car owner - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Irene Rice - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Too plain,,,Uncomfortable on a long drive. Not attractive from the side view. Not terribly fun o drive.

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  The cars just OK Not Great - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Susan Ankrom - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is nice to look at for a four door, but is missing out on several qualities that would make it better. THe navigational system is not user friendly, and the hesitation when engaging the passing gear is something that makes me have no confidence that the car will get me out of a tight spot in traffic. I will go back to an Acura which is a very responsive car. The way the CDs need to be loaded into the console leave no room for anything. There is absolutely NO room in the car to put anything...ie: the ashtray is useless...too small. NO real cup holders.THis model desperately needs thumb controls for the stereo on the steering wheel.

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  Class Action Needed for Trans - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By JGawrysiak - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive written Lexus Customer (NON) Satisfaction 3 times--theyve called me back twice only to tell me the transmission is "operating as designed". Funny they would say that automatically without driving the car. Service writers and salespeople at the dealership know theres a problem and say there is no fix. SM told me that Lexus said to use premium gas and it may help--so they KNOW theres a problem. Ive counted 21 complaints on this site. Is anyone working a Class Action, or had any luck getting some compensation in the way of a buy-back? Please e-mail me your experiences and the actions youve taken and maybe we can get something done. JGawry@aol.com

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  Very Disappointed - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By fellst - November 28 - 2:23 am

  The car is very nice looking. It has some classy features but not many. The drivetrain is very poor. It has problems shifting very jerky. When cornering it will not shift smoothly almost like a person who cant drive a standard.