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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  A WOW-SOME CAR ! - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Rohini - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a car that offered primarily enough luxury for a quality drive, elegance (lexus) and a great ride quality after driving a corolla for years. I tested the European luxury cars and other Japanese luxury cars but my heart, mind and money all agreed only on the ES 330. I cant ask for more since I have all what I ever wanted in a sedan. Thank You Lexus.

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  My Opinion - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By William Galarneault - April 7 - 2:06 am

  Not as good as previous Lexus autos I have owned. One major problem causes me to never recommend this car. The transmission. It jerks, slows down differently when one lets up on the accelerator. Even acts like you are braking when you are not doing so. In itself, this could be adapted to by a driver, but it is not consistent. Sometimes it does these things, other times it acts like a normal car. Friends have assigned the knickname "Lurch" to this car.

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  i love my lexus - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By lexusgirl - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2002 es300 i love it!!!!!!!!!

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  Good car with nice looks. - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By damaso - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This is a reliable, economic car with good looks as well as with a variaty of safety features. The only drawback is the unconfortable front seats in long drives. If you have chronic low back problems a long trip could exacerbate your disconfort.

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  Detroit...PAY ATTENTION - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Lexus4Life - April 3 - 2:00 am

  First import in over 26 years of driving. Will be hard to go back. Still have my Jeep with 40K miles, and its 3rd set of rotors, 4 sets of breaks, timing chain, alternator, and partial tranny rebuild. The lexus, all you do is change the oil. My friends had them and talked me into it. THANK YOU!!!

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  Great Car Value - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Big Daddy P - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2004 ES 330 in September and I love it. Its extremely quiet and sound proof (I have a hard time knowing when the engine is running),and handles the way I expect a luxury should. Everyone knows the pickup wont give you a rush, but its plenty fast enough for me. If I wanted speed, Id bought the GS or SC (if I could afford it). My car is smooth, good looking (black with the gold package), and comfortable as hell, with nearly all the bells and whistles available. My only bad surprise was the right-rear passenger power window stopped working. I brought the car to the dearlership, and they replaced the power window motor at no charge.

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  New Lexus ES 330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Walter Hamrick - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have owned. I have owned Caddie for the better part of 25 years.

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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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  Best car I have ever owned - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By AnthonyG - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Smooth, quiet ride. Luxurious comfortable interior. An amazing buy.

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  Lexus Es 330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By fareed - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great deal especially at the price that it is being sold at. Its a luxury car at a fraction of the cost.