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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first time lexus owner - 2004 Lexus ES 330
By bob 8147 - April 3 - 2:00 amUp till now I have always driven a Caddy This car is much smaller and lighter ,but handles very well. For a change I am not always the designated driver. ( The beauty of a 5 passenger car) I like the back up warning system on the Caddy, so I had an after market warning system installed on my Lexus. All in all so far it has been a great car.
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FIRST HAND EXPIERENCE - 2004 Lexus ES 330
By CHILLY WILLIE - April 3 - 2:00 amBEING A FIRST TIME LEXUS BUYER I AM VERY PLEASED THE ES330 GIVES A SENSE OF QUALITY AND SECURITY. I ALSO TEST DROVE THE ACURA TL (REMARKABLY IMPRESSED WITH SPACE AND FEATURES)AND THE INFINITI G35 TOO STIFF FOR CHICAGO ROADS.QUALITY AND SAFETY WERE CHIEF CONCERNS AND LEXUS OUT-PACES THE COMPETITION. A DEFFINATE BUY.......
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Gods gift to car lovers - 2004 Lexus ES 330
By Adam Bajaj - April 3 - 2:00 amIts the best car I have yet to own. It beats my LS430 and my RX300. The comfort, the luxury, the class, the build, the color, the exterior....oh, just too sexy!
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Best car I ever owned - 2004 Lexus ES 330
By exyrider - April 3 - 2:00 amIn the Lexus 330 I found what I was looking for. A high quality, reliable car with 5 star safety features. Im 61" and fit comfortably in both the front and back seats. The driver seat is well designed, and my back feels better just sitting in it. The interior reflects great attention to detail. The car accellerates smoothly and fully meets my handling expectations. While the exterior design may not turn other drivers heads, it is great value and comfort. It also gets good gas milage, and uses regular gas.
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great car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
By john mcfadden - April 3 - 2:00 amgreat car all around high expectations met with high satisfactions
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My first non GM vehicle - 2005 Lexus ES 330
By charlie - March 31 - 9:40 pmI bought the ES330 for the ride comfort, and it does the job. The fuel economy is not as expected (sticker ratings). The engine/transmission function is not smooth, but lots of jerk when shifting. Too soon (13K miles) to speak to quality, trusting the market over the years to be right. If the comfort was NOT my main need, I would not buy another. Just not a performing vehicle as I am used to.
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12 Years Old - still looks great and runs excellen - 2004 Lexus ES 330
By Steve G. - March 31 - 12:02 pmI purchased this in 2013 - one owner car who traded it in at the Lexus Dealership. I bought it with 78,000 miles on it and now has 163,000 miles - The paint is perfect, with some fading only on the rear bumper. A highly reliable car, runs smooth, comfortable, and gets up to 26mpg on the highway and about 20mpg around town. - Solid / I added Bluetooth (Parrot) and have put Michelin tires on it (they are the best for both ride comfort and low noise) - I do expect to get 300K - runs as good now with 163K as it did with 78K. Great car - highly recommend it.
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Excellent And Bland - 2004 Lexus ES 330
By David P - March 29 - 10:00 amI agree the ES does not offer GT sedan performance. Kick in another $30K, if thats what you want and get the 430. I do not feel that the power or the transmission cause any safety problems. You can lock in a lower gear ratio, if the situation calls for it and the engine will give you what you need. I dont care about Porche, G35 Coupe, GT Sedan performance any more. Thats why I bought the ES. If you dont care to have high performance handling and throttle/transmission response and if you do want a quiet comfortable ride with very nice interior appointments, excellent sound system and plenty of luxury features, this car is a great buy.
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Great ride - 2005 Lexus ES 330
By moody1g - March 4 - 12:20 amI have only owned this used Lexus for a week but would recommend it to anyone. For a three year old car with 43,000 on the odometer I am impressed. The absolute bank vault solidity of this car is amazing. This is my first Lexus and I would absolutely get another.
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the bomb - 2004 Lexus ES 330
By najat7 - February 25 - 2:00 amI absolutely loved this car.It dove so fast and it was fun and comfortable.And a great price,those car shoppers heres the car youll be wanting.
