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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  I need your feedback! - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By niceandfunny9 - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new..right off the truck..foolish move..didnt test drive it..find that transmission does not shift properly. Hesitates/holds back from first through second gear. The rest of the package is awesome. Only 1,000 miles on it and Lexus says the car is fine??????? Would love to hear back from other owners about transmission shifting concerns

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  A good choice - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By MP2 - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Very nice car for the price. Very solid driving. Fuel mileage is pretty good, also. I like the overall look and feel of the car. If you want the luxury car without huge sticker shock, the ES330 is a nice place to start.

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  Good, but not great. - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By My First Lexus - February 15 - 4:30 am

  This is a very smooth, quiet car. The performance is good for a car that is just billed as a luxury sedan. The fuel economy is great: 17/29 actual mpg. After 9,000 miles, I have no complaints about the quality of the car. My wife had a flat tire in the rain 900 miles from home. She called the 1- 800 roadside service. A local dealership called within 10 minutes and was there in 20 minutes. The driver called twice in route to assure her he was on the way. We received a follow-up phone call and a customer satisfaction survey.

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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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  Great Car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By SBenner - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Fantastic Car! After looking at Acura TL, Volvo, Audi I know I made the right choice. Rides like a dream and looks great inside and out.

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  1st time Lexus Owner - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By NJ Owner - January 24 - 8:03 am

  Overall, a very nice car. Cost of operation is very good. Oil change charge is the same as a regular Toyota. Not like Mercedes or BMW where its $30 for the filter alone. MPG is 26. Good highway performance. More of a cushion ride, not a tight ride like BMW or Mercedes. Purchased pre-owned with 20K miles for $19K, with 6 months of original warranty. My only dislike is wind noise coming from moonroof. Great value!

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  Much more than a Camry! - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By mnelson - January 14 - 2:00 am

  By far the quietest vehicle Ive ever owned. Its a womans car and the wife loves it, yet I enjoy driving it too. The 3.3L engine is very powerful yet silent, and theres no torque steer at all, which was a pleasant surprise.

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  A good choice - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By tim - January 9 - 10:56 pm

  I use this for my job and drive it a lot. It is very reliable and offers a great deal of comfort

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  Outstanding Quality & Ride - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By MAB430 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Lexus and luxury car and I cant be happier than I am. The quality of the car is incredible. The details are dramatic. The leather is soft and the seats are very comfortable. All the vehicle controls are at the drives fingertips and all the features are easy to operate.The sound system is outstanding. I dont have the Mark Levinson system but the "premium" system is quite sufficient for those who appreciate a quality sound system. The car is easy to drive and has an incredible turning ratio. And of course it has all the bells and whistles you would expect to find in a Lexus.

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  The perfect car - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Bob Uchida - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Not only is this the best built car in the Luxury $35,000 range but on national T.V. Dateline says is is also thje BEST PICK FOR SAFETY! IN THE LUXURY CLASS $35,000