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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  TCM, ECM Problems - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Henry Casimer - December 12 - 11:06 pm

  My wife is principal driver but in January 2006 I drove the ES330 4,000 miles from northern IN to Key West and return. The engine and transmission fails to respond to throttle commands and the vehcle does not downshift to third gear when needed. With the pedal to the metal at 60 mph it takes forever to get back up to 70/75 mph. Same problem on entrance ramps. Trying to merge in 4th or 5th gear at 2,000 rpm will not get you out of the way of 18 wheelers. Car is at the dealer now. Have reported this to NHTSA as a safety issue. 25 mph not too impressive. GM can do 30 mpg with 3.8 L.

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  My New E330 Lexus - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Nicola Gismondi - December 10 - 7:36 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive. The interior is well appointed: leather is finely detailed, wood grain matches beautifully with decor, controls are easily accessable, and sound system is superior. I have been very pleased with the gas milage: 22 MPG around town and about 31 MPG on the Interstate. The road noise level is very low, probably the quietest car I have ever owned. You can not hear the engine running when idling. Nice car.

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  Disappointed - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By thresher - December 7 - 6:40 am

  The car has a very bad shifting which the dealer says is normal. Very jerky motion like something from a 10 year old car. Not what I would consider luxury. Engine revs way too high. The ac is fine the controls are good but still not what I would consider luxury

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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.

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  2005 ES 330 - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By William - November 25 - 7:00 am

  We drove this car from San Francisco to Palm Desert CA, one week after we purchased it. We like the leather seats in our 1997 ES 300 better, but this was a pure delight to drive. Its drives like a well built car.

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  Lexus is the best - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By egolding - November 25 - 5:26 am

  i have driven this car like a hummer beat the hell out of it but it still drives brand new looks great everything works except my cd player but the sound system over still pounds the only thing i can say is this is a awesome car all around

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  Comfortable reliability - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Droste - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Faultlessly as advertised. The automatic feature work very well but can make you feel lazy and spoiled, so I disengage them periodically so that I feel that I am controlling the car.

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  The Best Yet - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Ginger Lee - November 22 - 10:00 am

  We were looking for a reliable car, especially since we plan to do some traveling. We decided to look at the Lexus and immediately decided this was the car for us. Its a comfortable car - smooth riding - makes you feel special when youre driving it down the road. I have no complaints about our Lexus...in fact, its the best car Ive ever owned.

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  From one Lexus to another - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Tim Palko - November 20 - 1:40 pm

  This is my second Lexus, my first a 05 LS430. Drove it for 5 years and loved every minute of it. I wanted another Lexus but couldnt afford a new LS so I purchased a 05 ES330 and love it. Same great features and Lexus ride. No transmission problem noticed because I do a lot of Highway driving. As far as cup holders, well you shouldnt be drinking anyway.

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  solid car, but should have done research - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By hogan1 - November 15 - 10:00 am

  The car has been good by all acounts except the transmission. It hesitates, slips into 4th and has a "jerk" to it at low speeds. I have had it in the shop on 3 different occasions and have been told the dealer can do no more. There are several customers with the same problem as I found out when I went to the NHTSA web site. This is a software problem with this car and the RX330, please do more investigating than I did.