2005 Lexus ES 330 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.59/5 Average
161 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Lexus polished up some of the details on the ES 330 for 2005. Revised exterior styling includes a new front and rear appearance with updated lighting and trim. Inside, color revisions and new wood availability keep things fresh. New 17-inch wheels are available in either chrome or alloy finish. A memory function now applies to both the driver and front-passenger seats, and heated and ventilated front seats are a new option. A revised steering wheel with auxiliary audio controls debuts, as does voice activation technology for the optional navigation system.

Pros:
  • Comprehensive array of luxury and convenience features, superb ride quality, silent cabin, advanced safety technology, excellent reputation for reliability.
Cons:
  • Bland driving characteristics, many of the most desirable options are expensive, no split-folding rear seat.

User Reviews:

Showing 141 through 150 of 161.00
  • Transmission hesitation is unforgivable - 2005 Lexus ES 330
    By -

    Ive owned this vehicle for three months, and now have a little over 5000 miles on it. From day one, the transmission has been unacceptable! I brought this to the dealers attention, the day I drove it home. The transmission is programmed not to gear down until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. So when one slows to make a right or left turn - or when one slows down as in traffic on a busy freeway, then you need to accelerate, the transmission will hesitate for a couple of seconds - as though it doesnt quite know what to do - then it will slam into a lower gear and lurch forward. This is not only annoying, it is dangerous in traffic.

  • Best car Made - 2005 Lexus ES 330
    By -

    Check in to all the model automobils in this range and found the Lexus ES330 to have the best ratting and everu thing they said was true in Consummer, Car and Driver and other automotive magazines.

  • Good commuting vehicle - 2005 Lexus ES 330
    By -

    On the highway this is a great riding car and has been very dependable. My only complaint is that the transmission is very jerky. It always hesitates when you accelerate. I read the same complaint from others before I purchased it used in 2015 and find it to be annoying.

  • Best FWD used car value for under $20K - 2005 Lexus ES 330
    By -

    I test drove the Passat, A4, TL, and G35. They are all nice cars but the ES330 drives more smoothly, is more luxurious, does not require premium unleaded, and is more roomy inside. The transmission isnt as bad as some of the other reviewers have stated. Once in awhile it will have problems finding the right gear but 99% of the time its fine. Other problem areas are the steering knuckle joint makes noise during the winter (there is a TSB for this). The headlights were aimed way too low but are easily adjusted with a screwdriver. The stock Michelin tires are not very good in the snow. Overall the goods outweigh the bads for the ES330.

  • Lexus ES 300 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
    By -

    Lacks a little guts on initial acceleration, but hey Im not 16 anymore, and my need for top speed has diminished. If you want TRUE class and luxury, then look at this car.

  • A beautiful machine! - 2005 Lexus ES 330
    By -

    We bought this car used in March of 2008 (Certified though), and we have had absolutely no mechanical problems with it (minus one tire that had an improper seal, easily fixed)! One of the best cars weve owned! We used to be a Honda/Volvo family, but my husband acquired my stepmothers 2002 RX300 in 2005, and since then, we have fallen in love with the brand. A reliable, QUIET car! Only improvement would be better mileage around town, were getting about 17.5, which is still good for a V6! Kudos, Lexus!

  • The BEST CAR - 2005 Lexus ES 330
    By -

    The interior is so elegant, so simple, so clean. The looks are very sharp and it runs very well. Transmission and engine are spectacular.

  • The Best - 2005 Lexus ES 330
    By -

    My 3rd ES model, its the best. Styling, handling, performance, best car out there dollar for dollar. Service is amazing, the sales staff at Bob Baker Lexus are the friendliest and best informed of any dealer Ive visited.

  • Cant get rid of it - 2005 Lexus ES 330
    By -

    Like many I got the new car urge a couple of weeks ago. Wanted a new Lexus, the ES350. I went out to a couple of the dealerships nearby and nearly got one. But the fact is that my ten year old ES330 has me hooked. I like the traditional layout of the dash and the console, the abundant use of genuine leather and wood and the classic and classy style of the car in and out. As fantastic as the new ES350 is, there is no leather in the base car and no wood, just plastic appliqués. So I stayed with the ES330. Lets say that I looked, drove and nearly signed the papers, but when it came down to it I could not justify spending nearly $40,000 (finance included) for a new car when my 10 year old has 53,000 miles and looks and drives like a new car. I bought the car three years ago when it was 8 years old and had 33,000 miles. It had been used so sparingly that the gas door needed oil so it could open smoothly. I felt that I actually broke the car in. Since then I have put 20,000 on the car and for all practical purposes it has been like buying a new car off the showroom. There hasnt been a single problem with this ten year old car. It rides smoothly, handles nimbly and accelerates very well when I need to ease into traffic at the turnpike. The only problem I have with the car is that the headlights have dulled and clouded and I need to replace them. The factory light assembly runs $305 each. Aftermarket quality light assemblies run about $220 each. You can find them in Ebay for as little as $160 a pair. But the quality is uncertain and I am told by my body shop guy that the cheap Chinese lights leak. I plan to drive the car to the 100,000 mark - another 5 years. I believe that at that point I should still be able to get around $4,000 for car that cost me $15,000 eight years earlier. Anticipating about $2,500 in maintenance, tires and repairs in the next five years that would be $1,680 a year to operate this car - not counting insurance and gasoline. And all that comfort, luxury and style. Best car ever, as far as Im concerned.

  • luv it - 2005 Lexus ES 330
    By -

    I get a lot of attention when I drive this car. It feels solid, sticks to the road and doesnt bounce around. I understand the gas mileage will increase with more miles on the car than what I have.

Lexus ES 330 Reviews By Year:
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