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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  2005 ES 330, My Impression - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By alboy - November 4 - 11:06 pm

  Overall, this seems to be a very comfortable and smooth vehicle with one major exception, the transmission hesitation and lurch. When slowing down and then accelerating without stopping, there is a brief hesitation and then a jerk or lurch. I understand that Lexus has issue a Technical Service Bulletin to the dealers about this. It involves installing a software update for the transmission. The Service Rep at the dealer adised me that sometimes it makes things worse and, once installed, they cant undo it. I therefore choose not to do it at this time. Otherwise, its a very good car with many nice features as long as youre not seated in the back, poor legroom.

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  Fun to Drive! - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Dave - October 30 - 5:20 pm

  This is the most fun to drive of any vehicle I have owned - and I have owned a lot of them at age 71. I find it responsive and a joy. I drive mostly highway miles and really like the gas milage - beats my 2002 Honda Accord by 15%.

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  So heres the deal... - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Greenespace - October 30 - 11:06 am

  Overall, its a great and reliable car. The pluses include a quiet ride, extreme reliability, plenty of legroom, and an excellent stereo, even if its just the premium, not the Mark Levinson version. The biggest negative I can think of is that the transmissions in these cars are awful in lower gears. You WILL be jerked around, especially if you are rolling at low speeds and then accelerate. However, other than that, an excellent buy and a car that is hard to go wrong with.

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  Great car, great ride - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By Daniel - October 20 - 11:53 pm

  This car has the best ride in its class. The interior is outstanding and the finishings are impecable. The navigation system is great. The performance is not bad but I didnt buy the car for the speed or superb handling but rather for the ease of driving and comfort. The ride is smooth and beyond what you could get in other pricier cars.

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  Lifetime Lexus owner - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By deven - October 17 - 11:53 am

  I have had my Lexus es 330 for 2 weeks and love everything about it. The car is vault like quiet and eats up road anomolies with ease. I test drove the other competitors and I liked the Lexus the best because the interior of the car is georgeous and the ride is smooth and quiet. If you are looking for a sporty car then the Lexus is not for you. If you are looking for a car that will give you a quiet, serene and soft ride then the Lexus ES 330 is the car for you. This is my first Lexus and thats all I will buy.

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  RAVINDER H KAPOOR - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By RAVINDER H KAPOOR - October 14 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT CAR # 1

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  Snow-job - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By ALfromNY - October 8 - 8:26 am

  They are advertising this vehicle as being functional to drive in the snow. I cant even get this car out of my driveway when we get more than an inch of snow! No baloney. We live in upstate Ny and our driveway has a slight incline, but when it snows now I dont even bother taking it out of the garage. Ive tried it with the Trac -off, trac- on, it doesnt matter, now when it snows, I drive my wife to work in my vehicle. ( it was her idea to get this car).

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  Best Car in the World! - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Motley Crue Rocks! - October 5 - 11:56 pm

  This is my first Lexus ES 300 and Im extremely glad I purchased the car. Its clean, bad, and sexy. It drives so smooth you never feel bumps. I also looked at Cadillac CTS, Audi A4, Lincoln LS. This vehicle is more luxurious than Cadillac, better ride quality then Audi and Lincoln was really dissapointing because the car rattled inside so much plus they are really bad in the snow. If your in the market for a luxury vehicle that is worh your money, get a Lexus after all its your money-spend it well. Plus these are reliable cars you can count on.

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  Close to Perfect - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By EGB - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2005 ES330 for 2 weeks. I drive about 60 miles a day, mixed highway and city. The car is incredible: smooth as silk, QUIET cabin, no rattles, quality inside and out. You can see and feel the difference between Lexus and other Japanese brands like Acura and Infiniti, especially the interior materials and workmanship. Lexus is clearly better. Before choosing the Lexus, however, I was worried about the transmission "hesitation" problem mentioned in other forums. I test drove several 2005 ES330s. None had the transmission problem, including the one I ended up buying. My advice: test drive the car thoroughly and judge for yourself.

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  Love it! - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Kathy - September 27 - 11:33 pm

  I love this car! Bought this car last summer after driving an Acura TL. I have always loved the classy look of a Lexus car...I get compliments all the time on my car (its white). Drive is quiet & feels great, have had no mechanical issues at all. The cup holder is my only complaint--its not deep enough and you have to hold on to the cup so it doesnt tip over. Otherwise, LOVE IT!