2004 Lexus ES 330 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.61/5 Average
228 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

A new engine has been fitted -- a 3.3-liter V6 -- and, consequently, the car formerly known as the ES 300 is now badged the ES 330. Besides the newfound power, Lexus' entry-level luxury sedan gains additional content upgrades for 2004, including a memory function for the adjustable pedals, improved navigation system features, power lumbar adjustment for the front-passenger seat, larger side airbags and a maintenance indicator light.

Pros:
  • Comprehensive array of luxury and convenience features, superb ride quality, smooth and silent V6, advanced safety technology, excellent reputation for reliability.
Cons:
  • Bland driving characteristics, many of the desired features and options are expensive, no split-folding rear seat.

User Reviews:

Showing 151 through 160 of 228.00
  • Transmission shifts poorly in ES330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
    By -

    First the good things: This car has a superbly designed interior with real wood accents that is beautiful. It rides very smoothly, and is extremely quiet. The ML stereo and GPS navigation sytsem are incredible. However, this car is spoiled by a poorly shifting transmission. When punching the gas pedal, theres frequently a 1-1.5 second delay before the engine accelerates and the transmission engages. This unpredictability makes the car frustrating to drive in heavy traffic.

  • Poor decision - 2004 Lexus ES 330
    By -

    Ive purchased lower end Japanese built sedans in the past. I thought this was an upgrade. I couldnt have been more wrong. The transmission hesitates and it is normal I was told. Possibly because of this it has fair acceleration off the line. It has the most uncomfortable drivers seat Ive ever sat on. Its very hard. I have not experienced near the same discomfort with other cars Ive driven including rental cars from low small to large ones. This purchase has taught me a lesson, that a higher end brand does not come close to guarantee driving enjoyment. It has been the exact opposite.

  • great car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
    By -

    This sure is one of the best luxary cars out there in its price catagory, it has very smooth acceleration and the engine roar is also very nice. Got ours fully loaded, really glad we got the navigation. interior is the best part of the car, great lether and wood trims

  • Bad Transmissions - 2004 Lexus ES 330
    By -

    This cars computer has problems controlling the transmission. Car hesitates badly at low speed/gear. Lexus knows but wont acknowledge because they cant fix it. Ive sent 3 letters to HQ and they tell me the car is operating as designed (without even talking to the mechanics or my dealershi, Hmmm!!). City gas mileage is BAD also, about 15-17. Read all the complaints about the trans on this site, then buy something else!

  • 1st Lexus - 2004 Lexus ES 330
    By -

    I have previously owned an Audi, and an Infinity. This is my first Lexus and I am thrilled. The comfort and smooth ride of this car is excellent. Quiet is a main concern of mine and this car is like no other I have owned in that respect. I did notice the shifting hesitation when I was driving slower. I think this does need to be addressed.

  • Not as good as I thought.... - 2004 Lexus ES 330
    By -

    I wished I had more time to shop around before buying this car. Like many reviews posted here, I found the transmission sluggish which makes me feel dangerous when merging into traffic. The car gives me the feeling that I might lose control over it when changing lanes on highway with speed between 60-75mph. The performance is not even as good as my previous 96 4Runner.

  • I should have bought two of them! - 2004 Lexus ES 330
    By -

    After searching for the right car,I chose a Lexus over Infinity BMW,Acura,Volvo,Saab,Jaguar and Mercedes.My experience with the Lexus dealership was wonderful and was the most professionally run dealership I visited.The quality of this car is simply AMAZING! This was by far the QUIETEST car I drove.The Fit,finish,and performance of this car was better than any of the other brands. I got a 3.75% interest rate and got a heck of a deal on the car too. I only wish I could have purchased TWO of them.

  • happy camper - 2004 Lexus ES 330
    By -

    this is my first lexus; i am VERY impressed. the ride is very smooth and the seating is very comfortable. the exterior is beautiful too, although i feel the back headlights could have been more sexy-looking (think infiniti g35 sedan). my other choices were that infiniti as well as the new acura tl. i test-drove all three cars, and although they are all within the same price range, the others are not in the same league as this car. result: choosing this lexus was a rather easy choice. i went with the "black-garnet" color which is definitely a head-turner. the navigation system is not too user- friendly but worth the additional cost after you get used to it.

  • Very good - 2004 Lexus ES 330
    By -

    Uses a tad bit more fuel than I thought it would. Has good acceleration, but could use a little more at top end, on ahill.In all it is a joy to drive , seats are comforatable, adjustments OK. I would like turning signal lights on mirrors. I would probably buy another one

  • Excellet sedan - 2004 Lexus ES 330
    By -

    This is my second Lexus, it getting better and better. The style and the safety are all considered in addition to other mechanical perfection. A great car.

Lexus ES 330 Reviews By Year:
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