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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  good value - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By orpheus561 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  nice family sedan. beautifully designed car. though a bit heavy bodied for the engine.

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  Simply the best I driven - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Outlaw12 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Just finished my first 1000 miles and this car is simply flawless. Exterior has great looks and designs and interior is absolutely gorgeous. Fine leather,great controls,navigation is outstanding and the Mark Levison sound system is unbelievable.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Preston - September 4 - 7:50 am

  We compared the Toyota Avalon, Camry and the ES330 and we decided on the 330 due to interior component quality and design. We live in the desert with summer temperatures as high as 115 and we noted that the Toyotas didnt have an adequate air conditioner. It was cold but it was as if the blower was on 1/2. There is an obvious difference between the price of the Camry and the Lexus, but we feel the Lexus is twice the car for about 9K more as equipped. We are ecstatic about the ES330 and we are amazed at the quality each time we drive it. As compared with the Avalon, the Lexus feels like more quality and less nonsense without the doors over the stereo and Nav.

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  Sorry I bought it - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By red in KCMO - August 29 - 9:30 am

  Not really any fun to drive around town. The tranmission does not shift properly. Lots of uncertainty about what gear the car wants to be in. I am a stop and go type driver and it is very irritating to have your head snap back when the transmission finally decided what gear to shift into. I would opt for the Acura next time---- Which will be next year. Hope my whiplash is cured by then!! Dealer service dept. says (regarding the transmission problem) "You will get used to it"

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  ES 330 2004 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By sid lloyd - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Had an ES300 for about 8 years and loved it so much that we bought an ES330 and gave the other car to our daughter. Never have had a problem with our Lexus.

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  Quiet as a Lexus - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By GLB - August 22 - 7:53 pm

  This is my first experience with a foreign automobile and I am thrilled that I finally made the change. This car is a great value for the money. The only "quirk" that bothers me is the strange shift pattern when slowing down to take a corner - seems like the transmission lags behind and doesnt shift soon enough.

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  Nice Car - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Andre E. - August 12 - 5:50 pm

  I love this car, nice handling, beautiful interior, love the stereo adjustments on the steering wheel, wood grain beautiful, leather seats are nice I have the perforated seats allows cold/hot air to flow better.

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  Navigation system needs update - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Timothy Rossiter - July 31 - 10:16 am

  The 2004 ES 330 is an outstanding car. The major problem and I mean major is the navigation system. It is not accurate and reads from the bottom up not top down. It is extremely annoying while driving and limits your choices while driving the car. The car must be completely stopped to change anything with the system. If you are in sales and need accuracy especially at night this is not the navigation system for you.

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  2004 Lexus ES 330 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Lexus e-s 330 - July 29 - 2:40 pm

  I am a female who works the night shift and everyday I have to take the interstate, The LexusES-330 has been wonderful to me. I previously leased the same car for 4 years, never once in the four years that I leased it, did it break nor left me on the road. I thank god for the makers of Lexus, this car is reliable, comfortable, and everyone at work is always praising the car. Lexus keep up the excellent work.

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  Lexus no more - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Lexus No More - July 28 - 2:50 am

  I purchased a 2005 ES330/new... had it in for service 4 times. The transmission always felt like it was missing when slowing down and then accelerating. Once you got going it is a very smooth ride. Apparently the design is flawed. There is a computer chip that needs to refresh, which is fine if you never yield or slow down to go around a corner. The dealership offered a new ES3 50..with extra cost... but I just purchased a 2007 530i BMW.