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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  My ES330 2005 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By M. A. - October 7 - 7:16 am

  Ive had the 2005 ES330 for about one week and after driving a Cadillac DeVilles for 20 years Im a little unhappy with the differance in the ride. I know, I should have known! I miss some of the gauges that were on the Cadillac. My ES330 is fully loaded and Im happy with the majority of what Ive purchased. I hope I can become acustomed to the ride of this smaller car soon. If you buy a ES330 dont do it without the navigation system. It really makes the interior look a lot better not to mention how it works.

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  Good, but not sporty Enough - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Loon - October 2 - 2:53 am

  As a college student this car is very nice. Performance is not bad for the sticker price. I bought this car with almost all options. I was neutral about the design of this car but when I bought it in Black/Black and tinted my windows, it appeared a lot more appealing to me. I wanted a comfortable sedan since I usually go with more than two people and commute for over 2 hrs. I wish Lexus made their sedans more sporty which now in the 2006 GS model they are sportier. Nice ride, great quality, easy navigation system, superb handing, good sound system and great for the value! After all, it is a Lexus (VERY RELIABLE!!)

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  Best Car Yet - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By lsopko - September 30 - 10:00 am

  We love this car mostly for the roomy and comfortable interior.

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  fantastic car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By ted johnsen - September 30 - 10:00 am

  best car i have ever driven in this price category. sold mercedes fo 28 years and quality is exceptional. mb has dropped the ball in the last few years due to overproduction

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  Great car ahead of competitive cars - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By 6110 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Love this car.first foreign car I ever bought. Love interior,great quality so far. Have 3200 miles right now. When pushed hard the transmission doesnt grab the request. Hesitates..Seems confused initially. Nav is a lifesaver..I love it.Back-up camera would be very nice..Its not available.

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  buy it! - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Perez - September 30 - 10:00 am

  very comfortable, awesome, buy it!

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  Rough - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Chuck Cadwell - September 30 - 10:00 am

  The cars ride and comfort is great! The transmission is some what to be desired. Rough shifting and hesitation on exceleration. Repair shops just says that the way it is. There is nothing they can do.

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  My 3rd Lexus - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Ben in FL - September 28 - 11:03 pm

  Ive owned a 95 SC400, 01 GS300 and just recently picked up a 2005 ES with 42k miles. I did notice a small hiccup in the transmission when accelerating slowly from 35 to 40mph, but when you accelerate faster you dont notice it. Im not sure if its even worth going to the dealer to fix... other than that SMALL thing I really like the car and am looking forward to my next 4 hour drive. This is the smoothest car Ive ever driven, and for the price (19K) I feel like Ive gotten a very nice car without a very high price. When I drive this thing I feel successful!!

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  Wish we had two 330s - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Jerry - September 15 - 11:16 pm

  We had planned to buy the Avalon, and had been researching it long before it ever reached the dealership. The same day we drove the Avalon we also drove the ES 330, and our minds were made up. The Avalon is an excellent car with a better engine, but when fit, finish, materials quality, etc. are taken into account, the decision for us was easy -- the Lexus won, hands down. In addition to the car itself, you inherit a vastly different sales and service experience. We were worried about the reported transmission issues, but we learned from the Edmunds discussion boards that using a variable driving style during the learning phase was the key to good performance. It worked for us.

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  Lexus ES 330 is a Winner - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Alan Shapiro - September 5 - 12:46 pm

  We purchased this car used. It gets an average 29 MPG (street and highway combined), has plenty of power, interior leg room, great looks and its easy to do oil changes. The trunk mouth is smaller than I would like but so far it hasnt been a problem. Also, the trunk can only be opened from the interior or via a button on the key. There is no key lock on the exterior. On cold days the seat heater is a plus. Theres a multi CD player and a cassette player. This car handles extremely well at any speed and has not been in for any major repair. The drive is very smooth and quiet and feels very sturdy. The biggest surprise has been the gas mileage. I am very impressed with this car.