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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  Lexus Owners - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By bilfi - January 25 - 2:00 am

  The main things about this car are the good solid feel of it, the handling, ride comfort, etc. The color, alabaster, is trememdous in not needing washing often.

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  SIMPLEY SUPERB - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By imaciasjr - December 20 - 2:00 am

  My white 2004 Lexus ES330 sparkles like a diamond. The ride is quiet, smooth and luxurious, and the 225 HP 3.3 V6 is responsive, powerful and agile. The added leather/wood steering wheel and shift handle gives it an eye-catching extra that gets great comments from all admirers. Way to go LEXUS!

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  Reliable Car For Many Years - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Than Nguyen - December 1 - 2:04 pm

  Im very happy with my Lexus ES330. Ive driven it for more than 12 years with no problems whatsoever! Only regular maintenance required. Very quiet and comfortable ride.

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  Bad and Dangerous Transmission - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Jim N. - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This cars transmission hesitates very badly when accelerating off the line. I have used premium fuel. This does not help at all. Lexus will not fix it. Please read all the other consumer complaints in these reviews. Time for a class-action lawsuit. I love the rest of the car but this transmission problem is ruining my enjoyment of driving my new car.

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  CAR DID ITS JOB PROTECTING HUMAN LIFE... - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Rossen - November 19 - 12:26 am

  During my ownership I have not had a single issue with the car despite purchase with 206,000 previous miles... Ive driven 40-50k miles on it each year for the past 3 years. It has never been in the shop for anything other than oil changes every 3,000 miles, timing belts, brakes, fluids, etc. Engine pulls very strongly and the transmission is smooth. If you take care of these cars, they will take excellent care of you. Car is quiet and well composed. Sitting inside the car one cannot hear the engine unless you floor it, then a confident growl will emit from the hood under hard acceleration. What leaves my head spinning is the structural solidity and safety of this car. Thursday evening I was (HIT AND RUN) struck by a semi who switched lanes and failed to see me. The force of the impact slammed me off the highway and authorities estimate my car rolled a dozen times. My sunroof was open and my phone and wallet flew out during the rollover. The side curtain airbags deployed as expected and created a safety blanket that shielded me from glass and road debris. the EMTs arrived and found me with not a single scratch. They were absolutely shocked that I walked away unharmed. Of course the car was a total loss and my insurance company called me the next day and offered me just south of 7,000 towards another vehicle. I was crying as it was towed not only because my car fought so valiantly to protect me, but because of the bond Ive formed with - a machine

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  The smart ride - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By mark chase - November 13 - 4:33 am

  This car has a look, styling and feel of a real machine. The driver has everything in perfect position for ease of use. You really have a luxury ride in a sporty car. The seats are extremely comfortable as your body is wrapped inside. The car corners well and excellerates smoothly as use reach high speeds. I like riding it each day. It feels great.

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  Beautiful car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Wilton - November 1 - 2:00 am

  After driving Accord and Maxima for more than 10 years, I decided to try another companys sedan. After reviewing Camry XLE and new Acura TL, I picked the ES330. Why? It has real luxurious interior, smooth engine and super quite body. I used to think Camry will do the same job like ES. I was wrong! If you want to know why, please go to the next car show and spend some time to compare them.

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  Pulls left - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Sean Weiner - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle; however, it pulls left. Internal Memo received from JM Lexus also shows that it is a problem with many of the 04 ES 330s also pull to the left. It was fixed FIVE times, and still pulls.

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  A Great Car - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Brian M - October 31 - 10:13 pm

  Absolutely a pleasure to own and drive. Quiet and comfortable. Smooth ride. More than adequate acceleration and power for Chicago tollway driving. Excellent build quality. Not a single flaw or problem. This car is not a performance "sports" car, but it is exactly what I was looking for: an affordable, great riding, entry luxury car. Fantastic service from dealership.

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  For What It Is, It Is Perfect - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Synthetic - October 23 - 1:53 pm

  Just bought with 44,500 miles. It replaces our LS 400 which we drove for 15 years until it was sideswiped. This is a beautifully balanced car in all regards: comfortable, reliable, economical, and loaded with lux features. Unlike some other raters, this transmission is very smooth.. no issues at all (and I was looking for them). We are delighted, and look forward to another 15 year run in this Lexus. The ES is not as cushy as our LS, but it is close, and about 25% more economical on fuel.