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:

• 

  Retirement Car - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Hank - August 25 - 3:33 am

  We wanted a car that would make long trips easy. The ES 330 does that in style. My wife cant stand the cup holder. She drives it to work and needs her coffee. Since Katrina the traffic has gotten worse than ever. I am glad she has the comfort and safety of her new car while sitting in traffic. I find the tires transfer noise to the cabin. Our car had to have the radio replace shortly after purchase. Over all I am very happy with our retirement road trip transportation. PS. ours is gold and my 4year old grandaughter has gone on several trips with us and thinks Goldielocks is fun.

• 

  A Perfect Car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By lexuslady329 - August 23 - 8:20 pm

  My ES 330 is the best car Ive ever owned. Its incredibly spacious and comfortable, and stylish. The wood trim is the best Ive ever seen, I can drive for 10 hours without getting at all uncomfortable, and theres plenty of room to stretch out on long trips. The engine has plenty of power and gets very, very good gas mileage. The ride is super smooth and quiet, even on the freeway. I do all the maintenance and I havent had a single problem with it. I leased a 2002 ES 300 for 2 years and loved it so much that I traded it in and bought this new one. I would highly recommend ES 330s to anyone; Lexus has truly succeeded in its "passionate pursuit of perfection".

• 

  Better than expected - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By docet - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Just had the car for over a week, but cant believe the silent smoooth ride. A class act

• 

  More than Excellent - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By ASJ - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Owning this vehicle for about a year now, it has proven to be one of the most inteligently designed vehicles which I have driven in. The ES competition can include the 525, I30, and E320. While each of these other vehicles have a variety of options which set them apart, the simple reliability of the ES, along with its handling, acceleration and fuel economy (24mpg - in reality) give it an edge when matched up with the available DVD NAV and Mark Levinson sound system. This is definitly my favorite of the executive sedans.

• 

  Lexus Review - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Ann Marie - August 2 - 1:26 am

  I love this vehicle and I plan on taking it to the grave. I love the quietness of the drive the comfort and the heavy doors which make me feel like it wasnt built out of tin foil. The gas mileage is great for a car of this class. The fact that I have air conditioned seats as well as heated seats makes me feel like I am in totally luxury. The only negative I can think of its that it does not have rear folding seats, but given that fact that my husband has an SUV, I didnt think it was all that serious, plus the trunk size is big enough for my shopping sprees. All in all, I think this is one of the best cars out in terms of realibility, safety, and luxury.

• 

  Lexus ES 330 2005 model - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By new es330 - July 26 - 6:20 am

  Very quiet car. Good value for the money as I was surprised how much the dealer moved off the sticker price. The performance is the only thing at this point that has me slightly disappointed. It does not have the pick up one would expect.

• 

  Wonderful Vehicle - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By RKO - July 20 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the finest vehicles Ive ever purchased. Its fun to drive, the Black Garnet turns heads and it is incredibly comfortable. For the money, you cant beat this vehicle. The added HP with the new transmission gives the 330 plenty of get up and go.

• 

  Overpriced vehicle - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Mark - June 23 - 9:16 am

  Poor tires, poor transmission, poor gas mileage, no performance for the money,car has no traction in snow and we had to change the tires almost immediately because they could not handle wet conditions in New England. The new tires have excellent traction but are considerably more noisy. A little stiffer ride but worth the change.

• 

  2006 ES 330 - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By BERNIE - June 10 - 1:13 am

  I have owned the ES330 for 2 months. I think it is going to be the finest auto I have ever owned. It did take two trips back to the dealer to get the steering right. Two front tires were replaced & a full alignment. Finally, it steers like a new car. I have driven the car only 1400 miles so far, but Im looking forward to our first long trip...A chance to get used to all the nice features & enjoy the comfort. I love it.

• 

  Best Car I have Ever Owned - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Lauren - June 8 - 2:36 am

  Bought this car in March 2009 after it came off of a 4yr lease. I was hesitant to buy a car over 4yrs old w/ 40k miles. I took it to my family mechanic for a complete inspection before buying. He said "only needs new brake pads and oil change." It’s very comfortable inside and rides smoothly. This car has been driven about a dozen times btwn FL-GA (450 miles each way) and we recently drove to NYC (2k r/t). The car rode great, gas mileage averaged about 25-28 on highway. I have never felt more safe in a car. Ill never buy anything but a Toyota or Lexus again!