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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  Disappointed - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By MissPissed - August 20 - 9:40 am

  Steering is too sensitive, although it turns extremely well. Does not handle well in high wind. After owning the Chrysler 300C, the Lexus ES330 was a disappointment. Gets pretty good gas mileage, but you have to use premium fuel (Edmunds reports regular fuel -- not true, and the dealer didnt tell us about the fuel until we were ready to leave with the car! (Lesson learned: Buyer Beware!) Navigation system is too complicated and inaccurate, which doesnt help when youre in the middle of heavy, high-speed traffic and need it the most! Sound system could be improved with better quality speakers or more of them.

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  Great car - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By JJG - August 6 - 6:13 am

  This is a great car in the snow. I went from all wheel drive to this and do not regret it. The stability control works great. It is a very quiet car low road noise.

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  Lexus fan for life - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By pooty711 - July 21 - 1:33 am

  Well this is my 5th lexus. I buy lexus everytime, not only because of the fact it is a reliable and comfortable car with nice styling, but we have a very nice relationship with the dealer. In fact my whole family owns cars from this dealer,15 in all over the years.

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  Its a lemon. - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By KFW - July 17 - 4:56 am

  I dont understand the positive reviews of this car. The transmission alone warrants a low rating. For those complaining about the transmission, wait until you reach 15,000-20,000 miles and your car needs new brakes ($305 at the dealer, $150 at your family mechanic) AND new tires. This car is a LEMON. Lexus customer "satisfaction" is unwilling to take responsibility for it, while the service manager admitted he is seeing these cars come in early for brakes and tires. Buyers of the new GS are being warned about the early deterioration of the brakes, and ES owners are being ignored. In the past Lexus has offered repairs and rebates for recurring concerns. We bought these cars in good faith and because we trusted the Lexus name. I would like to see Lexus restore our faith.

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  ABSOLUTELY SUPERB! - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Imac - July 16 - 2:00 am

  My 2004 Lexus ES330 is absolutely SUPERB all around. I loved my old 2000 ES 300, but this 2004 is even better. It is smoother, quieter, more powerful, gets better milage, more luxurious, more beautiful inside & outside and just oozes quality all over. The new ES 330 is the best mid-luxury car on the road.

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  Lexus ES300 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By m54steve - July 16 - 2:00 am

  My prior daily driver was a Mercedes C320. The Lexus is quieter, bigger, more comfortable, better equipped, and significantly less expensive. Im a convert!

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  Finally, the car Ive been looking for - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Brad Gould - July 3 - 2:33 pm

  This is the first car that after owning for a while I havent found anything that I dislike. This oddly enough is also the first car Ive bought without driving first.

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  ES330 2005 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Coach II - July 3 - 12:26 pm

  Great driving experience, handling is outstanding.2005 design is sleek and just a fun reliable car to drive.

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  New Lexus Fan - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By ajwells - June 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Lexus after four happy years in a 2001 Acura CL coupe (now discontinued)... I found the redesign of the Acura TL to be appalling so I looked at everything from BMW to Mercedes to Volvo to Subaru to Saab to Infiniti... was about to settle on a Volvo S60 when I drove the ES330... as soon as I closed the door I was sold... the quality, design, finish and drivability that was missing in almost everything I tested was here in spades... every move is silky and sure and the driving experience is wonderful, albeit more "adult" than some of the cars in this class... other than being slightly light on power I would say this car is close to perfect.

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  1st Time Lexus Owner - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By KingRein - May 29 - 2:00 am

  The comfortable ride, safety features and warranty helped us to choose the ES 330. We looked at the high end Toyota Avalon & found that we were just about on par price wise with the ES 330. So, we looked, we drove, we researched & we bought. The step up which included a more refined automobile & the 4yr/50K basic, 6yr/70K power train was well worth it. I look forward to many enjoyable years behind the wheel of my ES 330.