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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  New Lexus Owner Experience - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Jeson - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Just bought ES330 and sold 96 Avalon. Disagree ES330=Camry comment. What I compared here is top equipped 96 Avalon vs. top equipped ES330. Here is something I didn’t expect: 1. accelerate from 0 to normal is not strong as expected, or even slower than my Avalon. 2. Related with 1, the gas mileage is much better than Avalon (33-35 in highway and 26 in city, is it a problem for the particular car or for a new car?). 3. The 4th generation Navigation System is impressive, it is the item you MUST have. It is not only an elegant GPS mapping and road information system, it also makes everything easy to control: Audio, Radio, CD, etc.

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  Beware of 2004 Transmission - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By ces2 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I purchased an ES330 based on the Lexus reputation. The transmission hesitates when changing gears. Lexus states the transmission is OK and there is nothing they can do about the hesitation in shifting gears. So much for Lexus quality.

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  Smooth as silk; solid, fun, & luxurious! - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By lenaclas - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Safe, smooth as silk, luxurious, and fun! All in one beautiful solid shell. I love it!

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  Transmission - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By bill arndt - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car except for transmission shifting characteristics at low speed acceleration and deceleration. Lexus needs to hire some new engine/throttle control/transmission integration engineers. Very anoying waiting for transmission to shift gears.

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  Great Car - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Cliff - October 10 - 12:40 am

  This is a fine car. The only negative is the hesitation when accelerating from stop. However, while it bothers my wife, it does not bother me since I always gently accelerate and there is no hesitation. I would highly recommend the car but be sure and test drive it before buying to see if the hestitation annoys you.

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  LEXUS OWNER FOR LIFE! - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By polarbear11 - September 19 - 5:14 pm

  SIMPLY PUT THE CAR WAS BUILT TO LAST! I now have 171,000 miles and counting. M any of my passengers cant believe that my es 330 is 10 yrs old, they say it rides like a new car. I have owned 2 bimmers they are very well built and reliable cars but the cost of repairs is just crazy. I will only buy Lexus vehicles from now on.

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  get one - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Goddidit - September 13 - 10:00 am

  Its a stylish, comfortable and affordable vechile. The experience of driving this car so far has been wonderful.

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  Size vs me - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By mark - August 25 - 5:13 am

  The Lexus ES 330 is a nice car. However its a bit cramped inside. The between the seats cup holder is terrible and the acceleration is weak. Fuel mileage on trips is good, but poor around town.

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  "A MUST BUY OR LEASE" - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By JAJ - August 18 - 2:00 am

  MY THIRD ES SINCE 2002...CANT BEAT THE LUXURY 2002,2003,2004...LOVE THEM!

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  Lexus cars rock - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Lorena - August 15 - 7:00 am

  Ive owned this car for 10 years. NEVER had an issue with anything. Would HIGHLY recommend purchasing a Lexus. They are reliable and provide comfort and a very smooth ride.