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 ES330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Larco - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This is our 4th Lexus over the past 10 years. Reliability and dependability are the best! The ES330 is an excellent mid-size vehicle for mostly local driving. I prefer the LS430 for longer trips.

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  ES 330 Sport Design - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By michelle - August 11 - 3:30 am

  This is my second Lexus. I first had the IS 300 and was looking for a car that handled the snow better. So far my ES 330 has not been a disappointment. I feel safe in this car and I also feel that due to the superior braking ability that this car had saved my life. The fuel economy is great considering the weight of the car. The car is also very quiet and solid with no loose parts that rattle when driving. I also love my rear sun shade that keeps the sun glare out of my car when sunny it also keeps my car cool on hot days.

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  Love My Lexus - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Steven Adler - August 7 - 1:46 pm

  This vehicle has what I would call "smooth power." It has the feel of luxury but with plenty of reserve power behind it. I love the new auto wipers. I never need to touch the windshield wiper control again. The individually controlled seat warmer/cooler was a pleasant surprise. Those are just a few little things that I like. Overall, I love the feeling of confidence I have in My Lexus.

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  ES - Executive Shmoney 330 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Furious Stylez - August 2 - 2:21 pm

  Had this vehicle for going on 2 years and it backs up for what it stands for: Lexus ES – Executive Sedan. Im in my 30s and this serves as a professional yet chilled statement car for comfort and safety freaks. Young smart professionals can still flex with the Joneses without “doing too much” like the sporty pretentiousness of a BMW or Mercedes-Benz. The Lexus attitude prides itself on giving you loyalty and luxury in an affordably smart way. V6 is better on gas: Premo octane isn’t required on this model—Mid-grade will help you save on that shmoney! Its a commuter’s bestie and comfortable for long rides. I had to level-up and get the voice navigation with Mark Levinson sound. NO--I cant stand that it didnt come with Bluetooth interface--but no biggie (went to Walmart and bought an FM Transmitter for like 40 bucks--#HOWBOUTDAT). Whisper quiet: can barely hear the engine running and the cabin acoustics is great for when I have to clear my head from a trying day’s work at the office. Be disloyal and hit up another brand outside Lexus? I have SERIOUS doubts about that.

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  Love it !!!!! - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By tyler - June 12 - 8:03 am

  My first luxury car and love it !!! If you want a luxury for less than 40k, this is the one. 2005 model has almost all the luxury options you can think of. The service dept at Lexus is awesome! Only 1 minor minus is the acceleration is not as powerful, still I have no regret for choosing the ES 330 over the others (i.e. TL by Acura or G35 by Infiniti). I strongly recommend it.

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  Not well-equipped - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Himanshu - May 14 - 10:00 am

  The Lexus ES330 is a beautiful car, perhaps the most beautiful and aerodynamic exterior in its class. The interior is classy and tasteful too. A car worth admiring, but not necessarily worth purchasing. Compared with Acura TL 2004, this car seriously lacks some useful features.

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  2004 Treat! - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By KKN - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Excellent customer service car manufacturer! Reliable, classy, and fun vehicle. We are thrilled with our purchase and will enjoy it for many years.

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  very mice car - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Jorgea - May 2 - 10:00 am

  we look around the acura tl bmw 3 but we decided for the lexus the price for this car is a very good buy we are very happy with this car

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  Heaven in a Lexus - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By frank - April 28 - 4:56 pm

  the new 330 has getter pickup and drives like a charm.This is my 2nd Lexus and I wont own any other car.

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  Rides like a Lexus - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By c fernandez - April 23 - 8:00 am

  When I purchased this car in 04 I was looking at Mercedes Benz E class. Buying the Lexus I stepped up in build quality, comfort, reliability and performance, plus I kept $25,000 in my pocket! You cant beat Lexus for those qualities, and after three MBenzs I was tired of mechanical problems after 40,000 miles.