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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  Quiet Liesure Luxury - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By CrrMoore - August 19 - 10:00 am

  Smooth comfort. Classy look with exciting interior bells and whistles. Smart exterior with sleek dynamics. Excellent sound system with a "to die for" navigational system.

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  Loving L.A. Traffic Now - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By LOVING MY CAR - August 2 - 9:20 am

  I have to say, never did I think I would ever "LOVE" a car. But I LOVE this car! It is pure pleasure driving 30 miles to work everyday. Smooth, comfortable, roomy, sleek, sexy, what more can I say. People think I spent 50k on this car, that is how good it looks. Not to mention the Lexus reputation. I am a new LOYAL LEXUS CUSTOMER.

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  Great Value, but .... - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By Steve of Georgia - July 30 - 2:26 am

  Previous cars were all Acuras (Legend and RL). ES 330 was a much better value with equivalent quality. Although we didnt purchase the car for its engine performance, fuel economy has been disappointing. 25 MPG on the highway at 70/75 MPH. City is around 18 MPG. This is WITH Premium gas. Also, a strange sound has started coming the stereo. Otherwise, no problems, great quality/features for the price. Get the ventilated seats, they work great in both winter/summer.

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  TRANSMISSION & SUSPENSION ISSUES - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By MICHELE - July 26 - 6:10 pm

  This is a nice looking car and very comfortable but it lacks in the mechanical arena. I have had 2 major warranty issues. Front left strut broke (told bolts left loose from factory install caused the break) and the transmission had to be replaced. Not only that but it didnt solve the problem, ECU had to be reflashed a couple months later when they got a software upgrade. Told me I was the only one having issues, found out on Edmunds lots of people have them with this year. Dont buy a used one unless the transmission and ECU have been fixed. You will have problems. Not impressed with service or how they handled the quality issues... pursuit of quality... yeah right.

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  Hesitation - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Nancy - July 24 - 9:00 pm

  I bought my Lexus this summer and have not been happy with it. The hesitation and jerking when starting to accelerate is not right. The dealer says this is normal for a V6 engine. If thats the case Im selling! The drink holder between the front seats is in a bad location. If you try to use it and change gears you will spill the drink. I have been very disappointed with Lexus.

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  Ill Buy Another - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Phil - July 9 - 3:06 am

  Everything I had hoped for. Although routine maintenance is a bit pricey, the resale value alone makes up the difference.

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  ES 330 Bad Transmission - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By billp1 - July 7 - 10:00 am

  My ES 330 has a transmission that has significant hesitation between gears. I reccomend not buying this car. This is Toyotas premier car line and the transmission doesnt even work correctly.

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  Squeak - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By shaynew - July 5 - 2:10 pm

  I like the car, but am disappointed with my drivers seat. Every time I accelerate or slow down the seat lets me know it by emanating a loud, annoying squeak. It sounds like there is a spring broken in there or when pieces of styrofoam are rubbed together. I have taken it to the dealer 6 times and they even replaced the seat once, but they cannot fix the problem. It is so loud that even blasting the excellent radio does not help. I spend a lot of time in my car and this problem makes me want to trade the car.

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  Transmission hesitation is unforgivable - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Lee Anders - June 30 - 4:13 pm

  Ive owned this vehicle for three months, and now have a little over 5000 miles on it. From day one, the transmission has been unacceptable! I brought this to the dealers attention, the day I drove it home. The transmission is programmed not to gear down until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. So when one slows to make a right or left turn - or when one slows down as in traffic on a busy freeway, then you need to accelerate, the transmission will hesitate for a couple of seconds - as though it doesnt quite know what to do - then it will slam into a lower gear and lurch forward. This is not only annoying, it is dangerous in traffic.

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  330 has big advantage over 300 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By beefstew - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I held off buying an ES300 until I had the opportunity to try the 330. The transmission is smoother and the acceleration is much better in the 330. Additionally, the model I purchased included the navigation system and the mark levinson audio. For the price, you cant beat it. I have used the navigation system almost daily, clear and easy to use.