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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Great Value - 2004 Lexus ES 330
By GrantJ - May 26 - 10:00 amGreat car! Great value for the price. Gas mileage is very good for a car of its size. I dont think the new design is as sharp as the old version 300 but when you sit down in this car you know its a quaility automobile. Dont think I agree with the decisssion to change the body style in 2003 and in 04 change the version from 300 to 330. I would expect Lexus to have changed the number when the body style was change,
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lexus es 330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
By marianne granier - May 26 - 10:00 amsuper driving ,i think its better then bmw im a german and had on,lexus is much better riding and handling vehicle exellent service toooooooo the best frome sewell is free car washes good maint. all in one super car marianne
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Best car Made - 2005 Lexus ES 330
By Steve Lopez - May 20 - 10:00 amCheck in to all the model automobils in this range and found the Lexus ES330 to have the best ratting and everu thing they said was true in Consummer, Car and Driver and other automotive magazines.
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My 2006 Lexus - 2006 Lexus ES 330
By scanlon - May 14 - 6:13 pmOur Lexus is the ideal car for our type of lifestyle. As typical "snow birds", we spend the winters in Fla. & summers in Pa. We enjoy the year-round luxury it offers & a great selection of options which helps make it suitable for both climates, such as heated/cooled seats, powered sunscreen for the rear window, navigation system & many more which help make our traveling experience more enjoyable.
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Good commuting vehicle - 2005 Lexus ES 330
By Brad - May 8 - 12:05 amOn the highway this is a great riding car and has been very dependable. My only complaint is that the transmission is very jerky. It always hesitates when you accelerate. I read the same complaint from others before I purchased it used in 2015 and find it to be annoying.
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rating 2003 lexus - 2004 Lexus ES 330
By jeroloman - April 13 - 10:00 amThis is the best vehicle I have evry owned.
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Transmission problem - 2004 Lexus ES 330
By Miami Mike - April 13 - 10:00 amIve had my ES330 for 10 months. BAD= 1) Had many troubles with Countyline Lexus and would NOT recommend them. I am now using JM for maintenance. 2) Transmission problems (with acceleration) since purchase. Both dealers claim that I was the only person that had reported the problem (from these reviews, I see that this is a lie) and they could not duplicate or solve the problem. It has been getting worse. Now the car jerks with normal low speed cruising. 3) Leather on the seats seems cheap; rough and not supple. My Volvos leather is much nicer. Good= 1) Nice interior luxuries (except leather). 2) Nice to drive when you get past the transmission problems. 3) Good mileage.
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Lexus ES 330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
By HComm - April 13 - 10:00 amOutstanding vehicle. Quality and unbelievable reliability. This is my second Lexus, and it is a definite step up from my Toyota V6 Camrys (which are superb automobiles too).
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fantastic car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
By Cisse - April 8 - 10:00 amMy second ES. I love everything about this car. Beautiful styling, great power, fantastic ride, extremely quiet, amazing build quality.
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Lexus ES 330 Review - 2004 Lexus ES 330
By JeffK - March 18 - 10:00 amI may be a tough grader in comparison to others, especially since I basically love my new car. It is a great compromise between performance and luxury (I am coming off a Saab 9-5). I feel better that the 330 has more power, and that the transmission problem appears to be solved. It is the best overall car in its class.
