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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  Best FWD used car value for under $20K - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By nixima - March 14 - 5:06 pm

  I test drove the Passat, A4, TL, and G35. They are all nice cars but the ES330 drives more smoothly, is more luxurious, does not require premium unleaded, and is more roomy inside. The transmission isnt as bad as some of the other reviewers have stated. Once in awhile it will have problems finding the right gear but 99% of the time its fine. Other problem areas are the steering knuckle joint makes noise during the winter (there is a TSB for this). The headlights were aimed way too low but are easily adjusted with a screwdriver. The stock Michelin tires are not very good in the snow. Overall the goods outweigh the bads for the ES330.

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  Lexus ES 300 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Bruce - February 4 - 11:53 pm

  Lacks a little guts on initial acceleration, but hey Im not 16 anymore, and my need for top speed has diminished. If you want TRUE class and luxury, then look at this car.

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  A beautiful machine! - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Alex - December 20 - 8:10 pm

  We bought this car used in March of 2008 (Certified though), and we have had absolutely no mechanical problems with it (minus one tire that had an improper seal, easily fixed)! One of the best cars weve owned! We used to be a Honda/Volvo family, but my husband acquired my stepmothers 2002 RX300 in 2005, and since then, we have fallen in love with the brand. A reliable, QUIET car! Only improvement would be better mileage around town, were getting about 17.5, which is still good for a V6! Kudos, Lexus!

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  The BEST CAR - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By j - December 14 - 10:53 am

  The interior is so elegant, so simple, so clean. The looks are very sharp and it runs very well. Transmission and engine are spectacular.

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  Expectations Met - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By MTaylorGB - December 11 - 2:00 am

  A new job means a 120-mile daily commute. While a loyal, long term BMW driver, my M3 and Z4 are not really suitable for this kind of motoring so I went in search of a comfortable cruiser. Looked at the new 5-series, Merc C and E class, Audi A6 and more. The ES330 offered an amazing combination of smooth ride, luxury, fuel economy, features, price, size and safety. If you like to drive a car, forget Lexus. I bought the Z4 in favor of the sterile SC430. If you just want to motor in quiet luxury, Lexus probably has your car.

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  Class-action suit needed - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By M. Marcotte - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Our ES330 is our second Lexus. But the transmission in the ES330 is rougher than a stick shift. It lurches, pauses, hammer-upshifts, and hunts for gears. These shifting patterns could produce unsafe conditions and loss of control on slippery roads. Lexus needs to fix! But they deny the problem. I was told by Meade Lexus service that the 2003 transmission software correction helped, but that the softwear update for the 2004 actualls makes conditions worse. Anyone interested in a class- action suit can have some of my $ and time to pursue.

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  Great luxury and value - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By muister - December 5 - 3:00 am

  For the price of the car, you cannot find a more luxurious car. This is not a sporty car and please do not rate this car with that angle -- just as one should not compare apples and oranges. The interior is amazingly plush and beautiful; you cannot find it in the BMW 3 or 5 series, nor the E or C-class MB sedans. If you want sporty drive, take a look at the IS or the BMW. If you want ultra-luxury, try the LS or the MB S-class.

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  The Best - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By KJC - November 30 - 10:00 am

  My 3rd ES model, its the best. Styling, handling, performance, best car out there dollar for dollar. Service is amazing, the sales staff at Bob Baker Lexus are the friendliest and best informed of any dealer Ive visited.

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  Cant get rid of it - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Roberto Fabricio - November 6 - 8:28 am

  Like many I got the new car urge a couple of weeks ago. Wanted a new Lexus, the ES350. I went out to a couple of the dealerships nearby and nearly got one. But the fact is that my ten year old ES330 has me hooked. I like the traditional layout of the dash and the console, the abundant use of genuine leather and wood and the classic and classy style of the car in and out. As fantastic as the new ES350 is, there is no leather in the base car and no wood, just plastic appliqués. So I stayed with the ES330. Lets say that I looked, drove and nearly signed the papers, but when it came down to it I could not justify spending nearly $40,000 (finance included) for a new car when my 10 year old has 53,000 miles and looks and drives like a new car. I bought the car three years ago when it was 8 years old and had 33,000 miles. It had been used so sparingly that the gas door needed oil so it could open smoothly. I felt that I actually broke the car in. Since then I have put 20,000 on the car and for all practical purposes it has been like buying a new car off the showroom. There hasnt been a single problem with this ten year old car. It rides smoothly, handles nimbly and accelerates very well when I need to ease into traffic at the turnpike. The only problem I have with the car is that the headlights have dulled and clouded and I need to replace them. The factory light assembly runs $305 each. Aftermarket quality light assemblies run about $220 each. You can find them in Ebay for as little as $160 a pair. But the quality is uncertain and I am told by my body shop guy that the cheap Chinese lights leak. I plan to drive the car to the 100,000 mark - another 5 years. I believe that at that point I should still be able to get around $4,000 for car that cost me $15,000 eight years earlier. Anticipating about $2,500 in maintenance, tires and repairs in the next five years that would be $1,680 a year to operate this car - not counting insurance and gasoline. And all that comfort, luxury and style. Best car ever, as far as Im concerned.

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  Quality - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Philip Caldwell - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Excellent ride and great steering. Very comfortable and good acceleration for a V6. The navigation system is easy to use and convient to the driver.