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 in Class - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By AJ S. - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for about 6 months now, and enjoy it more than my 2002 BMW 530i. I have never experienced any problems with this car, and do not expect to. The quality, comfort level, silent drive, and sound system is the best when compared to a BMW, Lincoln, or Volvo. I will never step into a different dealership again. Test one out for yourself.

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  Awesome - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By OnTheRoad - May 18 - 10:00 am

  I had been driving BMWs since the early 80s and decided to see what all the talk was about a LEXUSs reliabiltiy. I drive around the bay Area M-F and needed comfort and a car that would not be in the shop every few months. So far, this car has been a dream to drive: quiet, smooth and comfy beyond belief! I do not miss the performance of the Beemers-- more focused on comfort& luxury- guess I am getting older.... and the Lexus is my reward!

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  5th owner and never would have known - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By skrypko - April 28 - 10:46 am

  Bought the ES330 with 70k miles in November 2015. its been 2 years since I owned it now. February of 2017 I was hit my a Semi and the car did great without going off the road and stopping in time. Insurance did not total it out. and I am glad!! I have not had any issues with the car but 1. the plastic that connects to the coil has cracked and the car was running on 5 cylinders. I went to a local junk yard and got the part for $2.00 and it took me about 10 minutes to do everything. car has now 106,500 miles. ride is super quite. when you need to go around a person it picks up speed fast! need to watch the speedometer as you do not feel the speed. I bought a 2006 MB E350 with 48k miles and the ride was worse then the ES330 quality and maintenances cost. I owned 23 cars in the past 5 years and I am sticking with Lexus. I hope the newer once are as well built as this one.

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  2005 ES 330 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Rich - April 26 - 12:50 pm

  The ES is a pleasure to drive and one of the quietest cars I have ever been in. It offers a great ride with nice power. Controls are logically laid out for easy operation while driving. My 3 points of criticism are: 1) Terrible cup holders 2) Transmission hesitates when accelerating from a slow roll is a very poor design on this model 3) Front seat should be longer to reach closer to your knee for improved comfort and better support "under leg".

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  awesome car - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By stan - March 5 - 6:16 pm

  Bought the 2006 black diamond edition with all options. Car is quietest, smoothest riding vehicle I have owned. Fuel economy seems to be ok- 23/24 city so far. Interior is first rate and radio sounds like you are in a concert hall. No evidence of trans problem others have had.

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  Great Car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By merlin 21 - February 16 - 10:00 am

  New to Lexus. Very impressed

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  New Car Review - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Ken Cluley - February 14 - 3:13 pm

  We have approximately 4K miles on this vehicle and we are very pleased with it. It is the quietest car we have ever owned and the gas mileage is close to advertised. Beautiful interior and extremely comfortable leather seating. Suspension is unmatched and the car handles like a dream.

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  Lexus ES330, a solid, comfortable car - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By ron - February 9 - 4:53 pm

  This is a first-rate car, with wonderful interior accommodations and design, with more than adequate performance, and with an exterior design that will stand up in time. My only complaint is that a musty odor comes out of the dashboard vents.

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  330 removes all doubts - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By tribble - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Was ready to get last years es 300 for its quality, rep, and luxury but a little afraid of its sluggish performance numbers (200 hp). Started to consider the G35 instead. Then I heard about the es 330 and its improved performance (225 hp), so I waited. V. glad I did. Lexus has delivered the goods. Theyve removed what little there was wrong with the 300. Perfect luxury sedan for the entry level market. Feels like youre driving a car worth twice as much. Granted, only had the 330 for two weeks now, but its everything I hoped for. Quiet, smooth, tight. And if you can swing it, get the GPS package. Very fun toy for tech-heads.

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  04 Black ES 330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By grm1memphis - January 21 - 2:00 am

  As usual, Toyota/Lexus has done an outstanding with this vehicle. Fit, finish, and overall quality is outstanding. Glad I waited on the 330 for added power at a lower price than the same car last year. I have nothing but good things to say about this vehicle. I expect to be in the Lexus family for a long time.