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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  Opinion on Lexus - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Tigger2 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Weve had our Lexus for about 6 weeks and love it! The GPS system is the most fun, but the vehicle looks and performs very well. And, it is easy to check your blind spot when youre driving, which is not always the case with autos.

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  Youll love it - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By D-Berg - July 31 - 10:00 am

  One of the best ways to judge a car is to ask, "Would I buy this car again?". Well, after diving my 1994 Lexus ES300 for nine years I bought a 2003 model. There were phenomenal advancements that made the car even better. There are faster cars, sportier cars, fancier cars but you wont get a better value anywhere. The next car I buy, whenever that may be, will be a Lexus.

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  Bought a few days ago 77k miles - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By cswindle - July 17 - 11:35 am

  This is my first Lexus and I love everything about it. It rides really well, very comfortable to drive, and is extremely quiet. Acceleration is a tad slow, but overall this is an outstanding vehicle. I will post updates every now and then in the comments section of this review.

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  Watch That Dealer - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Janice - July 8 - 8:36 am

  Recently purchased 2005 Lexus 330, absolutely FABULOUS! Replacing brake pads and rotors because dealer pulled one over on me, but this car is my dream. One note: gas pedal seems a little sluggish, not sure if its the high heels or not. I couldnt decide what to replace my 11yr old Mazda with and decided to go with a total luxury vehicle that is reliable and gorgeous. Believe me, I did my homework. This car "rocks"!

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  ES330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By yrenn - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Great car. quiet and comfortable

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  Solid Car - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By M Simon - June 18 - 11:16 am

  Smooth ride. Excellent highway performance. Good gas mileage. Roomy interior. Nice interior design. Large trunk. Solid vehicle. Reasonable maintenance costs.

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  Lexis ES or Acura TL - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Park - June 18 - 10:00 am

  The Acura dealer made a huge mistake. I told him that I couldnt commit to the TL until I drove a Lexus ES. The ES is not just quite it is silent inside. The engine is almost to quite and road noise is muted to nonexistant. The ES is as smooth as silk. Transmission shift goes unnoticed as you accelerate and the car just flows through curves. It holds the road with very little lean in and good pull out of turns. The ES is a "soft" ride and not the fastest car when the light turns green but you will never be left behind, after all this is a Lexus.

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  Lexus ES 330 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By dennis osullivan - May 17 - 10:20 am

  2nd Lexus Ive owned, (other 98 ES 300) much more powerful, sleek design, more comfortable, easier to operate, roomier, great sound system, easy to use controls, better control on the road. was a great Christmas gift.

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  Lexus Review - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Dave Migliori - April 21 - 7:36 pm

  Great Car. Very Quiet. Rich looking interior. More room inside than the BMW 330. With front wheel drive and four snow tires this car performed very well in the snow. Much better value than my BMW 528i.

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  A Great Ride!!! - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By timo - April 19 - 12:10 pm

  We purchased 330 ES after 9 months of misery with a bad auto. We had looked at most luxury imports and felt the Lexus was the best for our needs, front wheel drive for bad weather, good fuel economy for size, comfortable back seat. We were not real crazy about the exterior lines at first but after a week we love it and its very fine paint job. First tank of gas we purchased got 29 mpg average on hwy. Not bad for 10% ethanol blend!I have to say the only regret I have is I didnt purchase one earlier!!