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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  Theyve Improved a Great Car! - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Mark Alpert - April 8 - 5:50 pm

  Traded in our ES300, and was pleasantly surprised to find the 330 is faster and handles better, and even gets significantly better fuel economy, despite being larger and more comfortable. Handling is helped by 17" tires, and mileage by the lowered drag coefficient 5-speed automatic. The engine showed about 2200 rpm at 70 mph on our first trip, on which we averaged a surprising 29.5 miles per gallon. This is just about an ideal sedan, with a nice balance of handling and comfort. Glad we chose it over the BMW and Accuras we test-drove.

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  Great Car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By davekies - March 29 - 9:08 am

  GREAT car. Had a 98 Camry (272K) which was flawless but started to rust. Always loved the looks and quality of Lexus and when I picked up my ES 330 and drove it home (3 hours) is was the quietest ride I’ve ever been in-even @ 100 mph : ) Stereo is great (musician w/ VERY picky ear when it comes to audio). 4 door speakers-2 front tweeters-8”stock woofer do the trick. Added my aftermarket 400W amp and 10” kick that added NOTHING to the quality. Only had 60K (7,500/year) so it’s like new as most Lexus owners baby their babies! Click in the steering wheel (steering shaft-$800) but that is it. Have been asked if its new many times. Don’t think I’ll ever buy anything but Lexus from now on!

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  A pleasure - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By raftmaster - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car for my wife last weekend. Shes been out of town on business and I had occassion to drive it on a "local" business trip (100 miles each way). The car is a drivers dream, comfortable, responsive and insulating. The premium sound system rocks! We had no need of the navigation system, so this vehicle has the standard premium upgrade. How much better the Mark Levinson system could be, I cant imagine. No complaints at all after the first road trip in this car. Wonder if my wife will mind taking over my Accord?

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  Nice Car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Ken - March 10 - 5:23 pm

  Great car, not a sports car so dont expect it to drive like one, great on the Highway, good on gas and insurance. A step down from my old 430 but much more affordable.

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  Soft Paint? - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Jim - February 23 - 5:30 pm

  My ES 330 has had no problems in 40,000 miles of driving, and its Black Garnet color gets many compliments. However, small hairline scratchs in the paint have appeared after taking the car thru brushless car washes, including the car wash used by the Lexus dealer. A factory representative has been contacted to find out how to fix the current scratches and prevent future ones. Otherwise I consider the car to be a good value as a luxury sedan.

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  Rough shifting 1st-2nd gear - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By LAP500 - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Drove the demo, fell in love, but wish now that I had test driven the actual car I purchased. Frequent hesitation then lurching occurs at first to second gear changes. Feels like the transmission is trying to figure out what to do. Didnt experience this in the demo. Took the car in to the shop. Believe the service department made some software tweaks. Now feels like the problem is worse. Gives me a very unsafe feeling when pulling out into traffic. Have scheduled another service visit. Lexus has been very responsive so far; hope they will come up with a solution. If not for the shifting problem, I would rate the vehicle an overall 9.0

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  Step up - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By psl - February 4 - 10:00 am

  The car is fun to drive, extemely quiet and very comfortable for long trips. I have put over 20,000 miles on mine since Dec. 1 and enjoyed every mile. Service has been outstanding. I was blasted by a sanding truck over the winter and when I went in for service they offered to repaint the front end at thier expense... I guesss thats one reason to buy a luxury car!

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By RICHARD KEYS - February 1 - 4:56 pm

  I have had other luxury cars and I rate the ES330 better than all of them. The ride is smooth and quiet, power is very adequate for highway and city driving. The seats are very comfortable and sound system is excellent. I can drive five or six hundred miles and do not get overly tired. The only problem that I have had is the transmission hesitating a few times when accelerating. After 21000 miles the car still drives like new. I plan to purchase another one in the future.

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  Should have bought one sooner - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By phroadrick - January 29 - 4:43 pm

  Bought this car for my wife when it was traded in at the dealership where I work (Buick GMC dealer, I dont sell Lexus). Have only owned it for a couple of days but boy am I impressed with this car. Fit and finish is amazing, no squeaks or rattles on a 5 yr old used car. Smooth, quiet, good performance and our 3 yr old says it beautiful. Only downside I see is never getting to drive it!

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  An ES 330 with lots of problems - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By smirror - January 3 - 1:23 pm

  I bought an Acura TL in 2002 and had a lot of noise problems. So when I needed to buy another car last year, I went for a Lexus brand with great reputation. But I was disappointed completely. The transmission hesitation made the driving so painful, in addition to many noise problems (rattling door, overhead, steering column and front passenger seat). In fact there are widespread complaint about the transmission problem in the Edmunds Forum discussions. My mistake was that I did not read them before buying the car. Still, I am surprised that the reviews here are pretty much all good. Go check out the Forum before you buy the ES. Dont make mistakes like mine.