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 RIDING CAR BUT MPG LOW - 2004 Lexus ES 330
By GREGTHEQ - January 21 - 2:00 amMy Lexus ES330 is the smoothest and quietest riding car I have ever owned. The design and comfort is extremely nice and others really like the car. My wife loves the dual front seat heaters that can be regulated separately. My biggest disappointment so far is in the miles per gallon. I drive highway miles and Im only getting 22 MPG when the sticker said it would get between 20-28. Since I bot the car a few weeks ago Im hoping that the MPG will get better as the car is broken in.
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Lexus ES 330 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
By dtaibleson - January 10 - 10:00 pmQuiet, smooth, elegant, comfortable, solid, nice pick up, I dont need to feel contact with the road. Have driven Audi, BMW, Passat and Nissan and this is tops. No car is more reliable.
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Lexus 3300 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
By dtaibleson - January 10 - 10:00 pmQuiet, smooth, elegant, comfortable, solid, nice pick up. Have driven Audi, BMW, Passat and Nissan and this is tops.No car is more reliable.
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lexus 3300 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
By dtaibleson - January 10 - 10:00 pmQuiet, smooth, elegant, comfortable, solid, nice pick up, I dont need to feel contact with the road. No car is more reliable.
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A best buy - 2006 Lexus ES 330
By rfabricio - January 10 - 5:10 amThis is my second Lexus ES. The car had decent acceleration but i found it lacking when merging into an expressway. Comfortable and quality.I bought a 2003 ES300 with 33,000 on it in 2008. I drove it for 30,000 with no mayor issues. The car was like new even though it was 5 years old when I bought it. The worse problem was that a mechanic at Lexus of North Miami sabotaged the AC system. Got angry when I complained he had not changed the AC cabin air filter after servicing the AC, which included the filter. A different dealer confirmed the AC had been purposely tinkered with and gave an estimate for $900. Took it back to Lexus of North Miami and service manager had it repaired for free. Car
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What a great car!!!! - 2004 Lexus ES 330
By bigswol34 - January 8 - 2:16 amI truly love my car! Not only is it great on gas, but on a long stretch of road, this car is SUPER quiet! I cant even imagine me trading it in. Im going to drive it until it dies on me! I will always and forever be a Lexus fanatic!
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Fantastic Car - 2005 Lexus ES 330
By NewLexusDrvr - January 3 - 6:46 amA fantastic car. I cant say enough for it. Makes me happy just driving even in L.A. traffic. With this car you cant go wrong. I have had nothing but pleasure with the soft ride and the power when needed. The voice activated navigation is fantastic.
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Not Perfect, but Close - 2005 Lexus ES 330
By Dpech - December 16 - 1:16 amI was looking for comfort not performance and got exactly what I was seeking. The car is exceptionally smooth and quiet. I was a bit disappointed that Bluetooth and Satelite Radio are not standard - I bet this will change in the next year or two. I wanted the nav system because Im a gadget junkie but I really do use it and it works well. I have the ventillated seats and the heating part works well but the ventillated part doesnt have a very strong blower so it is hard to notice the impact. The transmission shifting is a fairly serious issue particularly if you do a lot of stop and go driving. For cruising on the highway this is a hard car to beat!
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Transmission troubles - 2005 Lexus ES 330
By Warren Lieberman - December 2 - 3:00 pmThe new 5-speed transmission shifts either hard or surges with hesitation. In slow traffic the transmission falls out of gear and then surges and jerks to find the right gear. At this point Lexus refuses to find a fix for the problem with this model that now is recognized by their dealers and service departments.
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Transmission troubles - 2005 Lexus ES 330
By Warren Lieberman - December 2 - 4:43 amThe new 5-speed transmission shifts either hard or surges with hesitation. In slow traffic the transmission falls out of gear and then surges and jerks to find the right gear. At this point Lexus refuses to find a fix for the problem with this model that now is recognized by their dealers and service departments.
