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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  Happy with the Lexus 330 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By CharlieMac - August 1 - 2:30 pm

  the first thousand miles have been exactly what I expected. At the age of 48 I considered the Acura TL. What you give up in performance and look is more that offset by the older need for comfort and luxury.... My only suggestion is the HP needs to be goosed a little, say to 250-260 HP.

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  My Lexus - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By kfoscaldo - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I love this car!!! It makes you feel special when you ride in it!!!

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  Annoyances - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By fussy - July 22 - 1:26 pm

  There are a few annoying features about this vehicle. Little things like the drivers side floor mat will not stay in place - the hook and grommet system just doesnt work. No. 2 is the turn signal that wont cancel, particularly when coming off a ramp in a sweeping curve, after going straight ahead the right signal doesnt cancel. Lexus service says they work fine! Last, and probably most important, the glare off the dash when driving into the sun makes it very difficult, if not impossible, to see anyone or thing at the roadside - polarized sunglasses help a bit. Other than theses issues, its a great car.

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  love it - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By robinsutom - July 22 - 4:16 am

  I have had my lexus for only 2 weeks and I love it. Everything about it says luxury. I had a Buick Roadmaster for 12 years and was looking for a car with the same smooth ride the roadmaster had. The ES330 out did all my expectations. Bumps in the road are hardly felt.

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  Happy Camper - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By yoyodyer - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. Its an affordable luxury car. Steps to the next level. Beautiful Car Inside and Out. The fuel sucks. But it is 2.49 a gallon. But I love the car. Im a Happy Camper!

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  Too quiet - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By 6th time around - June 27 - 6:20 am

  This is my 6th Lexus and the quietest yet...I can barely hear the car when I am stopped at a light....several times I have attempted to get out of the car with the motor running because it was so silent and still while in park...I can drive a thousand miles and not feel it in my car....I just wonder why I cannot put the 18 gallons of gas in my ES 330 and why I am not getting the 300plus miles from a full tank.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By brandonm3 - June 20 - 10:00 am

  I was looking to buy a car and mentioned I was shopping to my parents. They had this 2004 ES330 that was sitting in the garage and asked me if I wanted to buy it from them. I know they took it in for every servicing, its never been beaten on and always spotless. The price they offered me for it was too good to pass up. So, I am now the proud owner of a silver ES330. Ive been a BMW driver over the last 10yrs. (E36-M3, E46-M3, couple of 325is - xi and is, 328i, 745i and even a 76 - 2002!) but i have to say that the only thing i dislike about my ES is the soft suspension. its super quiet, decent power and looks great. im sold on the brand and will prob buy another one next time!

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  very good car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Siemarabbit - June 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is a very good deal. But it would need faster acceleration

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  Take a pass on this car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By ferretlover02 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt decide between the ES330 and a C320 Mercedes. Now I wish I had gone for the Mercedes. This car is extremely uncomfortable and boring to drive. The interior is beautiful, but thats where it ends.

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  Do not buy this car! - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By luckygesss - June 4 - 10:00 am

  After driving a 95 ES 300 for 115,000 miles & 7 years this car is a MAJOR disappointment! Severe hesitation & rough shifting at times, acceleration from a stop is jerky, POOR mpg and overall sluggish. The dealer told me 1) theyve had a lot of complaints about the ES330 2)its a computer problem & 3) there is "NO FIX" for the problems! The 1995 ES 300 drove just as beautifully when I traded it in as the day I bought it. I am so sorry I bought this car!