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 car except for tranny - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By skeown - June 4 - 10:00 am

  car has great features,and quality feel on the interior.GreatSedan, and the 4th ES I have owned. Very,very disappointed in the hesitation/hold back from first to second gear, and really bad in bumper to bumper traffic.Fly by wire transmission cant learn between how it should control in staight road which is great,but in bumper2bumper its relearning new shifting patterns and =s jolting. The internet is full of writeups on this problem,and tires pulling left. The 2003 chip fix helped some, but hesitation can be dangerous.

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  Solid - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By aph - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Slightly less mid range punch but ride experience same as LS 430 (290 hp)which I had owned.The interior executed perfectly. My wife says this is most beautiful of the 18 cars I have owned. Standart suspension pleasingly taut. Prior to purchase I had heard the steering was not too sporty, I strongly disagree.

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  Im impressed ! - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Dave Robb - May 7 - 5:36 am

  Im in my middle 50s and this is absolutely the nicest car I have ever owned. The performance is lack luster but that is not why I bought this car. The ride feels like Im riding in my living room easy chair. Ive only had the car for a month but have 4500 miles on it. Ive just returned from a five day, 3000 mile round trip and this car performed flawlessly. Im almost ready for my 5K service and the ONLY problem Ive experienced is some intermitant XM Radio reception. I do not have the hesitation complaint seen frequently on this site. My last new purchase had been a 2000 model GM product and my 5K punch list had 18 items.

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  awesomee - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By awesome - May 6 - 7:03 am

  awesome , my first lexus. ive owned many bmw, mercedes, porsche , volvo. you cant beat the price and build quality and reliability. once in the car its so quiet, all sound outside is blocked out taking all the stress out of driving. the ride smooth ,nice just like a cadillac. you have to get used to the way it drives and how its geared so plot your coarse but awesome. great gas mileage , meant for long distance for sure. very safe. im going to buy one for my wife , love it.

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  Low maintenance - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By C. Dudley - May 2 - 9:26 am

  After years of purchasing US made automobiles, all needing several trips to the dealer for warranty repairs, the Lexus ES330 never needed a single warranty repair in 10 years. It is quiet and rides smooth with excellent gas mileage on long trips. We are so pleased with this car, that we will look for another Lexus as a replacement. The car was traded for a 2016 Lexus ES350 in Dec. 2015.

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  First Time Lexus Owner - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Pepper - April 30 - 5:00 am

  Purchased a pre-owned 330 with 5000 miles. Very good overall vehicle. Thoroughly enjoy long drives and the sense of watching your travels on a large plasma screen when you nestle in the front seat and enjoy the window and roof views.

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  Close enough to flawless to nitpick - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By myckey - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Great handling for non-sports car. Michelin energys dont cut it; needs snow tires. Mileage dissapointing 19- 20MPG city/highway combined. GPS awsome and Mark Levinson stereo even better. Those who object audio controls on GPS screen are crazy; much better and easier than fiddling with dials located below line of sight. Get the xenons, which make a world of difference at night. Cant say enough positive about dealer. While there are better looking cars, faster cars and better handling cars, all within the same price range, I bought this car for the luxury, quality, service and value, and what the heck, my wife liked it and it is her car.

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  High quality car at an attractive price - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By GVK - March 29 - 10:00 am

  There is a lot to like with no weaknesses. The interior fitted with leather and wood and the luminescent speedomter cluster compares favorably with the high priced luxury sedans. The new bigger engine provides more than adequate acceleration. Add in Lexus reliability, fit and finish, a good sound system, good fuel economy and a low price, and you have an attractive car.

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  2004 Lexus 330 needs a V-8 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Dave - March 26 - 10:36 pm

  If quality and luxury tops your list, consider Lexus as a buy. Drivability, interior comfort and amenities are impressive, but performance could use a little more power. V-8 engine in next years model would be better. 300 hp instead of 225 would make the ES 330 perfect.

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  Fantastic Car, Only Minor Quips - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By my03tundra - March 20 - 10:03 am

  For many years prior to getting my Lexus, I had been driving trucks and SUVS. I had a 2003 Toyota Tundra, 2007 Honda Ridgeline, 2008 Honda CR-V, and a 2011 Ford F-150. I loved my F-150 and for a pickup it got good mileage. Sadly, I was in an accident in May that totaled my truck, but I wasnt. After that, I was without a vehicle until September when I stumbled upon the car. Literally. I had told a family member "Im thinking about buying a used luxury car," when she did a Google search and found my car! I love the car. Comfortable, handles confidently, and has everything but USB and Bluetooth connectivity.