Overview & Reviews

Ever diligent in its "Relentless pursuit of perfection," Lexus completely revamped its RX 300 midsize luxury crossover SUV for 2004. This already popular model in the Lexus lineup received a radical makeover that included a new 3.3-liter V6 and a resultant new name: RX 330.

With the first-generation RX's style being deemed a bit too soft, stylists gave the new Lexus RX 330 a more aggressive character. A sharply angled grille and rearmost roof pillar gave the RX 330 more visual attitude, while more power, more backseat room, a number of new high-tech features and tighter handling made the RX better than ever before. Still, the folks at Lexus were careful to retain the beloved features of the previous model, and this meant keeping a plush ride, a rich cabin, fantastic build quality, a serene demeanor on the open road and a strong reputation for reliability intact.

Those who think driving is a passion and not just a necessity should know that the Lexus RX 330 is still not a sport-utility vehicle with a sport sedan personality. If you're looking for thrills on twisty roads you'd be better suited by a few other choices that trade off practical aspects such as passenger and cargo space for a sportier drive. But for the greater majority of used luxury SUV consumers who just want as trouble-free and comfortable an experience as possible when dealing with commuting, shuttling the kids around and taking weekend road trips to see the relatives, the RX 330 is hard to top.

Most Recent Lexus RX 330

Available from 2004 through 2006, the Lexus RX 330 brought more power, more room, more luxury features and more aggressive styling to Lexus' popular midsize luxury SUV.

Still loosely based on the Toyota Camry platform of the time, the RX 330 benefited from the same new V6. At 3.3 liters, the newer V6 produced 230 horsepower and 242 pound-feet of torque, increases of 10 hp and 20 lb-ft, respectively, over the RX 300's V6. A broader torque curve along with a new five-speed automatic transmission gave the RX 330 more kick off the line as well as more energetic passing and merging performance. Once again, buyers could choose front- or all-wheel drive. Towing capacity, at 3,500 pounds, was unchanged and still relatively meager compared to truck-based SUVs.

Standard luxury content increased slightly, as in addition to the expected automatic climate control and full power features there were now larger (17-inch) alloy wheels and a CD player. In addition to available leather seating, power moonroof and navigation system were new options that included a DVD entertainment system, a superb Mark Levinson audio system, an adjustable air suspension, adaptive cruise control, a back-up camera and adaptive headlights.

Safety was also improved, as in addition to stability control there were now larger side airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver's knee airbag and a tire-pressure monitor.

While it retained the quiet and refined demeanor of its precursor, the Lexus RX 330 was more athletic. Acceleration was noticeably stronger (at 7.8 seconds, it was a full second quicker to 60 mph than before) and, when equipped with the optional air suspension, handling was tighter. The RX was still not as involving a drive as a few of its German and home country rivals, which provide superior steering feel and communication to the driver.

Shoppers looking for a used Lexus RX 330 won't go wrong with any year, as changes were minimal throughout its brief run. The most notable upgrades occurred in 2005 when Lexus made the power rear hatch standard and the navigation system gained voice control. The final year of the RX 330 brought power lumbar support for the front passenger, while revised SAE testing procedures changed the engine's output rating from 230 hp to 223, though no actual performance was lost.

User Reviews:

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  Rattle and thud - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By 2nd and final Lexus - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Has been in the shop to fix rattle for three days. It has come back again. Transmission is not smooth at all and transfers with a thud. Dealership tried to fix it and replaced the software to no avail. Very disappointed! Dealership and service department are great

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  my favorite car - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By dajetman - June 20 - 12:46 pm

  it is the most comfortable car i have ever had. i dont like the darkened rearview mirror that must be manually turned off. I love the navigation systemwhich is basixcally an expensive oy, but it has come in handy. i only have 5000 miles so i dont know about reliability, etc, but it sure is a great car. cant wait for the hybrid to come out.

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  Always lexus suv - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By sunny - June 13 - 3:43 am

  Last 10 years driving lexus, never a complaint, my first es-300 than rx300 now rx 330. If lexus would make a 6 seater it would be the best, i always loved that car.

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  Love My Lexus!!! - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By mkb - May 27 - 6:43 am

  Reliability, safety, comfort and resale value all played an important part in my decision. The vehicle lives up to its reputation for quality and the 330 design is awesome ...

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  Car of the Century - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By B.gregorios - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Best auto I have ever owned. From price to performance it cant be beat.

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  DO NOT BUY 2004 RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By edev31 - May 16 - 2:00 am

  HUGE disappointment and waste of $44k. Taken back to dealer 4 times since July for rattles they cant fix (ripped out dash twice) jerky transmission that "clunks" when you come to a stop, loud wind/road noise-it sounds like a window is open. Loud,ticking noise from engine. Lexus says this is "normal" although their ES330 with the same engine does not have this noise. DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE.Dealer admits there are many problems with the new RX330. Many others are having the same problems.I would hope that Lexus would adhere to their bogus "Passionate Pursuit of Perfection" and stop production until they can produce a quality vehicle.

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  Love our RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By GSmith - May 16 - 2:00 am

  We purchased at Lexus of Ann Arbor what a great experience from our sales person Trish to our service visits...all wonderful. The RX330 was a great purchase decision. Quiet ride with all the comforts you expect from a Lexus.

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  Fabulous! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By NYC Architect - May 16 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle seems to float above the road. Its responsive, is incredibly comfortable even on long trips, and has a lot of really well thought out features. The exterior and interior fit and finish is tasteful, luxurious with a very high quality of craftsmanship. Its great looking, definitely 21st Century.

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  Good got Great - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Tom Monaghan - May 12 - 5:23 pm

  I had a 2000 RX 300 and thought that it was a great car. The only complaint was the poor turning radius. The RX 330 took care of that. The RX 330 is perfect for someone that likes to sit up a bit higher than in a sedan but does not want to sacrafice the ride. The sound system is as good as anyone short of an audiophile would ever want. The passangers in the back seat will find ample leg room and appreciate the ability to slightly recline the seats, especially on long trips. The Nav system is easy to use and very addicting. Only issue is limited view out of the rear window. Ive been a fan/customer of Toyota and Lexus for many years. Never dissapointed with the quality of the car or service

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  Love this SUV - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Hriel - May 4 - 2:50 am

  I truly love driving this SUV- and I am convinced after test driving many other SUVs in the same class that this is the best purchase for the price. The comfort in this car is matched by no other SUV I have ever been in, and it truly rides like a sedan and not an SUV. It has a very smooth ride, and has all of the luxury features/options that Lexus has built its reputation on. I am also pleased by the reliability of this vehicle. I would like a little more cargo space, and Im not a huge fan of the metallic trim on the interior surrounding the console (would prefer wood trim), but other than that, this car has been perfect for our family of 3.