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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  My 330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By indiana97 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Nice updates from the RX300. Get the 18" wheels/tires look great! Miss the coin holder.

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  Seating comfort Lacks! - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By jkyker - June 22 - 8:06 am

  The Lexus is a high end suv and I am satisified with all but two things. The seats are not very comfortable at all, too flat with no side support and lacks much comforts. The other is there is no place for change storage and design or layout does not allow for satelitte radio. Iluminated lighting for controls on steering column.

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  4 Months and Its Gone - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By volvo4life2 - June 15 - 2:05 pm

  I traded my GMC Yukon for my RX330 to be very disappointed. I was very excited to hop on the "Lexus Reliability" boat and got a 2004 with only 60k miles on it. Within the first week of owning it the check engine light came on, shortly followed by the passenger air bag going out, needing all new power steering fluid (which had to go back to the dealer twice to actually get done correctly) and my transmission fluid was a mess. All of that I could forgive, its a used car, things happen. But the thing that I couldnt forgive... There was a hole in the frame of the car somewhere that leaked when it rained. It filled the floorboards up with water and soaked through the foam, and the carpets.

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  Lexus RX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By jstone - June 15 - 12:10 am

  Have had too many repairs. Radiator, crankshaft pulley, noise around the air conditioner line, all had to be repaired. I thought a Lexus would run forever with no problems if properly maintained. Very disappointed in this. Visibility is somewhat limited because of design. Disappointed and thinking about looking for something else. I thought this would be a car to last me 20 years.

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  RX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Pittsburgh George - June 7 - 3:13 am

  This is the most over rated vehicle in America. Soft ride with poor road feel, underpowered, overpriced. Seats too soft. Cargo space limited. Not worth high 40s with all the toys. Cost of operation not that cheap as oil change and tire rotation is $125 every 5000 miles.

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  I love my Thundercloud - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Stewie - May 28 - 7:20 pm

  I love my Lexus RX 330 Thundercloud. It is fun to drive and it is, in my opinion, the most affordable Lexus you can buy. You get the most interior room for your money.

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  Great car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By toni grice - May 28 - 10:00 am

  The RX330 is a pleasure to drive. Very comfortable ride. Love the back up camera and the GPS. This is my 4th Lexus and the best so far.

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  My first RX - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By mark j davis - May 9 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased our first Lexus. The build quality is superb! The enginering is outstanding. The curb appeal is much more compelling then the old RX.

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  RX300 gets even better - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Ted Bretschger - May 1 - 4:56 pm

  After happily owning an RX300 we were blown away by how much better the RX330 is. More interior room, better ride, better turning radius and the Nav system

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  My Lexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Betty - April 26 - 1:16 am

  My Lexus RX330 is the epitome of luxury and I love driving, riding or just looking at it. It is everything I would want in an automobile except the gas mileage of 19 - 20 miles to the gallon could be higher. I feel safer in this car due to the construction and the way it handles in snow proves the Lexus engineers knew what they were doing. I wont buy another vehicle except a Lexus.