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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  RX 330 AWD 2006 - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By CL - January 18 - 8:13 am

  This is my 1st RX 330 after years of survey. The driver side seat belt hinge keep scratching the door and leave scratch marks, the distance of the inner door of the driver side and the driver seat is too close that each drive try to pull the seat belt, the hinge will most likely be in a flip up position that driver inadvertently just keep pulling until the hinge flip down and sqeeze between the door and driver seat. I have several marks left on the inner door aleady. Wind noise also a bit loud while on the high way. Every thing else is as good as a LEXUS should be.

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  Best overall quality in luxury SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By rx330black - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Best vehicle Ive owned. Quality throughout the interior and exterior. This vehicle has many of the little things that, although seem small, but make a big difference in the overall ownership experience.

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  Quality Machine - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Mr. Buckpasser - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Well built vehicle that lives up to its promises of providing quality with performance.

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  Beware - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Mrbmom - January 6 - 6:46 am

  This car has a terrible blind spot , making it very dangerous to back out of parking lots and other road situations. No amount of luxury can compensate for this flaw. Also, it is inconvenient for me to be able to open the trunk only with a key, since I usually have my hands full with packages and the key is buried in my purse.

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  new 330 awd - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By volvonewbie - December 26 - 10:00 am

  was going to buy volvo xc90 until i drove by the lexus dealer and spied the new 330. bought it and never looked back. everything so far is really good except has blind spots but will have to get used to it. to new to see if there are any quality problems. curious as to how it will perform in ice/snow.

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  rx330: BRILLIANT!!! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By MONEYMAN - December 14 - 2:00 am

  the lexus is most impressive for its fit and finish and design aswell as its cuting edge technology. lexus does charge more than its competetors for things such as options, service, accessories, and shipping fees. The buying expirience with lexus was like purchasing a hotel!

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  Love this one more than the last one - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Joseph Lo Bello - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding, solid and more power than last years model

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  Lexus RX330 Review - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Erdrick - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Very fine attention to detail. vehicle tracks very well with the AWD feature. Navigation is excellent and very useful. The engine is smooth and powerful with good passing ability.

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  Dream SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Samc - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Best SUV.. It is a replacment of a MDX.. days and night.. interior is way better.. Quality is the best.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Marv 8888 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Lexus and not the last. The ride is great. THe GPS is excellent. THe sound system is fantastic. THe back-up television screen is superb. The car is extremely reliable. I have nothing negative to say about it.