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 Box - 2005 Lexus RX 330
By Eric - November 22 - 10:56 pmThis Lexus has soooo many recalls for dash squeaks and rattles that its amazing it got out of engineering. Ours has been in the shop 7 times in 2 months for interior noises. The air conditioning vents rattle and click, the instrument cluster bezel squeaks, and every loaner we have gotten does the same thing. The engine is buttery smooth and very reliable, but we have to get rid of this car. My wife and I spend countless hours driving around trying to find the sources of all the plastic rattles. LOW BUILD QUALITY on the interior. Too much cheap plastic. Its too bad, we cant figure out what other car we would want more.
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headlights on Lexus Rx330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
By Joe T. - November 14 - 8:50 amIf you live in the Long Island area and NYC area your RX330 will last about a month before your headlights are stolen. Poor design on Lexuss part, it takes 30 seconds to steal the lights with a crow bar (plus the body gets damaged) Otherwise the Rx330 is a fantastic vehicle. Its very comfortable and a pleasure to drive. Quiet and smooth ride. gas mileage is so great though, but its a great vehicle.
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The Best on the Road - 2005 Lexus RX 330
By Steven Muchnick - November 10 - 8:50 pmThis vehicle is unsurpassed in performance and handling, style and luxery. Enough said!
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Perfection missing - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By Not yet perfection - October 27 - 10:00 amDriveline clunks, jerks and generally makes driving unpleasant in stop and go conditions below 30 mph. And now the clunking noise occurs at higher speeds when decelerating. Dealer claims a software change will remedy. Will find out during 10,000 mile service. Heating/cooling system is needlessly complex and insists on switching to blowing uncomfortably cold air from dash outlets all too often. Otherwise the vehicle is pleasant to travel in and drive. Exceeds 25 mpg during highway travel.
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EXCELLENT - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By mYSELF - October 27 - 10:00 amBEST VEHICLE I EVER BOUGHT........HANDLES GREAT IN ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS!!!!!
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Awsome - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By J & M - October 21 - 10:00 amOverall, very pleased with the RX330. This is a great get up and go vehicle. It is versatile in styling and performance. The service and support is outstanding. The rear seat is on the small side for leg room. You get what you pay for. Although, the service is outstanding the maintenance is costly.
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A nice choice... - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By Lonrry - October 21 - 10:00 amA great SUV but not the more sport, is a luxury one. Everthing is electronic, have a great look. Doesnt look like a Soccers mom SUV. Hmmmmm... Makes you feel safety...
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style and performance - 2005 Lexus RX 330
By Gerald McNerney - October 18 - 9:26 amI was interested in a Buick Rendevous when I test drove the RX 330. It was so much better I never hesitated in deciding on this car even though it cost more. Fun to drive, plenty of power, real quiet and decent mileage.
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great vehicle - 2005 Lexus RX 330
By jbc492 - October 16 - 10:00 amvehicle handle great over pacheco pass
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RX330 BEST MID SIZE SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By LEXUS LOVER - October 8 - 10:00 amThe all-new RX330 is the best mid-size suv on the market. Lexus has made a suv drive very smooth and handle like a car. The suv has a very quiet engine and offers plenty of room. The RX330 has one of the best fuel economies for an SUV, better than ML350, X5, and others. The RX330 is the best of both worlds!
