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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rx330 no-brainer - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By stoxbonds - August 14 - 10:00 amif you are looking for a classy suv with all the amenities and a great ride, look no further. the rx330 has it all. it turns heads, and itll put a smile on your face every time you slip behind the wheel.
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How do you improve perfection! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By Richard Lee - August 14 - 10:00 amWhat a car!!! Fun, Luxurious, outstanding service after the sale and all at an affordable price.
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Top Of The Line SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By lou - August 14 - 10:00 amThe most thing I look for in a car is accel and speed. The Lexus RX330 gave me both of that.
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The Best So Far - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By Jabril A. Childs - August 14 - 10:00 amI love my new RX 330, I traded my BMW 540I for the new RX330. Ive had so many cars and none of them compare to the RX330 I looked at the Lex GX and BMW X5, when I test drove the RX330 I fell in love with it. My mom came along with me to get my new car, she too fell in love with it. She actually drove it home. I have no complaints thus far.
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the best i have ever had - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By dh9562 - August 14 - 10:00 amwe bought this car on the 4th of july and we truly say that this is the best car we have ever owned. the comfort is beyond expectations. we took it for a 4,ooo mile trip and we were vert comfortable, plenty of room. nice sound system and the dvd player was nice too. i think if you are going to get this car you need it loaded!!!
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Highly Recommend - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By Bmb2891 - August 14 - 10:00 amThe interior is beautifully designed, with a luxurious look and feel, while the exterior is sleek and stylish. An excellent blend of performance and luxury, definitely gets all my thumbs up. Also very well priced for the product.
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its awsome!!! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By BOCAGIRL1020 - August 14 - 10:00 amThis suv is the bomb in all areas. I have realy enjoyed driving it all around town.
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New Car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By David Loomis - August 14 - 10:00 amWe are thrilled with our RX330. It is everything we hoped it would be. We have had no reason whatsoever to return to the dealer since the puschase of the vehicle other than to buy a keychain.
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The Best Lexus Got Better - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By martin brodsky - August 14 - 10:00 amAfter driving a Lexus RX300 for 4 years, I saw the new RX330 and loved the styling. After driving the RX330, it was apparent that Lexus really put a lot of thought into the new model. Its a total luxury suv with more extras than I thought possible on an SUV in this class and price.
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My favorite vehicle - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By mysie - August 14 - 10:00 amThis is the best driving, most comfortable car I have ever owned. It also is reliable. It drives more like a car than an SUV.
