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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  AWSOME! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By charlotte king - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Love to drive, its fun to see people look and stare at the rx330 when we go by.Love the body style.

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  My Baby - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By MJane - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Had a 2000RX300, liked it very much, which is why we looked at the RX330. It has many improvements,led readouts,dual air/heat,more wood,electric tilt steering, power rear door,triple fold rear seat,lighted door step fit and finish excellent. Only complaint is that towing package should at least come with trailer wiring. Only includes the wiring socket. Hitch and wiring not included.

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  My first Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By BJ9000 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Very well proportioned vehicle and comfortable to drive. Nav system is adequate but not nearly as easy to use nor is it as intuitive as the voice activated nav system in the Honda Accord. Wind noise is very noticable but source of noise cannot be determined. My previous two vehicles had much less wind noise and each cost thirty thousand less (02 C230K and 03 Accord). The RX330 handles the notorious winter side roads of New Hampshire well without bottoming or excessive road noise.

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  Best SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By sam123 - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Excellent SUV for resonable price

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  A Top Performer - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Jean Morrow - December 17 - 8:10 am

  The Lexus RX 330 is one fine vehicle. It drives and rides like a car. It has great visibility. The speed control is the best of the cars that I have previously owned including a Porsche Bosxter, Cadillacs, Lincolns, Mercury, Chevrolets, Pontiac and Fords. The interior finish as well as the exterior paint is excellent. The car washes/finishes that are within the warranty are a real plus also. I am very glad I chose a Lexus and particularly the RX 330.

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  My 3rd RX...THIS IS CLEARLY THE BEST!!! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By mjkravitzlaw - December 1 - 10:00 am

  The 330 is longer, higher, faster, wider, more fuel efficient, and very luxurious.The Levinson sound is an immense improvement on the old sound system. Storage area is larger too.

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  Improves upon the Rx 300 in Every Way - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By No_Motiv - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Everything about this car is better than the old RX 300, which I considered a great car. I have the Mark Levinson package installed in mine and the luxury features are outstanding. The dashboard itself is beautiful. Everything about the car is fun to look it. The car itself rides much quieter than the Rx 300. There have been many reviews complaining about engine noisehowever i find that car runs virtualy silently, the only engine noise you hear is when you approach 4000+ RPMS, and even then its only a hum. This is the most luxurious SUV i have ever ridden in.

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  Gotten better but still needs tweeking - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By paintballer1 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle drives very nice. The rear glass is a litle more slanted than my previous RX300 which makes it difficult for my dogs to be comfortable. Overall the vehicle can fill my peoples needs.

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  Great car, great features - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By All 7s - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Have had the car for 1 week. Love it! Great features and technology. Interior design and materials are first rate. Car rides quietly and smoothly with one exception: Occassionally, the transmission will hold its gear longer than it should and then gently "lunge" into the next gear. This doesnt happen often, but given the near-perfection of the rest of the vehicle, it is noticeable. Bottom-line: Im glad I chose the RX!

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  RX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Marc and Carolyn - November 30 - 8:36 pm

  This is the second RX we have had. Previously we had the 2001 and were so happy with it that we traded it in for the 2004 model. We have had no significant mechanical problems with the car to date. Would highly recommend the RX - fun to drive and nice to look at.