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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  lexus 101 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By mattpeterson - December 7 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive good quality

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  Lexus RX 330 review - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Phil M - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Good purchasing experience, dealership loaned us a car when vehicle arrived one week late. Peppy engine nice. AWD plowed through recent snow with no problems. Interior dash good looking and easy to use. I expect this to be a relaible car for years to come. The 2004 price didnt budge much from 2003, yet the overall looks and improvements are substantial.

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  Enjoyable vehicle - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By JCOREGON - December 2 - 10:00 am

  RX330 is pref. to my old RX300 in every way. Love the safety features, NAV., B/U camera. Dealership experience was average.After a few minor creaks,dealer seems to have fixed all. Nice pick-up, smooth ride, well designed quality interior. NO tranny problems. Lexus illuminated entry skid plates dent easily. Nice looking exterior. Does very well in PacNW snow/ice/rain.

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  GREAT TECHNOLOGY POOR TRANSMISSION - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By ed brundage - December 2 - 10:00 am

  BEAUTIFUL CAR, GREAT RIDE, QUIET, BUT VERY POORLY DESIGNED TRANSMISSION SHIFTING. THE BEST LEXUS MECHANIC AT DEALER SAYS SHIFTING CAN NOT BE IMPROVED. A FACTORY FIX TSB 005-03, WAS INTENDED TO FIX THE PROBLEM - DONT BELIEVE IT. DEALER SAYS OTHER PROBLEMS SUCH AS RIGHT MIRROR NOT DROPPING ENOUGH IN REVESE AND AIR LEAK AT DRIVERS DOOR "NORMAL" - SMALL BUT ANNOYING.

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  RX330 2004 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Sharon2353 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great vehicle! The Navigation system is by far the easiest to use and to see of any I have seen in the industry. The DVD system functions well and the kids can use it without assistance. The front passenger seated is weight sensitive so you can place a small child there is need be and it will automatically turn off the airbags. Turns and stops well. The backup camera is good to see objects, however, cannot be used to judge distance or in lieu of actually looking yourself.

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  FAVORITE OF THE YEAR - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By APRIL BONNER - December 1 - 2:00 am

  THE RX 330 IS THE NICEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED I WILL BUY ANOTHER ONE IT IS VERY SMOOTH RIDING AND HANDLES GREAT.

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  My Lexus RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Trek610 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Love everything about my SUV. Does great on long road trips. A piece of mind because of the Lexus reliability.

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  Love this car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By N D Shutt - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is well designed inside and out. It is a smooth ride and has plenty of power. It handles nice and is easy to park.

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  I LOVE MY NEW LEXUS - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By angjomich - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Although I may only have had my RX330 for a little over a month-I can honestly say it is the best ride Ive ever driven. Ive been driving for over 25 years-many cars/suvs/vans, etc. but this one is the top. I also own a Lexus 300 and thought that was the best it could get. What a delight to find out I could drive one better!! Id recommend Lexus to everyone and the RX330 is my number one choice, SO FAR!!! Keep em coming Lexus, you rock!

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  Good Car Better Dealer - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By dougsc - November 26 - 3:23 am

  This is a great car. It is comfortable, easy to drive and quite utilitarian. The buying experience was outstanding and the service experience has been excellent. I have been waiting for over a week for a new brake booster, which seems to be a somewhat common problem. Dealer was conscious of my needs and provided a loaner (an RX-330). If something is broken they fix it. I want my next vehicle to be a Lexus, too.