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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  Lexuss Little SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Hfaulisi1379 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  The fuel economy is good fr this size of this SUV. Its easy to repair after rear ends, easy to main and travel with people to long distances. One disadvantage is the passenger seat wont move up and down unless you order it as an option. Its fun to drive anywhere. Its a vehicle youll feel real safe in.

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  I love this vehicle - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By hollywood joe - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had this vehicle for two days but im already in love. The handling is great and the ride is extremely smooth!

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  TOP SUV in 2004 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By schnelle22 - November 11 - 10:00 am

  The NEW 2004 Lexus RX330 is truely an amazing suv/car. It has even more room and power than its RX300, but still drives like a car. It is also one of the better fuel performers for an SUV when comparing the ML, and X5. The new design is very sharp on the outside and very luxurious in the inside. If you are looking for a top quality SUV, try the RX330!

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  4dr AWD SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A) - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By zyca - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Thats true! The interior is REAL GOOD! It is so comfortable. But not enough power.

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  RX330 Test Drive - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Paul Colburn - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Very noisy engine - first thing i noticed - currently have a LX470 going off lease. Looks to me like reactive marketing to BMW market penetration (although I hav enot drive x5 as a comparison)

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  RX330 RULES - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By JOEJOE - November 7 - 10:00 am

  awesome imporvements rideslike a magic carpet

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  New Car in Town - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By hm goldberg - October 31 - 10:00 am

  After a lot of inspection of the BMW, Cadillac and other "mini " SUV we purchased the RX 330 . The dealer made it a smooth purchase and the vehicle and sales persons exceeded our expectations. Plenty of hp when we get on the highway and plenty or cargo space to haul cartons. The rear TV camera can be a hazard. The distortion can back you into a wall.

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  RX rattles - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By khoffman - October 27 - 11:53 pm

  My RX has rattled since day one. I have had it in several times for rattles in the back seat, the door and the glove box. I love the way it drives and rides. The quality of the basic stereo is only fair. The CD player is poorer than the radio. I have had two parts replaced on my back hatch door. My dealer has given me great service and Lexus has fixed everything, but I have had my car worked on too many times!

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By nebtap - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my midlife crisis car - love it! Tried the Infiniti fx - too stiff. This has rteh luxurious ride I wanted, teh power, and not too large. Cerritos Lexus was GREAT - definitely deal with their internet rep, as it was no haggle and a good price.

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  A Disappointing RX 330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Paul in Dallas - October 19 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle as some unusual annoyances for such a luxury brand as Lexus. 1. the central console area very strange. I cannot even find a good place to put my cell phone. 2. The brake pedal makes this bouncing sound, if you release it too quickly. 3. the sun visor is not tight enough when it is dropped down on the driver side window. It would swing over and hit my head sometimes. 4. The biggest annoyance so far is the moonroof. It will make a constant low volume squeaking/twisting noise while the vehicle is moving. The only way muffle the noise is to shut the moonroof interior panel.