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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The Best SUV ever made!!! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By Takki808 - July 15 - 10:00 amEverything about it is a dream! Drives smooth!!
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LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my RX330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
By 1summerred - July 13 - 1:19 pmI really do love this vehicle. I wasnt even in the market for a Lexus. I have owned 3 Toyota 4-Runners in the past and was looking for another 4-Runner when I found my Lexus gem. I was looking in the $15K price range and wanted leather interior and 4 wheel drive. I was not able to find a 4-Runner that met these needs in my price range. I haphazardly saw the Lexus RX330 at a dealer lot, test drove it and fell in love. It didnt hurt that it only had 65k miles and was $15K with more bells and whistles than what I was originally looking for. I wont buy anything else. I also had a great dealership to work with which helped immensely.
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Joy to Ride - 2006 Lexus RX 330
By Howard - July 4 - 9:10 pmThe idea of being able to slide into a car seat without bending is great on an older body. This car drives smooth both in the city and on the highway. Pick up speed when needed is there. Comfort while driving is a plus. The car is reliable - knowing that your vehicle will not break down at any time is a relief. Lexus dealerships are among the best anywhere, both for service and help. I really love my car. My friends who drive with me all compliment the features of this car.
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Waste of Money - 2005 Lexus RX 330
By CarProfessional - June 29 - 10:30 pmThe purchase of this vehicle is now my most costly mistake. Based on the quality of Toyota trucks I have owned, I bought the RX330. The RXs interior is luxurious, and has nice features, but it is the poorest performing vehicle Ive ever driven. The transmission can take over one second to shift. Very dangerous when a car is coming toward you. When accelerating on freeway, RX goes through 2 gears to find the right one. Slowest responding transmission on the market Ive driven. Also the windshield fogs so severely inside that you have to constantly run the defroster which runs the A/C. Significantly reduces gas milage and visability for yet another major safety issue.
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Better than my 99 rx300 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
By harvey brown - June 29 - 2:33 pmA pleasure to drive. Very comfortable and has a very heavy comfortable drive. Great on long trips. Easy to manuver. Love it.
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Lexus RX x 2 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By chiatjh - June 12 - 2:00 amThis is the second RX (mines is the hand me down)The new RX330 is a sexy beast. Plenty of leg room head room and Vroom. Previously, we were Ford owners but this car is a real head turner.
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I had a better transmission on my Yugo - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By Rondell - June 12 - 2:00 amA fine SUV except for the tranny. Its horrible. Ive had 3 other Lexus autos and every other tranny was smooth, but this one jerks and hesitates at 2nd and 4th gear. I threw away 46 grand.
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The Best Car Ive driven! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By Sam Consiglio - June 8 - 10:00 amI like the quiet and comfortable ride. Also the power is there when I need it for highway driving.
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RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
By WBEnterprise - June 8 - 10:00 amRelaibility is of the utmost. This vehicle has been the most reliable vehicle ever owned. Will never buy any other kind.
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Fabulous - 2005 Lexus RX 330
By marlog1 - June 5 - 7:43 pmGreat ride. Highy recommend it. Gas mileage is better than I expected. Very comfortable.
