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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  RX 330 FWD - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By GLFR 23 - May 25 - 6:10 pm

  Very high quality and reliability. Just changed from a RX 300 and its really improved; turning radius, console, more horsepower, stereo controls on steering wheel, really love this car.

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  RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By JASJASJAS - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is the most pratical 5- seating SUV on teh road. I picked this over the Highlander, BMW X5, Porches SUV (Audi and VW will be coming out with identical models), and others. It COMFORTABLY seats 5, and has trunk space, unlike the over priced and uncomfortable BMW X5.

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  awesome - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By aurea - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 02 4 Runner, and this 330 RX is exceptionally awesome, it drives like a car. I got the Flint Mica w/ Black interior, it does look classy.

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  Known Defect With RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By starforce - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I read all the reports on Edmunds and Consumer Reports and was thourghly dissapointed when I bought the car to learn that it has a known defect that Lexus hasnt fixed. When stopping at red lights with the AC on the steering wheel vibrates. The Lexus service and told me that this is a known problem and they couldnt do anything at this time. What I cant believe is that nobody in this group seem to mention it.

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  Transmission Problems - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By HAl K - April 20 - 10:00 am

  For those who have not checked into this car throughly, I suggest googling: "ES330 hesitation." Mine hesistates badly at both low and high speeds, which the dealer says is "normal." I would not recommend anyone buy a 2004 ES or RX330 until Lexus stops stonewalling and addresses the problem.

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  Forget the RX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Cutie - April 18 - 12:06 am

  This car has the slowest responding transmission Ive ever owned. Downshifts 2 gears when accelerating. Not responsive. Do your web homework and careful test drive on freeway. Push the RX and youll see, clunks through gears. Also, leather is cheap inside, and plastic feels cheap. Some models have no power door, no telescoping steering wheel, no leather. Dont buy this! 3 trips to the dealer, nothing but frustration. They say car is normal each time, want to reset ECU.

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  Awesome 330! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By adb3 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  After much study, pre-ordered the 330 six weeks prior to arrival because I was convinced it would be a winner. Received my Black-on-Black AWD NAV/VP at the end of March and its been happy driving ever since. Build quality, luxury, performance, features--just about a homerun in every category. As expected, the 330 upholds the Lexus tradition of top-notch reliability. Not one problem to report. The only problem is that once the word gets out-- the 330 will be as or more popular than the 300 it is replacing.

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  The Lexus Rx 330 has been teriffic - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By allyson rowen - March 26 - 6:40 pm

  I have driven this car and not once had a problem with it. It is comfortable, quiet, fun to drive, and is elegant as well. I have teenage kids, and even when they go to college, I will continue to drive this car. It had the automatic trunk door opener, which is great when my hands are full, and they are a lot!

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  Best Purchase Ever - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By deputypaul - March 26 - 2:00 am

  What a wonderful car/truck.

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  The right decision - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Bwild - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I really like this car. It drives as nice as any sedan. The ride is very smooth and the interior is quiet. My purchase decision was between the RX 330 and the BMW X-5. The quality of the sales professionals at Lexus was the deciding factor.