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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  Excellent Review on Rx330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By evelyn davis - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Great - previously owned 1999 rx300. Loved that one also

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  Simpy The Best!!!! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By TNick - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Luxurious, quiet, price competetive!!!!

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  Excellent vehicle - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By J. Gordon - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a compact SUV that zips around town, is fun to drive, has enough storage for most things, and is well built. Enjoy it much more than the Mercedes SUV and price is better than BMW or others in the luxury class without any compromise of features, style and quality.

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  Good value, great vehicle, - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By British Baron - January 24 - 10:00 am

  So sooth a ride that got a ticket from ayoung cop said we were going 81 in 55 zone. Not another car in sight on a brand new stretch of 4 lane divided highway.

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  RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Mary Lee-Butte - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle performs great in bad weather. Great interior and exterior. My favorite vehicle yet. Comfortable ride; great steering; excellent air and heat circulation; awesome stereo!

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  Hazels Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Hazel Macik - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The smoothest ride we have ever experienced.

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  #1 LUV on the the road. - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By John Ryan - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a dream. It drives and handles like a car, but rides high and gives you that king of the road feel. There has been absolutely no trouble with this vehicle and we just drove 2000 miles in 4 days without a hicup. My wife and I are former Mercedes Benz owners, and the ML series was no match. With the features included in our package (navigation system etc.) price was far better, as well. Fuel economy has been as expected and the 3.3 engine has plenty of pep. This has easily been the best experience with a new car. Many of our previous purchases always had a problem that needed to be addressed in the first month or so. Bravo to Lexus.

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  Will buy newer models - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By john alford - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Have a 2002 RX300 and a 2004 RX330. Enjoy both. Get better gas mileage with the 2002. Really enjoy the automatic tailgate on the 2004. Enjoy the center console on the 2002 more. Like the factory installed towing package on the 2002 and disappointed that you could not get it on the 2004. Will probably buy the new models also.

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  RX-cellence - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By johngrindstaff - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for nearly two years and have not had one single problem with it, either structurally or mechanically. And for an SVU, the RX gets great gas mileage.

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  Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By webb - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The only thing that I can find wrong with the Lexus 330 is that there is still no convenient place to put my purse when I drive. Unless one has a van, this is a persistent problem. Other than that, this is the best car I have ever had, smooth, fast, reliable, attractive, comfortable with great attention to detail. You will be delighted!