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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  Great car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Starryeyes - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Great handling in the snow, nice ride,

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  CLUNK NOISE FOR 6 MONTHS - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By R. A. Berlin - January 24 - 10:00 am

  For the 1st 6 months, I kept hearing a clunking noise when slowing or stopping. The dealer heard the noise but did not have the equipment to repair. Passengers could hear the noise also. Finally Lexus sent the equipment to finally repair. This was very dissapointing for a $40,000 car. It was NOT the dealers fault. FACTORY was at fault.

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

  I find that it is diffucult to see objects that are about 10 or 15 feet in front of me with my low beams

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  5th One to Own - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Rducks - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my 5th Lexus to own, my 2nd RX SUV. Ive NEVER had any type of engine/car performance problem! Gas Mileage has been great. Not many SUVs get 24+ m/g on the open road. The car is not only good looking, but easy to handle, reliable, easy to drive in rain and snow. Service that goes with owning a Lexus is great - no hassle- but then again never a major problem!

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

  Very nice and does wellin the winter environme3nt

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  Lexus is the best Automobile on the Road - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Marvin L - January 23 - 10:10 am

  A Lexus is designed to run, all the time, no fuss. Plus you get technology, comfort, and A+++ Dealer service. I like my vehicles detailed and perfect. I hate when things dont work. Go Lexus.

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  RX330 is worth the price paid - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Dubie - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I have been an owner of SUVs for over 8 years. I was planning to buy the same model and make, but the 2004 version did not impress me. I went to Lexus and took the RX330 for a test drive and was completely surprised by the ride and its ability to hug the road going around turns. Although the price tag was higher then what I wanted to spend, I decided that I would buy the Lexus I test drove. After owning it for 5 months I am glad I did, it has surpassed all my expectations in an SUV.

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  My First SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Abaco Joe - January 20 - 10:00 am

  After 6 months and 9000 miles I have had no problems at all.Friends, relatives and neighbors who spent less for something else are realizing just how much I really got. The Rx is what they all aspired to but didnt do it. Comforable, secure and stylish. Im even happy sitting in traffic jams. No wonder it is the best selling SUV in its class in the world. No special financing or rebates with Lexus. However, they did buy out my lease 5 months early and did not add it into the purchase price. This is my first SUV and first non- Detroit vehicle.I have no regrets. I am looking forward to the AWD experience this winter and getting to and from the slopes safe and secure. I love my Rx.

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  Pretty good, but expect more from Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By BryanW - January 15 - 12:03 am

  After reading so much about Lexus reliability and dealer service, Im underwhelmed. Its not bad, but its not great, certainly not a rating of "5" that every dealership employee begs that you give them. Our car had been good - good power, good comfort, decent reliability. The suspension in tuned too soft for my taste, and the FWD is not ideal. In the 33k miles weve had the car, weve had several items break. This includes the HID headlights, Brake master cylinder (took 3 trys to get this one fixed), auto climate control still does not work right, rear power liftgate problems, and driver sun visor. Stock Goodyears wear out in 20k miles.

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  Sunglasses Mandatory! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By OskiGuy - January 11 - 10:00 am

  Was very much impressed with the overall product. Roominess in front and rear was exceptional. Ride totally Lexus. Acceleration and "punch" OK. Quiet like a Lexus should be. Exterior design is appealing and has an "edge" (good one).