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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  Lexus 330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By hamathome - June 12 - 2:00 am

  a real dog. Transmission problems make the drive jerky. Have been told by repair people they have other similar compalints about transmission problem. We were told car will "adjust to our driving style." What???

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  LEXUS ROX - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By PRIMETIME - June 12 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS THE SWEETEST CAR EVER

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  Quite the Car... - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Matatora - June 6 - 7:13 am

  I drove an SLK for five years,this 05 RX 330 has been a godsend. I got it it on 12-31 and drove @1000 miles two days later I have never enjoyed such a quiet ride. I have put about 3200 miles on my RX and couldnt be more pleased, it makes even traintracks dissapear. I LOVE IT!

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  The Bomb - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Iris E. Bailey - June 3 - 11:33 pm

  I love this car. I enjoy the comfortable feel of the suspension. I feel like Im floating on air. I love the fact that I have a cassette, CD changer and a DVD. WOW.

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  Nothing But A Lexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Mrs. Valerie Jameson - June 1 - 10:56 am

  The comfort, reliability, and safety issues with my Lexus were all a big plus for me. Having all that in my vehicle along with the styling and elegance was enough to convince me it was the better choice to purchase. The service I have received after the purchase couldnt get any better. Im totally convinced that I would never buy any other vehicle except a Lexus. Im completely spoiled by its quality and overall performance.

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  big little truck - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By epirush - June 1 - 10:00 am

  first lexus, switched from mercedes sedan. feel much happier with solidness/quality compared to new/recent mercedes vehicles........mainly switched due to recent poor reliability and subpar dealer service with mercedes; give me a pontiac as a loaner vehicle every time.rediculous! hoping to be happy and stay lexus family.

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  Its a Great Car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By bcwash - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive been very happy with my decision to buy the RX330. It basically came down to the fact that the Lexus design and quality were superior to the competition and that I could live without a 7 passenger capacity. Its a great car, with a lot of features and luxury accomodations that make it fun to drive, plus it should be a quality vehicle for many years.

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  Windblown - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By baded - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Anyway to quiet the wind noise around the pass and drivers doors?

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  I love my Lexus SUV 330 RX - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Malvene Peck - May 21 - 12:50 am

  The one problem I have is there is really not a lot of room for the backseat participants....other than thatI love the Car - easy to maneuver and am comfortable driving it and dont feel like I am in an oversize monster. In FOUR words "I LOVE MY LEXUS"

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  Quality Car like Utility Vehicle - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Alvin Mund - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This my first LUV and it my third Lexus and I find this a very practicle car like vehicle that drives and has a excellent ride and quiet interior. I purchase this Lexus in Florida and drove to Albuquerque New Mexico where I now reside. This is a Front Drive model and the only one I could get immediate delivery in Florida with out special order for 4 wheel drive. I was concerned about this , because of my move to this mountain area. I am now glad I purchased this model because of it`s better fuel milage and quicker excelleration. My next Lexus will be this model as a hybrid (gas & electric. I have just recently drove from Albuquerque to Denver Colorado and then 11,740 Feet up to Fair Play COL