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 F. Nobbee - May 12 - 10:40 am

  I love this vehicle, but my kids hate it, they dont have the space like they had in the LR3, but we dont use this as our family vehicle. It is a lot better on gas and I got this as a steal so it was hard to pass up especially with the unpredictable gas prices. Sporty look is great, a features are fine. I havent taken it on a road trip yet but probably wont (Ill use the minivan). This car handles great and has a lot of features that are not standard in other vehicles. I bought this one used so let see how it stands up to the Lexus reputation of quality and endurance.

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  Plush - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Jason Kim - May 12 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is the most comfortable and eliquently designed luxury SUV in the market.

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  Great vehicle - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By neilmas - May 12 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV so I looked at quite a few before making my decision. Handles like a car with the benifits of 4 wd and extra cargo. The styling is sporty and sleek. The interior has all the amenities you could think of. If you are looking for an SUV that doesnt look or act like it,this is it!! Great for Single or family with 1 or 2 kids.

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  New Lexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By BabyBlue - May 8 - 11:20 am

  An Excellent car but not without shortcomings. Mileage should be better on the highway. Great ride and comfort. The pillars limit visability so must be extra cautious in reverse. Quiet. Soft (loose) steering but not bad for a car this heavy. Car designed for comfort not performance or economy.

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  Remarkable Quality, Reasonable Price - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By knighttime - April 11 - 2:20 pm

  Lexus customer service is superior, making this a great make to own. The RX 330 is large enough to be easy to drive, while not taking up a full parking space and getting all the usual door dings, etc. The handling is excellent and its just plain fun to drive.

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  Engine noise - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By llgf - April 8 - 10:00 am

  While ideling in the cold, there is an engine noise transmitted to the passenger compartment. It is quite disturbing and Lexus says it does not know the reason for the noise. Very disappointed

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  RX - A new standard for crossovers - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Dianne & Ash - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I bot the RX in 99 and at the time I thought it was the most well-rounded SUV out there. The new 330 is so much improved - I feel Im driving a completely different car. Having checked out the X5, FX45, MDX, XC90 - which are all top notch - I had to go with the 330 again since it does just about every thing so well.

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  Great! - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By c - March 30 - 4:03 am

  I am a Mercedes person so I did not know what to expect when I got my RX. I will never go back to Mercedes now. This car is incredible. It is fun to drive and I do not even feel like I am in a SUV. I cant wait to get the hybrid.

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  Headlight problem - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By lexusowner - March 12 - 2:30 am

  The car is otherwise excellent with one major problem: because of the brightness of the high intensity headlights, they level off at a low level, and the top half of your field of vision is very dark (otherwise other drivers will feel blinded). Very evident driving in the hills or on a freeway when there is very little traffic. Depending on the steepness of the road, may not see more than 25 feet in front of you. Lexus told me it is a known problem with this model in particular but dont know theres much they can do. Id be interested in whether others have had this problem or ideas where to research it.

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  A Great Car...er SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By TLabonteFan - March 12 - 2:00 am

  The RX has a smooth, quiet ride. The transmission shifts real smooth, though it shifts a little sooner than Id like. The quality of the leather and fit-and-finish of the interior is top notch. I dont think its lacking in horsepower - I went from a 285hp GMC Yukon to the RX, and I gladly gave up the extra HP/TQ for a much better quality vehicle. Overall, the best car Ive ever bought.