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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  Smooth Ride - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By candy - February 27 - 3:33 am

  The Lexus 330 is a luxury vehicle. The ride is extremely comfortable. The interior is very roomy. The vehicle handles well in inclement weather conditions. I really enjoy driving my Lexus.

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  Love It! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By klkrlk - February 24 - 10:00 am

  My wife bought this for me as a gift for my recent promotion; WOW! I couldnt ask for a better gift. Lexus has, once again, hit the nail on the head on the RX redesign, making a great SUV even better. I particularly like the upscale interior and the sporty exterior. The ride is super smooth, quiet, and surprisingly agile. I cant get over the extremely soft leather, the highly polished wood trim, and the little extras which make owning a Lexus special. I am extremely pleased with this car and would definitely recommend this vehicle to anyone reading this review.

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  Easiest Car Buying Decision I Ever Made - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By gatr - February 15 - 10:00 am

  The RX 330 is a pleasure to drive and has plenty of power at all speeds. Mine has the 18 inch wheels and they are very smooth and quiet. The new exterior is turning heads and because of the more aggresive styling it is no longer a "soccer mom" vehicle. The power rear door is very convenient and can be opened inside my garage with the garage door up or down. The RX fits in the gargage without having to take eveything else out. So far this vehicle has been flawless and the dealership experience was painless. If the RX was a sports car that got 30 mpg then it would gotten a perfect 10.

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  Our Second RX - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By DonS - February 10 - 10:00 am

  The new RX330 is a marked improvement over my 1999 model. I love its smaller turning circle, its more powerful engine and its smoother ride. I love the interior finish except for the imitation stainless steel sement which cheapens the look in my opinion. Also appreciate the automatic rear door and rear view TV.

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  what a masterpiece - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By flipvf143 - February 10 - 10:00 am

  all i have to say is wow nothing compares in comfort quality or asthetics not the beamer not the mercedes this is top notch workmanship

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  RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By detayl - February 4 - 10:00 am

  My Rx330 was one of the first on the road,purchased on March 31,2003. I was first impressed by the styling of the interior and exterior. The rearview camera and the in dash six cd player are nice additions. The navigation system is one of the best on the market. I have sampled Mercedes and the BMW SUVs and the Lexus far out class them in features, style, safety and preformance.

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  2004 Lexus RX 330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By dbarck - January 30 - 7:33 am

  Excellent sound system; very quiet car when at freeway speeds; very, very comfortable for long trips -- leaves you feeling relaxed. Rear view camera and automatic refocusing of side mirrors aids greatly in backing. Good service by dealer.

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  NIGHTMARE - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Cathy S - January 22 - 2:00 am

  My RX330 was in for service 4 times in the 1st month that I owned the vehicle. They are unable to fix the alignment and I have had 3 speakers replaced & another broken one. No one from Lexus would return a call until the 4th time that I called and demanded to speak with a real person. They said they would replace my car and then said something different. McGrath wouldnt take it back because they said it was used. They gave me a defective car but no one would help......until I contacted an attorney.

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  excellent car, pleasure to drive - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By JC - January 10 - 9:46 pm

  The car is a pleasure to drive. It is solid and quiet, smooth, responds fast when you have to accelerate or brake. The interior is nice, the sound system is excellent. I wish I would have bought the dvd system for long drives.

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  A Definite Step Up - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Voltus - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I bit the bullet and shelled out the money to buy the car that had the most gadgets. I love this thing. The leather seats are so soft, not slippery like other cars with leather seats that I have had. It feels great to drive it and be seen in it. Thanks for making a great car. I cant wait to see whats avaialble after I pay this thing off.