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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  Very Dissapointed - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By chef86 - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I just went in for my 1,000 mile check up. I have a gas tank that is supposed to hold 19 gallons of gas that only takes 15.5 gallons. The defect with either the gas tank or the computer system is not covered under the warrantee so I get to guess how far I can drive. Second, when applying gas on the highway and then letting up on the gas for a moment and then accelerating, there is a defect whereby the car bucks badly. When I told the technician about it he said that he knew about it asked if I thought I had been rear ended (I had). He told me that another Lexus model had already been recalled due to complaints. Problems plus bad service and this Lexus

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  Great and Fun to Drive Vehicle - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By HQN - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Good acceleration at all speeds, including passing power on freeway. Transmission lag on 2004 model is gone. The 19/25 mpg accounts for the extra transmission responsiveness. Smooth and quiet ride. Good gas mileage.

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  Best vehicle ever owned - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Lildebbr - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 04 RX330 after having the 03 ES300. While the ES300 was a fine automobile, my toy (RX330) is tops. I love its appearance and I just love driving it. Definitely the best automobile purchase Ive ever made.

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  Highly Recommend - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By JP122 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Very smooth and quiet ride. Handles terrific and easy to drive.Would HIGHLY recommend. I just traded in a Mercedes ML for this and there is absolutly no comparison. The ML was a total junk and was in the shop more than on the road.The ride, comfort and performance couldnt compare.

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  Quality SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Chuck Theodora - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Words in a nut shell - GREAT CAR

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  Best of the Best - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Tom - July 18 - 12:26 pm

  Best of the best in mid size SUVs

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  Awesome vehicle...... Love it!!!! - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Mahale - July 2 - 11:26 am

  The RX 330 is an awesome vehicle. Truly a Lexus. Comfortable, drives well. Love the gizmos in the car.

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  RX 330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Brett - June 23 - 2:00 am

  WOW! this car is great! It moves like the wind, and is very nice, i recomend ANYONE to buy this car, thanks, "Bob"

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  My Second One - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By UKen - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Had a 2000 RX300 and was in a very nasty freak accident last June. I am totally convinced that my life was spared by the Grace of God and the design by Lexus. The vehicle "performed" exactly as it was supposed to during this crash. It was totalled and, other than a serious foot injury, I hopped away relatively intact. As soon as I was able to drive again, I purchased an RX330. Beautiful, comfortable, yet safe.

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  Happy Ride - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By middle income - June 21 - 7:20 am

  Very good handling and stopping. Enough guts to get out of the way. Not a sports car, but that isnt the intent.