2005 Lexus ES 330 Consumer Reviews

Best FWD used car value for under $20K

Written by: nixima on 05/26/2009

Vehicle

2005 Lexus ES 330 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I test drove the Passat, A4, TL, and G35. They are all nice cars but the ES330 drives more smoothly, is more luxurious, does not require premium unleaded, and is more roomy inside. The transmission isn't as bad as some of the other reviewers have stated. Once in awhile it will have problems finding the right gear but 99% of the time it's fine. Other problem areas are the steering knuckle joint makes noise during the winter (there is a TSB for this). The headlights were aimed way too low but are easily adjusted with a screwdriver. The stock Michelin tires are not very good in the snow. Overall the goods outweigh the bads for the ES330.

Favorite Features

heated/cooled seats, regular unleaded gas, rain sensing wipers, stereo, paint and wheels, big sunroof, rear window shade, headlights (once you aim them up a bunch), cabin quietness, ice cold AC, same engine as the Sienna (same oil filter), large trunk, back seat room

Suggested Improvements

cup holders, handling, traction in snow, transmission, steering knuckle noise

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Love it!

Written by: Kathy on 03/05/2009

Vehicle

2005 Lexus ES 330 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I love this car! Bought this car last summer after driving an Acura TL. I have always loved the classy look of a Lexus car...I get compliments all the time on my car (it's white). Drive is quiet & feels great, have had no mechanical issues at all. The cup holder is my only complaint--it's not deep enough and you have to hold on to the cup so it doesn't tip over. Otherwise, LOVE IT!

Favorite Features

Love the "auto" windshield wipers. Having heated & cooled seats is pretty cool.

Suggested Improvements

Improved cup holder for sure!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great car

Written by: JJG on 02/23/2009

Vehicle

2005 Lexus ES 330 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This is a great car in the snow. I went from all wheel drive to this and do not regret it. The stability control works great. It is a very quiet car low road noise.

Favorite Features

The navigation system works great. It has a roomy trunk.

Suggested Improvements

They should have the memory set to the key. My last car even brought the sound system back to where I had it when I opened the door.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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For What It Is, It Is Perfect

Written by: Synthetic on 01/27/2009

Vehicle

2005 Lexus ES 330 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Just bought with 44,500 miles. It replaces our LS 400 which we drove for 15 years until it was sideswiped. This is a beautifully balanced car in all regards: comfortable, reliable, economical, and loaded with lux features. Unlike some other raters, this transmission is very smooth.. no issues at all (and I was looking for them). We are delighted, and look forward to another 15 year run in this Lexus. The ES is not as cushy as our LS, but it is close, and about 25% more economical on fuel.

Favorite Features

Ride, navigation, seat comfort and styling, shift gate design, HID headlamps, auto climate control with dual controls, fit & finish inside and out, quiet, well balanced steering feedback, and it's not too flashy... it has a sort of finesse about it. A great, great, car.

Suggested Improvements

Front cup holders are too low to grab tall containers (such as water bottles and my thermal coffee cup).

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Solid vehicle for under $20K

Written by: Dirty McNasty on 01/27/2009

Vehicle

2005 Lexus ES 330 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This is my first Lexus and most certainly not my last. It's funny how people don't understand how nice a Lexus is until they actually own one. They do so many little things to their vehicles that other's don't. When you finally own a car that's made in Japan, you'll understand. Yes, there is a known transmission jerk that you learn to avoid, trust me I own one. Plus, the dealer has a flash for the ECU to almost fix it.

Favorite Features

Comfort. Every car I've ever owned I get more and more uncomfortable the longer the trip. The exact opposite happens in this vehicle. By the way, it has enough power and handling to satisfy the 30 plus crowd, under 30 need not apply.

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders, it's designed for Venti Starbucks coffee and nothing else, granted thats what I put in there 90% of the time.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Watch That Dealer

Written by: Janice on 12/16/2008

Vehicle

2005 Lexus ES 330 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Recently purchased 2005 Lexus 330, absolutely FABULOUS! Replacing brake pads and rotors because dealer pulled one over on me, but this car is my dream. One note: gas pedal seems a little sluggish, not sure if it's the high heels or not. I couldn't decide what to replace my 11yr old Mazda with and decided to go with a total luxury vehicle that is reliable and gorgeous. Believe me, I did my homework. This car "rocks"!

Favorite Features

Navigation system, seat height when I enter vehicle.

Suggested Improvements

Placement of gas pedal, not user friendly

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Outstanding 2005 ES 330 with 48K miles

Written by: MJW on 11/19/2008

Vehicle

2005 Lexus ES 330 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I've had my ES 330 for 3 months and have made one rather lengthy trip, plus drive to work every day. I haven't experienced the transmission problems that others have. The navigation system that many complain about is fine. Read the manual and plan ahead. I agree the cup holders leave a lot to be desired. The sound system is great, but I wish the CD changer was in the dash. As for gas mileage - on my 1500+ mile trip I averaged 28.65 MPG, which includes driving into some heavy head wind - average speed 70+. Not a sexy car, but I am glad a made this purchase. Perhaps I just got lucky?

Favorite Features

Heated and cooled front seats; rain-sensing wipers; great sound system; great fuel economy; smooth ride (and properly functioning transmission). I have all maintenance records (all work done at Lexus) - this car has never had a major problem.

Suggested Improvements

Better cup holders; CD changer should be in the dash, not in the center console (I believe the ES350 improved in these areas); floor mats are not as good as Toyota - they should be equal to or better than Toyota Camry floor mats.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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DON'T BUY A 2005 MODEL

Written by: Tamra Parks on 08/08/2008

Vehicle

2005 Lexus ES 330 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I have the same issues as others with the transmission and it drives me crazy. I complained at the 5,000 mile checkup and the dealership told me, "We know about this common complaint, but you will get used to it." In other words, too bad. My car has 63,000 miles and I have not gotten used to it. So I will never buy another Lexus because of it. This is my second one. Also, the cup holder is so flimsy that it broke and they want $380 to fix it. The quality is equivalent to what you would find in a $10,000 car.

Favorite Features

Heated and cooled seats.

Suggested Improvements

See above.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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2005 ES 330

Written by: Rich on 07/26/2008

Vehicle

2005 Lexus ES 330 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 5A)

Review

The ES is a pleasure to drive and one of the quietest cars I have ever been in. It offers a great ride with nice power. Controls are logically laid out for easy operation while driving. My 3 points of criticism are: 1) Terrible cup holders 2) Transmission hesitates when accelerating from a slow roll is a very poor design on this model 3) Front seat should be longer to reach closer to your knee for improved comfort and better support "under leg".

Favorite Features

Great looking car, quiet drive, maintains value.

Suggested Improvements

Improve cup holders so that every time you turn the wheel your drink doesn't fall out. Improve computer calibration on transmission to eliminate hesitation noted above. Increase length of front seats by 2-3" to improve comfort and support.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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So here's the deal...

Written by: Greenespace on 05/13/2008

Vehicle

2005 Lexus ES 330 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Overall, it's a great and reliable car. The pluses include a quiet ride, extreme reliability, plenty of legroom, and an excellent stereo, even if it's just the premium, not the Mark Levinson version. The biggest negative I can think of is that the transmissions in these cars are awful in lower gears. You WILL be jerked around, especially if you are rolling at low speeds and then accelerate. However, other than that, an excellent buy and a car that is hard to go wrong with.

Favorite Features

Fairly smooth ride, quiet, extreme reliability, good stereo, well laid out cockpit for the money.

Suggested Improvements

Could be a little more stylish from the exterior- not exactly a Mercedes in that dept. Transmission definitely was a problem on these cars. Won't go out, but will jerk you around a bit.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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