2005 Lexus ES 330 Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

A supple ride and a gorgeous interior make this one entry-level luxury sedan that you'll never want to upgrade from.

Pros

Comprehensive array of luxury and convenience features, superb ride quality, silent cabin, advanced safety technology, excellent reputation for reliability.

Cons

Bland driving characteristics, many of the most desirable options are expensive, no split-folding rear seat.

What's New for 2005

Lexus polished up some of the details on the ES 330 for 2005. Revised exterior styling includes a new front and rear appearance with updated lighting and trim. Inside, color revisions and new wood availability keep things fresh. New 17-inch wheels are available in either chrome or alloy finish. A memory function now applies to both the driver and front-passenger seats, and heated and ventilated front seats are a new option. A revised steering wheel with auxiliary audio controls debuts, as does voice activation technology for the optional navigation system.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

From one Lexus to another

Written by: Tim Palko on 08/31/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	10

Vehicle

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

Review

This is my second Lexus, my first a 05 LS430. Drove it for 5 years and loved every minute of it. I wanted another Lexus but couldn't afford a new LS so I purchased a 05 ES330 and love it. Same great features and Lexus ride. No transmission problem noticed because I do a lot of Highway driving. As far as cup holders, well you shouldn't be drinking anyway.

Favorite Features

Ride, Stereo, AC

Suggested Improvements

None

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Love it more each day

Written by: LIONLADY on 07/24/2009


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	8

At first I didn't like the performance, but after driving it for three years, it seems to know my heavy foot and quick response I need. Now, it suits me to a T and my husband (a BMW) owner loves taking the Lexus on long distances.

The interior is so beautiful and the seats are like a fine sofa. My CD's sound amazing!

The cup holders are poorly designed. I need to hold onto my coffee cup or it will surely fall over the low clasps. Otherwise, I don't have anything but raves for my ES330.

1st time Lexus Owner

Written by: NJ Owner on 06/23/2009


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	7	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	8

Overall, a very nice car. Cost of operation is very good. Oil change charge is the same as a regular Toyota. Not like Mercedes or BMW where it's $30 for the filter alone. MPG is 26. Good highway performance. More of a cushion ride, not a tight ride like BMW or Mercedes. Purchased pre-owned with 20K miles for $19K, with 6 months of original warranty. My only dislike is wind noise coming from moonroof. Great value!

Interior design is very comfortable and well designed. Good sound system. Cruise control well placed. Leather seats comfortable.

Moon roof wind noise when closed.

A beautiful machine!

Written by: Alex on 06/17/2009


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	9

We bought this car used in March of 2008 (Certified though), and we have had absolutely no mechanical problems with it (minus one tire that had an improper seal, easily fixed)! One of the best cars we've owned! We used to be a Honda/Volvo family, but my husband acquired my stepmother's 2002 RX300 in 2005, and since then, we have fallen in love with the brand. A reliable, QUIET car! Only improvement would be better mileage around town, we're getting about 17.5, which is still good for a V6! Kudos, Lexus!

Navigation, Steering Wheel Functions, Rear-Window Shade

Better City Fuel Economy Rating!

Best FWD used car value for under $20K

Written by: nixima on 05/26/2009


Performance:	6	Fun-to-Drive:	7	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	8

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.

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

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

2005 Lexus ES 330 Consumer Ratings & Reviews