2004 Lexus RX 330 Review
Fuel Economy
19 - 20 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Offering all the refinement of its predecessor, the RX 330 improves upon an already well-rounded luxury SUV with added style, interior space, features and agility.
Pros
Well-appointed interior, smooth ride, loaded with high-tech features.
Cons
Can get expensive with options, less powerful than some of its competitors.
What's New for 2004
The RX 330 is a fully redesigned replacement for the top-selling RX 300.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Excellent!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Lexus RX 330 4dr Fwd SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Extremely comfortable! Get 17-19 in town. 27-28 on highway. AMAZING marriage of mileage, performance, comfort, luxury, reliability, and ergonomics. All considered, very well worth the extra dollar or two, but don't confuse cost and value. This is an excellent, efficient, versatile, ultra-reliable vehicle!
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
My Lexus
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 2 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Lexus RX 330 4dr Fwd SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
My wife and I purchased this vehicle for her, and since I must drive it periodically I feel free to comment on it. I am somewhat disappointed with the performance and handling aspects of this vehicle, it handles almost as badly as my Isuzu and no where near as well as my Benz. The transmission and the parts cost are my single major complaints, as well as the service intervals, which for a vehicle of this so called caliber should be less frequent. The transmission really feels like an old Yugo with a stick, too much jerky and choppy. I would not purchase another Lexus until they could assure me that this and the maintenance intervals are more rational.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Transmission, maintenance intervals
Bad Model
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Lexus RX 330 4dr AWD SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Bought the 2004 Lexus because I drove the RX 300 and loved it. Yet this car has disappointed. The transmission lags horribly! Going from a stop, you press on the gas with no response and then a huge lurch forward. We took it into the dealer and explained the problem and they insisted nothing was wrong and it was "how they all run". Only to talk to them 4 years later and they admit that this car was underpowered. However, the styling, space, and comfort was exceptional.
Favorite Features
User friendly navigation, reclining rear seats, backup camera, power lift gate.
Suggested Improvements
Horrible transmission (we are waiting for them to put a v8 in), dashboard creaks, large dark space when headlights are on the road.
Could be Better
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Lexus RX 330 4dr AWD SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
This is a reliable, quiet vehicle that get fairly good mpg for an suv, but it is not a driver's car. Driver ergonomics and handling characteristics are disappointing. The driver's seat is not deep enough and does not have good thigh support; the pedals could be more vertical - I get tired after extended driving. The steering is too light and is easily influenced by every undulation on the road. The transmission refuses to downshift, especially when you're at 2200-2400 rpm and need to pass or merge. The engine revs up, but the tranny refuses to kick in - I've had to manually downshift to 3rd gear many times - wost tranny I've had. The verdict: I think Lexus designed this for my wife.
Favorite Features
Roomy, quiet, smooth ride, reliable, fair mpg, power liftgate, roomy rear armrest storage bin, rear seat legroom, reclining rear seats.
Suggested Improvements
Driver ergonomics, transmission, steering, instrument cluster lighting that makes you think your headlights are on, rear back-up lights need to point toward the ground, headlights don't illuminate as far down the road as I would like, compartment for cell phones, height-adjustable passenger seats.
Great Ride!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Lexus RX 330 4dr Fwd SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I have had this vehicle for 3 years with no problems! The rear camera works great and the ride is very nice. My only complaint would be its slight stall when accelerating other then that the best car I have ever owned.
Favorite Features
Comfort and height.
Suggested Improvements
Acceleration.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2006 Lexus RX 330
- 2005 Lexus RX 330
- 2004 Lexus RX 330
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