Used 2004 Lexus ES 330 Consumer Reviews
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Rough
The cars ride and comfort is great! The transmission is some what to be desired. Rough shifting and hesitation on exceleration. Repair shops just says that the way it is. There is nothing they can do.
Great First
This car is great but would have suggested to G35 or GS or Ls for a more smooth luxury feeling. But I've enjoyed this car so far and hope there's many more years to come.
- Base SedanMSRP: $8,99125 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $8,95087 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $8,49094 mi away
Lexis ES or Acura TL
The Acura dealer made a huge mistake. I told him that I couldn't commit to the TL until I drove a Lexus ES. The ES is not just quite it is silent inside. The engine is almost to quite and road noise is muted to nonexistant. The ES is as smooth as silk. Transmission shift goes unnoticed as you accelerate and the car just flows through curves. It holds the road with very little lean in and good pull out of turns. The ES is a "soft" ride and not the fastest car when the light turns green but you will never be left behind, after all this is a Lexus.
Upgraded from Camry & Lovin Lexus
Owned a sporty Honda with a lot of zip. Also have a Corvette, but nothing compares to the ride and feel of the Lexus. We bought a Camry and sold it to a family member after they totaled their car. We wanted a comfortable ride and family car. Our 2004 Lexus is a luxurious treat and we love it. I'll drive the wheels off this car.
Solid
Slightly less mid range punch but ride experience same as LS 430 (290 hp)which I had owned.The interior executed perfectly. My wife says this is most beautiful of the 18 cars I have owned. Standart suspension pleasingly taut. Prior to purchase I had heard the steering was not too sporty, I strongly disagree.
A good choice
I use this for my job and drive it a lot. It is very reliable and offers a great deal of comfort
Driving pleasure of the Lexus 330
Lexus 330 I have had this automobile only two weeks and each time I drive it I enjoy it more. It is the finest driving car I have ever owned and that includes two Mercedes-Benz cars, one BMW, one Audi, two Cadillacs, one Lincoln and assorted others.
Lemon
Persistant pull to the left despite repeated repair attempts.
Neat Car
Everything is well thought out. No problems with most features. Would have preferred audio and climate controls on steering wheel(Noticed that they have done this on the 2005 model). Navigation system has some minor glitches, but over all performs in an adequate manner. Changed tires from Summer to "All Weather. Didn't feel comfortable going on a long trip with seasonal tires. Overall this car rates as god or beter than the three Cadillacs that I have owned previously
There is nothing like a Lexus
Lexus has really outdone itself with the 2004 ES330. The car is beautifully designed, exquisitely appointed, and very well built with attention to every detail. In addition, it drives like a dream. The only thing that can compete with it is another Lexus. I can understand why the dealers insist on selling it as close to the sticker price as possible. It is worth every dime. Some of the German and Japanese competitors have good features as well, but none of them has the combination of beauty, luxury, perfect fit and finish, reliability, and value that this car has, at least not any car under $45,000 and few if any above that.
Beth is a good ol girl
Had mine since 50K miles and now 175K, and love her! Shes very dependable and smooth. I painted her and bought her new seat covers and new headlights and she looks like new! And drives new as well. Tuned her up with new spark plugs and cables and filters. The next time I need tires I'll buy Michelins and buy a Lexus OEM suspension and I expect Beth to take me down the road until 500K!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Worth Every Penny
Just switched out of unreliable German performance to the hush quiet and fit and finish second-to-none Japanese. For my money you cannot buy a better car. Flawless fit and finish, comfortable seats, super value and fine performance. You don't need more and you certainly can pay a lot more and get a lot less. Well done again by those who relentlessly pursue perfection.
330 removes all doubts
Was ready to get last years es 300 for it's quality, rep, and luxury but a little afraid of it's sluggish performance numbers (200 hp). Started to consider the G35 instead. Then I heard about the es 330 and it's improved performance (225 hp), so I waited. V. glad I did. Lexus has delivered the goods. They've removed what little there was wrong with the 300. Perfect luxury sedan for the entry level market. Feels like you're driving a car worth twice as much. Granted, only had the 330 for two weeks now, but it's everything I hoped for. Quiet, smooth, tight. And if you can swing it, get the GPS package. Very fun toy for tech-heads.
Fix the Transmission, and dead pedal.
We bought this car in March 2004. As far as the fit and finish the car is very nice, the ride is ok with the junk Bridgestone tires but that can be changed. The acceleration of this car is terrible, and our previous Toyota Solara with a smaller motor would run away from this Lexus. It has a very bad case of dead pedal, and the transmission flat out sucks. With 10,000 miles on the clock already, I don't think that the gas mileage is going to get any better, either. I didn't know about the problems until tonight when my wife pointed them out to me. But I will be at the Lexus dealer this week, and as far as I am concerned they will make it run right or they can keep the junk until they do.
Transmission problem
I've had my ES330 for 10 months. BAD= 1) Had many troubles with Countyline Lexus and would NOT recommend them. I am now using JM for maintenance. 2) Transmission problems (with acceleration) since purchase. Both dealers claim that I was the only person that had reported the problem (from these reviews, I see that this is a lie) and they could not duplicate or solve the problem. It has been getting worse. Now the car jerks with normal low speed cruising. 3) Leather on the seats seems cheap; rough and not supple. My Volvo's leather is much nicer. Good= 1) Nice interior luxuries (except leather). 2) Nice to drive when you get past the transmission problems. 3) Good mileage.
Class-action suit needed
Our ES330 is our second Lexus. But the transmission in the ES330 is rougher than a stick shift. It lurches, pauses, hammer-upshifts, and hunts for gears. These shifting patterns could produce unsafe conditions and loss of control on slippery roads. Lexus needs to fix! But they deny the problem. I was told by Meade Lexus service that the 2003 transmission software correction helped, but that the softwear update for the 2004 actualls makes conditions worse. Anyone interested in a class- action suit can have some of my $ and time to pursue.
Best in Class
I have owned this vehicle for about 6 months now, and enjoy it more than my 2002 BMW 530i. I have never experienced any problems with this car, and do not expect to. The quality, comfort level, silent drive, and sound system is the best when compared to a BMW, Lincoln, or Volvo. I will never step into a different dealership again. Test one out for yourself.
Car smells like rotten eggs
Car is beautiful inside and out. However, at 10,000 miles it started smelling like rotten eggs. Lexus says just a product of gas in Oregon; however, not all ES 330's smell which is a mystery, says the dealership. Lexus customer service just says, tough luck. Very frustrated. Dealership hands are tied by Lexus who says they cannot change any parts to try to correct problem if vehicle is running to specs.
Faulty Transmission
This car has a definite problem that Lexus is well aware of. The problem is Lexus does not have a solution to the problem so they say the car was designed to drive this way. Every person that I have spoken to at any Lexus dealership and into management has told me the same thing. The ES 330 has a transmission problem big time, it slips and shifts very rough...no way to correct the problem. Lexus stands for Luxury export US....there is no luxury in whiplash...thats the effect of the transmission shifting!!!!!
Take a pass on this car
I couldn't decide between the ES330 and a C320 Mercedes. Now I wish I had gone for the Mercedes. This car is extremely uncomfortable and boring to drive. The interior is beautiful, but that's where it ends.
Beware of this car
The ES330 has a plush ride, is very quiet and has a nice looking interior. However, the transmission shifts very roughly. Also, many exhibit a 'hesitation' that makes the car feel like an old car with a dirty carburetor that bogs down when trying to accelerate. It does not happen to every car but tends to get worse with time if your car is one of the unlucky ones. The service people at two dealerships admitted to the problem but said there is no fix and that this has been a issue since the 2002 models. They believe it may be a computer software problem. Lexus does not admit they have a problem and offer no fix. Ultimately, I got rid of my ES330 after 4 months. Stay away from Lexus.
total disappointment
The car pulls to left and can not be repaired. I was told some cars got this way from having its suspention tied down during shipment. It's nothing a couple thousand miles wouldn't fix and the body will adjust itself. They're now insisting it's fixed but I firmly believe it can not be fixed that's why the dealership has tried to cover it up by withholding repair orders from me and combining 2 repair attempts into one, stating the repair order will get mailed to me later etc. None of my friends and relatives will ever buy a Lexus period, especially from DiFeo Lexus in New Jersey
new car owner
Too plain,,,Uncomfortable on a long drive. Not attractive from the side view. Not terribly fun o drive.
ES 330 Bad Transmission
My ES 330 has a transmission that has significant hesitation between gears. I reccomend not buying this car. This is Toyota's premier car line and the transmission doesn't even work correctly.
Poor decision
I've purchased lower end Japanese built sedans in the past. I thought this was an upgrade. I couldn't have been more wrong. The transmission hesitates and it is normal I was told. Possibly because of this it has fair acceleration off the line. It has the most uncomfortable driver's seat I've ever sat on. It's very hard. I have not experienced near the same discomfort with other cars I've driven including rental cars from low small to large ones. This purchase has taught me a lesson, that a higher end brand does not come close to guarantee driving enjoyment. It has been the exact opposite.
Impressive but ......
The interior design is beautifully done. Sitting in it, you felt you probably spent more than $50K although most likely you spent significantly less than $40K. The exterior design, though, is quite dull - almost indistinguishable from a Camery. The acceleration is significantly improved compared to the 3.0L version, but still significantly deficient compared to SAAB 9-5 or Lincoln LS V8, both are only slightly more expensive. It is a very comfortable and very quiet car to ride, although driving it for long distance can put you into sleep qucikly. The fuel economy though, is a bit disappointment: I registered about 20 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on highway.
Near Luxury Near Perfect Car
Whatever reasonings behind your purchasing decision, you won't regret. A very comfortable car with great workmanship. Well done Lexus.
The ES is a Junior LS
This is an excellent buy if you want to spend less and get a smaller LS in the Lexus line! The redesigned exterior brings it up to date finally, and the new engine is much better than previous ones.
very good car
This car is a very good deal. But it would need faster acceleration
1st Time Lexus Owner
The comfortable ride, safety features and warranty helped us to choose the ES 330. We looked at the high end Toyota Avalon & found that we were just about on par price wise with the ES 330. So, we looked, we drove, we researched & we bought. The step up which included a more refined automobile & the 4yr/50K basic, 6yr/70K power train was well worth it. I look forward to many enjoyable years behind the wheel of my ES 330.
Lexus ES300 Review
This is my 4th Lexus in 9 years and by far the best. The quality, comfort, handling characteristics and luxury can not be beat at the price.
Pulls left
Great vehicle; however, it pulls left. Internal Memo received from JM Lexus also shows that it is a problem with many of the 04 ES 330s also pull to the left. It was fixed FIVE times, and still pulls.
Excellet sedan
This is my second Lexus, it getting better and better. The style and the safety are all considered in addition to other mechanical perfection. A great car.
RAVINDER H KAPOOR
EXCELLENT CAR # 1
ES330
Great car. quiet and comfortable
Impressive
Shopped for months, and test drove many models before the decision on the ES 330. My first import in more than 20 years. This is a beautiful automobile. First considered the Cadillac CTS, then the Infinity G35 (really nice sports car), but went for the comfort of the Lexus.
happy camper
this is my first lexus; i am VERY impressed. the ride is very smooth and the seating is very comfortable. the exterior is beautiful too, although i feel the back headlights could have been more sexy-looking (think infiniti g35 sedan). my other choices were that infiniti as well as the new acura tl. i test-drove all three cars, and although they are all within the same price range, the others are not in the same league as this car. result: choosing this lexus was a rather easy choice. i went with the "black-garnet" color which is definitely a head-turner. the navigation system is not too user- friendly but worth the additional cost after you get used to it.
My Lexus
The es 330 has lots of power,and is a real pleasure to drive. It is very well built,and has the real feel of luxery.
Absolutely flawless
I've driven dozens of cars and nothing under $40 K comes close to the quiet and luxury of this car. Nothing. Absolutely nothing to complain about - particulary since the 2004 is less expensive and more powerful than the '03. Great car.
Lexus ES 330 Review
I may be a tough grader in comparison to others, especially since I basically love my new car. It is a great compromise between performance and luxury (I am coming off a Saab 9-5). I feel better that the 330 has more power, and that the transmission problem appears to be solved. It is the best overall car in its class.
Beautiful car
After driving Accord and Maxima for more than 10 years, I decided to try another company's sedan. After reviewing Camry XLE and new Acura TL, I picked the ES330. Why? It has real luxurious interior, smooth engine and super quite body. I used to think Camry will do the same job like ES. I was wrong! If you want to know why, please go to the next car show and spend some time to compare them.
Very Satified
I purchased my ES330 about 2 weeks ago at Lexus of South Atlanta. The staff was awesom and my car buying experience was painless. I am very pleased with my car. This is my first luxury car and I really attract a lot of attention on the road and in the partking lot. I love the interior of the cabin...it is so luxurious. I feel like I'm driving something that costs a lot more.
good value
nice family sedan. beautifully designed car. though a bit heavy bodied for the engine.
Outstanding Quality & Ride
This is my first Lexus and luxury car and I can't be happier than I am. The quality of the car is incredible. The details are dramatic. The leather is soft and the seats are very comfortable. All the vehicle controls are at the drives fingertips and all the features are easy to operate.The sound system is outstanding. I don't have the Mark Levinson system but the "premium" system is quite sufficient for those who appreciate a quality sound system. The car is easy to drive and has an incredible turning ratio. And of course it has all the bells and whistles you would expect to find in a Lexus.
Lexus ES 330
Very roomy car including large back seat and large trunk. Very reliable with no break downs in 4 years with normal maintenance only. Plenty of power for a sedan.
Can't complain too much
Roomy, Reliable and Comfortable. The acoustics are great with the upgraded sound system I had installed. Quiet car with the proper tires. Knock on wood, no major problems.
Lexus ES330
This is my third Lexus. Love it!
Lexus ES300
My prior daily driver was a Mercedes C320. The Lexus is quieter, bigger, more comfortable, better equipped, and significantly less expensive. I'm a convert!
dirst 100 miles
timing on my car ES 330 2004 is very poor--complained to the service manager and was told until 100 miles nothing could be done--i REALLY DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS AS FAR AS i KNOW NO NEW CAR HAS TO BE BROKEN IN--- I think Lexus made a mistake
Simply the best I driven
Just finished my first 1000 miles and this car is simply flawless. Exterior has great looks and designs and interior is absolutely gorgeous. Fine leather,great controls,navigation is outstanding and the Mark Levison sound system is unbelievable.