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Used 2005 Lexus ES 330 Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
174 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

2005 Lexus ES330

2005 Leuxs ES330, 07/31/2019
2005 Lexus ES 330 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful

We bought our 2005 ES330 from a private party 4 years ago with 124,000 miles. The car now has 200,500 miles and still runs like a top. All we have done for maintenance in 4 years is change the oil and filter (Mobil 2 High Milage and Mobil 1 oil filter) every 5-6000 miles. I had the transmission fluid changed at about 130,000 and have only had to install brake pads, 2 front rotors and a rear caliper (myself) and an exhaust flex pipe in the last 2 years. I ran Michelin MXV4 tires and should have stayed with them and will replace them with the same tires the next time around. The ES300 gets wonderful gas milage between 23 and 28 mpg. This is the most comfortable car that I have owned and is super dependable (its a Toyota) The only thing I do not like is that the timing belt and water pump have to be changed every 100,000 and this costs from $800-1200 depending on where you have it done. I found an independent mechanic who works on Toyota's and it will run me about $800 max. From 2007 and newer you do NOT have to change the timing belt and water pump because Lexus/Toyota installed a timing chain so that eliminates a big cost that would have been needed every 100,000 miles. Do yourself a favor and buy a used Lexus ES330, they are a real bargain, especially if you can buy it on Craigslist from a one owner. Have it checked out by a reliable, local mechanic before you buy it and make sure you see all the repair records.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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2.38 out of 5 stars

It's a lemon.

KFW, 01/26/2006
2005 Lexus ES 330 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful

I don't understand the positive reviews of this car. The transmission alone warrants a low rating. For those complaining about the transmission, wait until you reach 15,000-20,000 miles and your car needs new brakes ($305 at the dealer, $150 at your family mechanic) AND new tires. This car is a LEMON. Lexus customer "satisfaction" is unwilling to take responsibility for it, while the service manager admitted he is seeing these cars come in early for brakes and tires. Buyers of the new GS are being warned about the early deterioration of the brakes, and ES owners are being ignored. In the past Lexus has offered repairs and rebates for recurring concerns. We bought these cars in good faith and because we trusted the Lexus name. I would like to see Lexus restore our faith.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great by any standard

Chet Gronke, 01/06/2005
2005 Lexus ES 330 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

We purchased our Lexus ES 330 and went on a 3000 mile trip almost immediately to the NE and the performance was flawless. While we purchased the auto in Fl I had the 1000 mile checkup done in NJ. The Dealership was prompt efficient and most thorough just like Fl. No hassle and we were on our way in a little more than an hour. Being 6' 3" I found the interior room up front more than sufficient while the rear seat crowds a 6 footer's head space. Has about 99% of the quality my Benz had only sacrificing a little handling response. Lots of value here for the dollar.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

1st time Lexus Owner

NJ Owner, 06/23/2009
2005 Lexus ES 330 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

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!

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3.63 out of 5 stars

My first non GM vehicle

charlie, 02/08/2006
2005 Lexus ES 330 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I bought the ES330 for the ride comfort, and it does the job. The fuel economy is not as expected (sticker ratings). The engine/transmission function is not smooth, but lots of jerk when shifting. Too soon (13K miles) to speak to quality, trusting the market over the years to be right. If the comfort was NOT my main need, I would not buy another. Just not a performing vehicle as I am used to.

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