Well-appointed interior, rides more like a sedan than an SUV, loaded with high-tech features, solid reputation for reliability, excellent dealer service.
Cons
Less powerful than some of its competitors, soft ride makes for merely adequate handling in corners, no third-row seat option.
What’s new
The power rear hatch is now standard on all models, as is wood and leather trim for the shift knob and steering wheel. The power passenger seat is upgraded from four-way to eight-way while the optional navigation system gets Bluetooth capability and voice actuated control. Last year's standard six-disc CD changer moves to the options list, making way for a standard single-CD setup.
Edmunds says
A luxurious SUV that effectively combines sport, utility, comfort and technology in a stylish package with a strong reputation for reliability.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 Lexus RX 330 Fwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.13 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
A great car for road trips. One major unresolved issue: advised two years ago of a recall for dashboard cracks. Have received mail notices of the recall. Countless calls to dealer (Lexus of Tampa Bay) to get the new dash installed have gone nowhere. The story is they are waiting for supply from the manufacturer, give us a new date every time we call for availability of new dash. Now … they don't return calls when we leave messages with the service department. As on 10/29/2016 we are STILL waiting for the replacement dash. We have been waiting over two years since the original recall notice.
We would consider buying a newer version of this car but the service issue is leaving a VERY bad taste.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my RX330
5 out of 5 stars
1summerred, 10/24/2013
2005 Lexus RX 330 AWD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
I really do love this vehicle.
I wasn't even in the market for a Lexus. I have owned 3 Toyota 4-Runners in the past and was looking for another 4-Runner when I found my Lexus gem. I was looking in the $15K price range and wanted leather interior and 4 wheel drive.
I was not able to find a 4-Runner that met these needs in my price range.
I haphazardly saw the Lexus RX330 at a dealer … lot,
test drove it and fell in love.
It didn't hurt that it only had 65k miles and was $15K with more bells and whistles than what I was originally looking for. I wont buy anything else.
I also had a great dealership to work with which helped immensely.
growing old together
5 out of 5 stars
elliot L., 07/15/2021
2005 Lexus RX 330 AWD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
I've had my RX 330 2005 since November 2004 and have loved the car. I have never kept a car this long in all of my 90 years. Have the cracked leather dashboard unfortunately but in a car this old the cosmetics are much less important. I have a few cosmetic flaws myself. It's always been a pleasurable, comfortable car that's required only minimal repairs over the years. My children … want me to turn it in for one with all the new safety features since I am an old man. I can see fine and am a good driver. My children have had more accidents than I have.
Must mention mpg good
Waaay More Than We Expected
5 out of 5 stars
Bob and Rae Robertson, 08/14/2018
2005 Lexus RX 330 AWD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
We bought our 2005 Lexus RX330 in 2007 as a replacement for an Acura TSX we purchased new in 2005. We are both taller and didn't like the entry exit height of the Acura and had owned several Toyotas with good luck. The Lexus is a good ride height, comfortable, with fairly decent power and economy (20 in town, 22-25 on the highway) and has been our full time driver for everything. We … purchased the car at 37k miles and have over 157k on it now with our only complaints being replacing brake pads and rotors (2X), the navigation is not as easy to use as the Acura was (that's what phones are for), and our CD player refuses to give us back the 6 CD's it has in the player. We absolutely love this car and hope it goes another 100k
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