Vehicle: 2004 Lexus RX330 with sports package

Performance: Based on one of the world’s finest V6 engines with upgraded 300cc, power is considered never an issue. With 230 hp and 242 lb/ft of torque, there is power available on every rpm. The engine is refine, smooth and willing to rev. Its also flexible and very quiet at speeds. The 5-speed manumatic tranny on our sports-edition RX330 is an excellent tranny. The shifts are crisp and smooth, its willing to up and downshift without any drama. The whole powerplant is right on par with Toyota’s usual high standard of refined quality.

Handling: The tester has sports suspension and 18″ wheels, along with adjustable suspension. The sports suspension enhances the overall driving experience of the RX330. The driving dynamics is a nice departure from the terribly softly sprung outgoing RX300. While its still not as involving to drive, say as a FX35 or Murano SE, its a lot more predictable and controllable than its predecessor as it reaches its limit. Ride quality has to be the biggest forte of RX330. Even in its lowest suspension setting with 18″ tires, it rides wonderfully well without the bouncy feel of its rivals. The steering provides enough feedback with decent response, however, on and off-center feel still lacking when pushing through the limits. In terms of suspension setting, I would leave it in “N” for daily driving because it provides the best balance of ride comfort and predictable handling. Overall, its a very comfortable car to drive.

Brakes: RX330′s 4-wheel discs with ABS provides excellent pedal feel. Its pedal modulation and control are top-notch.

Interior: The instrumentation gauges are analog, clear and nicely layout. With manumatic and adjustable suspension indicators all in the right places. All the power windows, mirrors, automatic climate control and stereo all placed on ergonomically designed for easy access. It comes with dual climate control that allows for both driver and passenger to control with large buttons to operate. Stereo is nicely sounded. The center console box is a very clever design that allows the driver to move it back and forth for extra storage space. The storage box is large enough for a microwave. Although this design is not invented by Lexus, 2000 Chrysler minivan was the first to came out with this, its surely will give RX330 an edge over its competitors in terms of interior details. As usual, the leather seats are comfortable for both front and rear passengers. However, there is still drawback that bother RX330 since RX330 era. In outgoing RX300, the center screen that shows climate and stereo settings tend to be wash out during sunlight. While Lexus put into a lower position in RX330, this problem remains although not as terrible as outgoing car. If Infiniti is able to positioned the center screen for G35 that doesn’t wash out in sunlight, I don’t see why Lexus can’t.

Conclusion: RX330′s addditional 300cc + ride quality that most people are looking for in a luxury soft-roader will certainly gives Lexus another winner, along with the clever interior features would certainly upped the ante in this segment where luxury and comfort rule most of conusmer’s minds.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2004 LEXUS RX330
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3.75/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.75/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4.75/5
Value-for-money: 3.5/5

Overall rating: 4.25/5