2004 Lexus RX330 from North America - Comments

None... Sharp as a whistle.

The RX330 is the best car I have ever owned. It's a classy elegant car. Every time I drive this I feel like I am going to the opera.

Everything about this car is solid; Performance, looks and comfort. It is really smooth and refined, typical of Toyota cars. If you want it to look its best, get it in a Black or Pearl White. I have the Sport Edition and I have the bigger alloy wheels, which look really sexy.

It is cheap to drive, being an ultra low emission vehicle (ULEV).

I totally recommend this car to anyone considering buying one, if you can afford it.

Haha I love the way you say "if you can afford it." So true! I own 3 Lexus's an RX330 being one of them. I'm hooked on Lexus. Cannot get enough.

I think the new rx330 looks great, but now considering X5 due to tranny issues.

I was fully sure that I am going to buy an RX330, but after reading the reviews on the transmission and humming noise.. I am confused.

If compared, which will be a better choice RX330 or X5?

OK...what should I do? buy the x5 or rx330...Tim in Sydney Australia...

For reliability go with the RX330. I owned a X5 for a year before selling it due to mechanical issues. The depreciation was horrible to. I now drive the RX330 which is an amazing car. The transmission has had no problems. Id go with the RX330. Overall it's a better value.

If you buy the X5 you are in for a world of trouble. These vehicles have been nothing, but trouble since their introduction and they are rated one of the most unreliable vehicles in America. Same holds true for the X3.

That said, they are much better 'drivers' than the RX, so if your priority is pure driving experience in an SUV then it is best to go with the X5. But if you don't want to become great friends with your mechanic, go for the Lexus.

The X5 is a nice truck and handles like no other SUV in its class. The bad thing is that is not as reliable and repairs will cost a fortune.

Since people are raising valid points about problems with the X5 and RX330, I wonder if you should instead be considering a 3rd alternative if you want something a little more reliable. You seem to be focused on a luxury SUV, but luxury isn't as fun when it's in the shop and you're still writing the checks.

Well, if you're going to go down that road then an SUV should be out of the question altogether. After all, they get worse mileage, are less safe, cost more to operate, and have less room inside than a comparable car.

The X5 is a classic example. Compared to a (cheaper) 5 series wagon it has no advantages including space inside, especially given the 5 series has an AWD option.

There really is no logical reason to own an SUV other than sitting up higher in traffic.

I live off 3 miles of dirt roads in a rural part of Southern California. I have owned all the Luxury suvs including the RX300, X5, ML430, and now the RX330. Lexus is by far the best. I drive about 200 miles a day to the office in Los Angeles. This car does great on the freeway. My old RX300 was also good, but got horrible gas mileage. My wife drive the GX470 which also is an amazing suv, but since I drive so much I wanted the V6. My X5 left me stranded one night about a mile from my home. I can't get cell service out there so I was pretty much screwed. When the BMW got fixed it was immediately out the door. Sold it for much less than I paid. The ML430 has a great engine, but everything else is crap. My power windows and door locks were always out. The headlights burnt out all the time. I sold that after only putting on 30,000 miles. My RX330 has about 40,000 and I have not had any of the problems other people describe. Go with a Lexus. Cheaper repairs that any other luxury car although they are still quite costly.