2004 Lexus ES 330 Review - 209,000 Miles Of Long-Lasting Luxury!

[@celsovera91]

The Lexus ES and the Avalon didn’t share platforms until 2013. Before then it was based on the Camry. If you were to sit inside of a 2013 ES 350 then the backseat would be a lot bigger

[@isaacyitzshaknorales2137]

Correct. I owned a 2003 Camry before my 2005 ES330, and they both came off the same assembly line.

[@jamesb8305]

This generation is based off the Windom, exclusive to Japan.

[@HOTPLATEGAMING]

@@isaacyitzshaknorales2137 The current ES350 comes out the same assembly line as the current Camry All the previous generations of ES350’s were built in Japan.

[@isaacyitzshaknorales2137]

Oh very nice!

[@OhPhuckYou]

That Generation of Camry was the last Toyota that felt like a Lexus. In my opinion they're the last great Camry (2AZ-FE aside). The generation that came next dropped interior quality so horribly.

[@stephenumphress5705]

03 ES300 250K miles and running strong. Most reliable car I’ve ever owned. And rides like a hover craft still

[@zakmoon7065]

Proud Lexus owner here! and I can say that nothing beats the quality build and long term performance of my 05 ES330!!! Amazing daily

[@charanjitjohal1014]

Is it need premium or regular gas

[@zakmoon7065]

@@charanjitjohal1014 premium is recommended but still runs great on regular gasoline

[@phillyspitta8147]

200k on mine flawless except a buzz in dash recently

[@md2k8]

These older, mid-2000's Lexus ES 330's are still on the road, as of today.

[@Memesfromthestreets]

I see them all of the time

[@MugatuJag]

They are all over the place, ironically in Southern California where I live it’s more RX 330s, which I think are just timeless beautiful SUVs, parents have an RX 350 but I think the RX 330 was more reliable. The RX 350 and the 3.5 of course is extremely reliable but they have had a few issues, water pump at 100,000 miles, left them stranded, but that’s kind of a maintenance item. However the 3.5 L Toyota and Lexus V6 this era had a major VVT oil cooler line issue where the rubber would crack and leak all the oil out, there was a recall, but they didn’t put a full metal part in and of course the only time I drive my parents RX 350 all the oil leaks out while I’m doing 80 on the freeway, the engine still runs like a top even though it was driven with essentially no oil for 10 miles…

[@d12play14]

Can confirm i own one!

[@blasphemy666]

I own the same year, sport design. Love the car,only thing wrong with it is the tranny. It kicks from time to time lol😂

[@Zoriamustang]

mine just hit 250k miles and is still running smooth! i love her :)

[@jerrydenton4344]

I have a 2017 Lexus ES I bought at Lexus of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee. Best purchase I've made. Absolutely beautiful car. It treats me like a king whenever I drive it.

[@bwofficial1776]

Lexus is really good at building cruisers. They identified their market niche as being a nicer, more comfortable Toyota. They've always been the reliable but boring bargain alternative to the Germans and that's fine. However, they can build a good sports car if they really want to. LFA, IS, even the early SC are legendary.

[@zakmoon7065]

Absolutely!

[@RolandoCurro]

Personally . I prefer " comfortably boring ". To techy European cars. BTW. Am not against Volkswagen or Mercedes Benz. Their both icons. And rightfully so.!!.But then again they still fall under the sacred cows of the giant german auto industry. Along with german icon - Audi.

[@davinp]

When Toyota refreshed the Camy for 2005, they dropped the cassette player. The ES 300 is the Lexus version of the Camry

[@celsovera91]

At least with the older camrys/lexus you could still plug in your phone via cassette adapter

[@HamburgerHelperDeath]

They has cassette because some executives / sales people back then listened to self help tapes and sales training tapes etc.

[@hohepunktz6778]

This car is also known as the Toyota Windom in Japan ( Since there was no Lexus brand in Japan until 2006.)

[@davinp]

Unlike Chrysler and the other American autos, Toyota uses good quality materials in their cars, not cheap materials which is why they last a long time

[@zakmoon7065]

This gen Lexus wasn’t designed to break down after about 2 years like other brands build them these days. 2002 - 2006 was highest level of quality control for Lexus

[@paulsz6194]

Not just better quality materials, but better engineered. Just think of Range rovers- they use good quality materials (interior wise) but are just so badly engineered and constantly breakdown, no matter what generation you have!

[@marcelpatel9017]

The late nineties and mid to early 2000's Toyota & Lexus cars were the best cars ever produced. My 2005 Camry, now 20 years old still runs solid and feels solid. Everything from the durability of the switchgear, knobs, leather and overall paint - it's incredible how well made this era of their cars were. Toronto Canada

[@davinp]

@@marcelpatel9017 yes Toyota's were very well built back then. Unfortunately today's cars as not as well built. After Toyota redesigned the Camry for 1997, it became the #1 selling car in the USA

[@zakmoon7065]

Proud Lexus owner here! and I can say that nothing beats the quality build and long term performance of my 2005 ES330!!! Amazing

[@jecs2123]

Agree. I just bought a 2005 Lexus ES330 with 39,000 miles and it rides like new.

[@jakesmith-ho4bl]

​@@jecs2123 it basically is.

[@watchingitallhere]

Paint looks great for a 2004. Interior too. Well kept car. Nice ride!

[@celsovera91]

Mrs. Kilmer would be proud

[@paulsz6194]

I’m waiting for her to make a comment here! 😂

[@jamesb8305]

I have an '03 ES with 230K. Bought it 2 years ago for $3400. Use it as my daily, and for gigwork (Lyft, DoorDash, etc.) Looks and drives like new. Of course, I spent some money on maintenance and wear items...

[@natlovell122]

How’s it going with the car now??

[@Based-o8f]

My first hand me down car I have the 05 with 203,000 miles. Never broke down once except for the original starter such a reliable smooth cruiser. There is a transmission program issue where you slip and jerk in the lower gears but you get used to it. Can always depend on a lexus/Toyota product.

[@zakmoon7065]

Great cars and becoming more rare due to the long term durability most people that come across one from this era will hold onto it

[@bracedgod4505]

@@zakmoon7065 I got one because the owner collects Lexus cars(Lexi?) and found one he liked better. A couple weeks since I got it and I see why. Can't not see my next car being a Lexus now lol.

[@805NAVE]

Oh my gosh yes mine is kinda jerky in lower gears too it’s been like that for the entire time I’ve owned it , and now at 307k miles. Is there a way to program it to be smooth?!!!??!??! The transmission fluid on mine is always immaculately clean.

[@newua1252]

I seem to have this problem, from 2nd to 3rd gear sometimes there is a hesitation and the revs jump before shifting, is this a feature of them and does it not get worse over time?

[@newua1252]

@@805NAVE did you have this problem even when the car was new?

[@mir3264]

Fantastic vehicles.. I got lucky and found a clean one in white last year. I have put over 15k miles on it so far and drove to Canada and multiple states with no issues at all. And all you need regular oil change.

[@zakmoon7065]

Proud Lexus owner here and I can say that nothing beats the quality build and long term performance of my ES330!!!

[@8corymix8]

I have an 06 and a 13 ES. Beautiful cars. I can't imagine driving anything else. Superb cars 💯% class

[@anthony_rivera4735]

That generation of Lexus ES didn't come out for the 2001 model year, both that and the xv30 Camry came for the 2002 model year and they were very futuristic for 2002 model year

[@benila3992]

Hope you can review a 5th gen ES, I own a 2007. I keep hearing pre-2006 Lexus interiors hold up better/ more plush. My driver seats are trashed probably because of the perforated leather. Great review as always!

[@MugatuJag]

Have you had the VVT oil cooler line recall done? There was a recall issued in 2011 where the oil cooler line cracked and will rapidly lose all the oil from the engine, it was a rubber plastic part replaced with a partial metal part. Even though my parents have an RX350- 2008 that had the recall done, it cracked again and we end up getting the all metal one. There are many instances of people losing all the way oil out of their 3.5 Toyota and Lexus engines and throwing a rod. This happened to me while driving my parents Lexus, lost all the oil on the freeway, and drove about 10 miles with less than a quart, luckily the engine was saved because it is robust

[@zakmoon7065]

Love these cars! the 2007 era es were made with a lot cheaper materials for the time but still better than some new car models and I love the design of the 2007-2012 es but for Lexus the 02-06 models were made at the highest level of quality and materials including the ES and LS

[@veilsideFD3S]

Lexus has cut back heavily, in terms of how there interior material,, still ahead of the German 3 , but alot less Quality material; like why is leather an option and why are you offering fake leather? Lexus used to mean Quality , now Geneses is doing what they where KNOWN for in 1989

[@tinuthomas531]

I’m not too sure if you touched on this or not, but that trim is the Sport Design. The sport design usually has badging on the door but it seems to be missing. I also have one and that’s why the woodtrim is black rather than the cherry red they usually are, along with those spoke wheels.

[@blasphemy666]

I have the same car. Do you also have a kick when shifting.? Mine does it from time to time...

[@tinuthomas531]

@@blasphemy666 yes, common issue on these. I’m pretty sure it was from 2nd to 3rd, it would hesitate. I kinda just lived with it, not sure if there was a fix

[@blasphemy666]

@@tinuthomas531 how many miles did you clock on it ? Mine has about 122,xxx. Ive seen a bunch of high milage examples , im always just worried the transmission will give. What are your thoughts ?

[@tinuthomas531]

@@blasphemy666 mine had 190k on it, but it got rear ended a little bit after. I think it should be fine, don’t worry about it too much. I’m pretty sure it slips and then skips into 3rd gear. However, I upgraded to an ES350 because the drivetrain is bulletproof, but I like the interior on the 330 better.

[@blasphemy666]

@@tinuthomas531 thanks for the fast replies ! I love the car, i know it looks "blobby" but god damn its a smooth ride. Ive had the opportunity to drive the ES350 a couple times and i honestly like how it rides compared to the 330. They got decent power for being a couch on wheels.

[@andrewc1199]

You are one lucky man! That is the very rare Sport Design trim that was only produced for the 2004 model year. My dad had one, but it was black.

[@damilolaakanni]

7:07 this ES was actually 2002-2006, the 2001 was a previous generation (1996-2001) that looked more like the Camry than this one. In fact, there weren't very many changes between the 2nd generation (1992-1995) and the third generation, and except you're a Lexus efficienado, you won't be able to tell the difference between both generations.

[@dave11686]

These cars can handle very high mileage

[@notasolution]

As long as someone keeps up on the timing belt

[@zakmoon7065]

Proud Lexus owner here and I can say that nothing beats the quality build and long term performance of my ES330!!!

[@user_abcxyzz]

​@notasolution what mileage for a timing belt?

[@celsovera91]

Good luck finding a first gen es 250. It was only sold for two model years. 1990 and 1991 making it rare. The only reason they release that car was so the LS400 wouldn’t be sold alone

[@ChromeOnline]

I'm looking to buy one of these... and this is the PERFECT video! Always love your vids, thanks

[@KALISIA-VENTURES]

Got one this month and it's worth it!❤

[@tyressejackson2532]

I’m getting a 2004 Lexus Es 330 off the streets and its mileage is like 91,219 miles rn is that good or bad and should I worry bout getting one of the streets

[@805NAVE]

I wish I had the sport design. But mine is actually nicer than this particular one. Mine is an 05 ES330 the real full facelift. 17 inch 6 spoke chrome wheels, HID auto leveling headlights, automatic rain sensing wipers, mark levinson premium audio system, power rear sunshade, heated AND cooled front seats, sport tuning suspension (idk why, it’s an ES), and the touch screen navigation infotainment system which is surprisingly really easy and wonderful to use. I recently crossed over 307,000 miles on mine, and it’s flawless, everything still works perfectly and it’s held up very well. Will keep it for many many more decades Yes I also dislike the cup holders, but I never drink or eat in the car anyways. Have to keep it pristine. Also don’t care for the transmission it’s fine, it’s just sluggish. But I love the rest of the car a lot.

[@mikebrummerstedt5328]

Got a 2005 ES 330. Smooth and dependable.

[@KALISIA-VENTURES]

Same here ❤

[@natlovell122]

Still?

[@benchattin]

Scotty Kilmer would approve.

[@isaacyitzshaknorales2137]

Depending on who you ask, the Avalon is categorized as a full-sized, 4-door sedan. The Camry and ES330 are mid-sized. So, yes there will be differences in backseat spaces. "The more you know" ✨️

[@Being_Joe]

So I believe the 330 was built on the Camry as where the 350 moved over to the Avalon platform.

[@michaelbeaver4298]

Clean car...Am driving a 2004 ES330 with 224000 on it....Maybe some day the $$ will be available for an upgrade

[@beanteam2217]

Does the car naturally take forever to accelerate?

[@derek9956]

@@beanteam2217it does 😭😭 i was wondering the same thing

[@malikwilliams504]

Hey Zach! Love your videos. Not to be “that guy” but I believe these were actually facelifted for the ‘05 & ‘06 models before the ‘07 redesign

[@damilolaakanni]

It received a major update in 2004 where it got the 3.3 V6 from the Camry replacing the 3.0 that was a carryover from the previous generation, and the 5 speed automatic transmission instead of the 4 speed.

[@koronjenkins1793]

I guess bought one of these vehicles 2days ago and I absolutely Love love love love love this car and it's around the same mileage (216,000 miles) but man it's beautiful and this review is awesome I got mine for 1,600.00 a absolute steal and nothing's wrong with it it drives beautifully and I'm in heaven with it . I know it's a great car because the day after I bought it we had a snow storm and I drove it the next day and had no problems so Im so glad I picked this car nice review as

[@geddon436]

Between avalon and es 330, which one had a more comfortable ride?

[@willyhwang1059]

i know they are different cars. but i hated the cheap/flimsy built quality of my 2007 ES350, and the sticky dashboard was yucky!

[@zakmoon7065]

I also like the body style of the 07 es350 but 02 - 06 gen was the highest quality

[@loden888]

The dashboard is known to bulge on the passenger side airbag on the ES330

[@EmmysCoolVids123]

Is this only a 6 cyl?

[@emanuelbrito7190]

Yes

[@EmmysCoolVids123]

​@Emanuel Brito, too bad with gas prices being high, I wouldn't get one. If it were a 4cyl, then I would

[@zakmoon7065]

The 3.3 is in the ES330 made 2005-2006

[@unknownwarrior5672]

​@@EmmysCoolVids123honestly with the kind of acceleration i get for this type of car i'm not going to complain about the mileage. It's not lightning quick but it definitely does not feel slow

[@natlovell122]

Looking at purchasing one of these for around $4k with 170k miles on it here in 2024. Not a Bad deal here in California, where things like to be extremely expensive

[@tommorgan1291]

Liked my 330 but engine noise was a bother. Dealer told me it was normal. Traded it for Q45. Anyone else noticed 330 engine noise?

[@Hadisahaku7683q]

I have a Lexus ES 300 2002 model but my dad sold it and I miss it 🥺

[@mjyporter]

Love the SportDesign, super rare my grandfather had one and I remember desperately wanting him to give it to me one day as a kid. Before he could do that though, he ended up trading up to a 6th gen, obviously a much better car in all aspects.

[@zakmoon7065]

Proud Lexus owner here and I can say that nothing beats the quality build and long term performance of my ES330!!!

[@805NAVE]

4th gen is better than 6th gen!

[@mjyporter]

@@805NAVE In terms of fit and finish/craftsmanship yes, in terms of drivability/power train wise the 6th gen is by far superior

[@FCT8306onTwoWheels]

3:42 my Audi says HI and then when its at its lowest temperature setting it says Lo, kinda like this car

[@Nathan_Jay]

Mans really reviewed the short Avalon without knock sensor issues lol

[@phillyspitta8147]

I daily one of these with the Mark Levi it’s quick kind handles nice max comfy . All my buddies say it’s a Camry cosplaying luxury but they all are always under the hood doin repairs or on bus til parts come .

[@williambreeze2659]

This would be a great daily driver! I wouldn't mind having one of these!

[@heeaach]

This car just needs bigger wheels. it should come with 245 45 R18 on rims with 35mm offset. this set of rims will make it look amazing

[@zakmoon7065]

Most lexus ES don’t have those rims and instead have really nice chrome 6 spoke or alloy rims but ya the rims on this one look horrible imo

[@loden888]

Bigger rims gets you worse acceleration and braking. The tire sidewall is then thinner if you want to keep the speedometer accurate so then there's less cushion for bumps.

[@805NAVE]

I like these sport design wheels. But my ES has the larger chrome 6 spokes which I think look great

[@glennhansel9411]

bigger wheels results in an owner's sudden urge to wear a backwards baseball cap

[@MugatuJag]

I think that they actually look pretty nice with the updated headlights with projectors, and the 17 inch rims, this Particular one could be mistaken for a camry, but I mean that thing is clean, the front bumper has got to have been repainted. I’ve got a 2022 BMW with 4000 miles and it’s got more pits on it then that thing LMAO

[@Fosterdana]

im looking at 2005 es 330 lexus with 189.000 miles on it for $5000 dollars garage kept what’s your thoughts on it . just asking in cali

[@gregoryschillinger3479]

My big bottle NEVER falls out. They’re weird cup holders but they work well

[@Likithrocks]

Wish me luck! Purchased one for 4k @192k miles!

[@TechGorilla1987]

Ours was 8K off the lot with 129K on it. Garage kept beautiful. Picked it up today.

[@tonydelariva7163]

You got a good deal! I just bought a 2004 es330. It has 214k miles. Just had the oil changed today. It runs like NEW. I'm loving my Lexus and intend to keep it as long as I can. What a car.

[@airborneranger-ret]

Nicely done :)

[@toms_garage]

great review

[@craigbmm4675]

bro .. how did it drive? ride?

[@particleinthewave8378]

Looking for an ES 330 for an inexpensive daily. Curious if anyone has replaced the head unit with a modern touch screen and wireless CarPlay ?

[@tahjsr3072]

I just got one imma keep it forever

[@dess9308]

i wanna do a cross country trip from California to Indiana in this, got less than 200xxxmiles. would i be able to make it safe with proper maintenance?

[@veilsideFD3S]

As long as your timing belt is good, brakes , suspension is ok then you'd be all right, also very important condition of your tires, alot of people might skip over this, but you'd be good for a loooooond distance trip, use 89 octane for peak power and a lil better MPG

[@COYGunners]

Is this Matt Farah’s million mile Lexus?

[@JamesEslick]

So the Lexus ES 300 and Lexus ES 330 Share a platform with the Camry Not the Avalon which is a bigger car class.

[@KenBober]

My mother has an 05 330. She loves it except the transmission gets confused occasionally.

[@tinuthomas531]

They like to slip and skip second gear. Mine does at least, and other people have mentioned similar problems.

[@805NAVE]

Yep mine has the same issue. Why does it do this?!?! Very annoying. Other than that I adore the car. Mines at 307,000 and showing no signs of stopping 😊

[@newua1252]

do you also have it sliding and jerking from 2nd to 3rd gear?

[@newua1252]

@@tinuthomas531 do you also have it sliding and jerking from 2nd to 3rd gear?

[@KenBober]

@@newua1252 doesn't slip. Just does the 2 to 3 back to 2 shift. Doesn't happen all that often. Mother has had it since 07 with 21k. It's now just shy of 190k. Still looks very clean and the interior is like new. My father is very ocd with getting services and maintenance done before its due rather than after. He just had the 3rd timing belt done and the shop said it was in great shape. I replaced the valve cover gaskets last year and the valve train was normal oil staining and not a spot of sludge. This car will easily get 500k. My boss has the 05 sienna with 470k on it and he beats the living hell out of it. Original drive train in that van.

[@adamo36532]

Best car. I disagree about the looks. My silver one looks amazing. This was before the obnoxious massive grills. Extremely reliable too. I only had to update parts of the muffler and brakes. There is definitely something wrong with you if you prefer the Avalon lmao.

[@tuxedo1137]

If you ever get your hands on a Hyundai Tiburon, please drive it and review it

[@ameremortal]

Paid for by Toyota!

[@ShamuAquatics]

Ah yes, the Lexus Camry

[@roderickmcnair9045]

The Lexus is discribe to be a Toyota wearing a tuxedo!! Lol.. if that helps? I like your video!😎👍

[@frankroper3274]

I just bought a 2004 ES 330 and it will beat u up going down the interstate! Also the steering wheel shakes at 70 MPH and it pulls a little to the right. I test drove it local and none of that showed up. You buy one that old get a mechanic to check it out or you will end up like me shelling out some good cash for an old car!

[@sufianwrld]

Love this car

[@jasonbornne7767]

My guy: what you have here is a rebadged Toyota solara

[@zakmoon7065]

Not exactly…

[@jasonbornne7767]

@@zakmoon7065 Pretty damn close.

[@goldengirls0125]

Sorry Lexus design way better than that Avalon. Too boxy, round will stay timeless.

[@domyorich]

3:35 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@RickeykiomahEarl-nb9oq]

Like I said it's all water down if the effort is not genuine

[@RickeykiomahEarl-nb9oq]

I'll get pac ride like sapose to

[@panokio]

Definitely not based off the Avalon. Camry hands down

[@giorgidumbadze45]

Helov bro gud leksus

[@Jordi7174]

Do away with Daylight Savings Time

[@805NAVE]

NOOOO! KEEP DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME. are you nuts?!?!?! You want it always to be dark early?? Do away with STANDARD time. Get it right.

[@veilsideFD3S]

Another Lexus ES Review kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6DTYZ96ZtWfhNk

[@RickeykiomahEarl-nb9oq]

And some in betweens personally nija never been on my hipe don't know how get there i don't fuck with certen people for what hate anyway im in good health matters most life

[@kevinm2025]

Almost feel asleep, what a uninspiring car

[@ShootingCars]

Better than a white noise machine!

[@kevinm2025]

@@ShootingCars lol

[@Based-o8f]

Beats walking!

[@zakmoon7065]

It depends what inspires you

[@zakmoon7065]

Not a fan at all of the rims on this car yuck!