2005 Lexus ES 330 Review - An Over-Looked Luxury Sedan!

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DISCLAIMER!
The thoughts, feelings, and opinions expressed in this video are the sole thoughts of Zack and no one else. The thoughts expressed in this video do not reflect the owner, dealership, or organization that owns the vehicle featured. The purpose of this video is to provide entertainment with the hope that you will take what you see and formulate your own opinions. DO NOT make a financial decision based off of this video.
#Lexus #ES330

Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
1:01 - Drivetrain
3:02 - Interior
4:58 - BFB Test
5:28 - Interior
5:50 - Back Seats
6:39 - Trunk / Cargo Space
7:11 - Exterior
7:42 - Final Thoughts
10:12 - Outro

[@630Cars]

The ES330 is a timeless car.

[@brittoncoil2518]

It looked 10 years old upon release but alright🤣

[@Nathan_Jay]

Best part is the 3MZ literally fixes the 3 issues that the 1MZ had: Knock sensors, oil sludging, & valve cover gaskets.

[@bryantstewart9144]

It really is ❤

[@Datsun7705]

@@Nathan_Jay just gotta make sure the replace the timing belt every 100k because the 3mz is an interference engine

[@2007NissanAltima]

@@brittoncoil2518nah no car from 1994 looked like this

[@JoshRocks712]

i grew up with my mom having an 03 es300. brother and i both learned how to drive on it and it got me through college. my dad still daily drives it with 305k miles. get this car it’ll last forever

[@zakmoon7065]

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

[@fred89pj]

I see them everywhere here in Miami FL. Almost 20 years old and running like new

[@flavoredmoney8755]

Love Lexus especially the older ones.. My first car was an es300 from 1992. I bought it in 2017, and it still ran great! Every feature still worked, even the antenna still went up and down! Crazy reliable

[@805NAVE]

Wow you found an absolute base model!! Mine has power rear sunshade, sport tuning suspension, mark levinson audio, touch screen navigation w/voice command, heated and COOLED seats, 6 disk CD changer, automatic rain sensing wipers, auto leveling xenon headlights, chrome wheels. Everything still works flawless. Also have 335,000 miles on it! Also just purchased my 2nd GS430 which is my special sort of fun car. ES330 is the daily, and I love it just as much

[@dontarguewithidiots7459]

My parents had one. 2002 with 186K by the time they sold it in 2018. The interior has pretty much ZERO wear. Wood was still shiny and new. It's amazing how high quality these are.

[@milky-ng9mk]

These vehicles were only made 2004-2006 so no they didn't

[@Jaia101Fly]

​@milky-ng9mk they had an es300 with the same body style and interior design so their comments about quality are pretty much valid

[@milky-ng9mk]

@@Jaia101Fly unless you are interested in facts then they are wrong

[@geedunk13]

@@milky-ng9mkhe legit covers this @1:20 in the video

[@milky-ng9mk]

​@@geedunk13ya he covers it and says exactly what I did. Do you have a point

[@bwofficial1776]

It looks like a fancy Camry inside, not that there's anything wrong with that. I love how Toyota uses a slightly italic font on their gauges to make them slightly more interesting. With a little work this could be a fantastic used car that will last forever. I miss how subtle most 00s luxury cars were. This car doesn't have a massive grille (with 70% closed off) or 22-inch wheels or a spoiler or aggressive body lines because it didn't need it.

[@zakmoon7065]

Absolutely!

[@isaac24]

I've driven a LOT of cars. Out of all of those, the 2005 Lexus ES330 was probably my favorite. I have NEVER been able to replicate that driving experience in any vehicle. The only comparable one was a 1999 Lexus ES300.

[@captmaverickable]

They took one of the best sedan platforms of the time and gave it dual piston front brakes, low profile 17 inch wheels and upgraded rear sway bars and front strut bars. It handled beautifully for a FWD luxury sedan. And I have owned a 2001 Acura TL and 2005 Acura RL. They were harsher and much much less refined. The TL felt like a Honda EX with a slightly larger V6. The RL had a fantastic V6 but wayyyy too heavy. The SH-AWD was required to keep the front end from massive wheel hop and or torque steer. The Lexus was supremely elegant. More pep than the TL but so much smoother than the RL. I have a 2021 Prius XLE Now. A Lexus Lite.

[@gforcecoons5857]

I love these cars! I own a 2013 GS but if I wanted a secondary or backup car I'd look for these '04 to '06 ES's. Handsome, understated and built to last!

[@00.50goldeneye]

My mom owns one. After a tune up, this is still a quick executive style sedan. Excellent for cutting up

[@TechGorilla1987]

Just got a 2004 ES330 today. 129K miles and the most comprehensive Lexus service report I have ever seen with things like timing belt and transmission Lexus serviced along with 5K oil changes.. Bought and serviced in the same town since birth. Garage kept and looks like it's about 5 years old. I just can't believe our luck. Our RX350 has given us over 100K in luxury miles with 239K total on the clock. We ended up paying 8K for the ES330 out the door. That's what we wrote the check for. Looking forward to the next 8 to 10 years with it.

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

Amazing job with my favorite sedan Zack.

[@UrielArtsGarage]

My friend had one of these in Cali, one of the smoothest cars I've ever been in, even smoother than my benzes! unfortunately a drunk driver totaled it but he has an IS350 now.

[@zakmoon7065]

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

[@UrielArtsGarage]

@@zakmoon7065 no doubt! if they had an awd version I would definitely snag one as a daily!

[@hjcj2685]

I really enjoyed your video. You spoke very great description of the vehicle in and out and I appreciate it and I hope to see more videos from you

[@suprzena333]

LETS GO I BEEN WAITING FOR THIS REVIEW 👊

[@omarvaliente5223]

Can agree about the cupholders not being able to hold bigger drinks well. Many drinks have fallen in mine from cornering too quick

[@winstonmiu]

I remember being shocked at how heavy Lexus steering is! My mind is prepped to think of Lexus as a comfortable cruiser and should have steering that’s light. Not surprisingly, the handling is better than I had expected.

[@aenoymotors]

I used to have a 1997 ES300 and that was a fantastic car. Pre VVTi so non interference if the timing belt snapped, Nakamichi audio system before that went away (and it was excellent), and it was a very handsome sedan. I miss it sometimes.

[@captmaverickable]

This car benefitted from the LS in being the executive sedan that was a bread and butter seller compared to the much pricier LS. In all my years of owning a car. I miss the seats on my 2005 ES330 the most. Literally the most perfect seats for everyday driving. Even with a ripped perforated leather seat bottom.

[@md2k8]

These older, Lexus ES 330's are great sedans to purchase.

[@zakmoon7065]

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

[@redneon06]

If you apply fluoride toothpaste to those headlights 15 minutes and buff it in with a soft cloth they won’t be yellow!! 😊

[@gailenrique2804]

Did you notice the fog light on the passenger side??? Iooks like it got pushed in... :)

[@redneon06]

@@gailenrique2804 I saw they was yellow too and need a fluoride cleaning.

[@GreatDrums.]

@@gailenrique2804 That's an issue due to retaining clips breaking

[@JohnSmith-wx9wj]

They turn yellow again in about a week.

[@joeseeking3572]

I like this ES styling of this era, but vastly prefer the driving experience of the concurrent GS (with V8). Not as 'smooth', but more to my taste. The ES was driven by lady realtors. The GS by 40 year old insurance producers who wore desiger labels and Italian shoes but hadn't quite gotten to a 5 series.

[@vijfmei4720]

Thank you very much for making the video. This is definitely one of best cars ever build by Toyota with outstanding quality and reliability. I have to say I actually like the way its looks as it is very elegant and majestic.

[@zakmoon7065]

I agree these cars have a very solid look

[@phillyspitta8147]

Same color n all I got 180k n is flawless wit the mark Levi system smooth n quiet n comfy then even my 14 is350

[@captmaverickable]

I had one, 2005 ES330 base. It was comfortable but not economical. 19mpg in hilly San Diego traffic. It had very good power. Never complained, but the transmission on mine was having shift solenoid issues and was clunky at shifting occasionally. If you can find a clean and meticulously maintained one I would do it again.

[@ShadowTheSC]

I had the pleasure of driving a 2005 Toyota Camry SE 3.3. It had eibach shocks and springs, and always ran on 92. It was quite powerful for what it was. It was smooth power delivery that got it to about 140 mph. I need another one…

[@joshuawellwerts2078]

I just bought a 2005 es330 with 134k miles. Previous owner had all the receipts for repairs. This car has to be the smoothest driving car ive owned. Everything works like it was brand new. Very happy owning a es330

[@benila3992]

Awesome Lexus review! Can't wait for you to do a next gen ES350! I think you'll really like it Zach!

[@celsovera91]

I have driven a 2007 ES350 that I rented to deliveries in. It was a base model with halogen headlights and no NAV but it still felt really nice to drive. I even raced a civic from a red light one time and smoked him.

[@benila3992]

@@celsovera91 Yes! Despite some questionable interior materials very close to an LS from what I've heard. That 3.5 V6 pulls like a freight train!

[@James-fg3ed]

Btw all auto means that you don't have hold the switch. They were letting you know that you could release the button and it would still go up or down. Unlike most cars where only the driver is all auto and maybe the passenger one is

[@eclpsecomics]

Has anyone found a genuine solution to how to used the cup holders? I keep spilling my drinks into the passenger seat when doing some cornering; currently experimenting with some objects but curious if anyone has come up with something that helps.

[@fatu1738]

Scotty Kilmer would agree this is a tough built car.

[@bertog8080]

Got an 05 last year with 57k miles on it, runs great only downside is that my camshaft position center went out but I got it replaced, the leather is very nice although my backseat is 80% ruined due to my dog besides that I think this car is perfect I’m also planning to take a 3k mile road trip so let’s see how that goes

[@MarteyMar]

Did you take the trip?

[@crouchb15]

Early-mid 00's Lexus 💪

[@zakmoon7065]

Kings of the road that will never die

[@bertog8080]

Anyone know how to adjust the headlights on these cars

[@polishdude001]

Still one of the best budget luxury’s cars you can buy today

[@p71owner53]

I just picked one up with 261k looks brand new on the inside and maintenance all kept up on rides so smooth and pretty good on gas

[@chrisc1072]

how many miles of range do u get on a full tank

[@Abdullahxvii]

I was looking at this as my first car, unfortunately they were prone to rust over the years so I couldn't find a clean example

[@KayakTN]

I had a 2003 Camry and did not care for it. My foot got stuck under the brake and on top of the gas pedal. That is the ONLY time I've ever had that problem with a Camry. I ended up bending the pedals further apart as a precaution. Also, the fuel tank felt smaller in this one. I don't remember if it was from the previous model, but I kept running out of gas sooner than I had anticipated.

[@bracedgod4505]

Was it a 4 or 6?

[@KayakTN]

@@bracedgod4505 4

[@benchattin]

Scotty Kilmer special.

[@hamogad8656]

Owned a es330 years back n now im driving a 2015 es350. Love Lexus

[@vegeta552]

Guys I’m considering buying one. In canada it’s 5500 CAD for 2006 Es 330 with 224,468 Km . Please let me know if that’s a fair deal. Plus in terms of maintenance will there be any major unexpected issues?

[@antwanmcclain8909]

I don't know if these were overlooked because I see these everywhere from the old ones to the new ones. Might just be where I live though.

[@shantavanee]

Looking at an 06 right now🙌🏽 72k miles on it👌🏽

[@cubanoargento6750]

That’s my car and I have loved it, I am 57 and as New driver I think I am really lucky because my mechanic told me: you got a great car…, I am happy driving my silver Lexus es330 (same of the vídeo)

[@woodyharrelson2624]

Would you buy one with minor damage on the front right

[@dave11686]

Very nice

[@hewasdeadwhenigotthere46]

You should do a fiat 500 abarth again! Same situation the last time you drove it. Snowy and on a closed course 😢

[@patrickwaldron3984]

It’s amazing to me that even in 2005 they had ashtrays and cigarette lighters in cars 😂 really cool though

[@christianyoung6654]

I miss my black 2005 ES330!!

[@kamessaiti2902]

Can you please review the 2008 kia rondo

[@Simple_Jack82]

My neighbor had one that looked just like the one in this video. I really wanted to ask her to sell it to me if she upgraded, I would match the trade in. But she totaled it one day, it was such a bummer.

[@Osmium192]

I love my 2006 with less than 80k miles. The guy who designed the LFA also designed this generation ES.

[@zakmoon7065]

Yes these cars have a very solid look

[@redneon06]

Beautiful car.

[@jakesmith-ho4bl]

How DIY ftiendly are these cars?

[@bitemyshinnymetalass1569]

I feel the same. It's a good reliable car. Has some good comfort and technology features. Only thing I didn't like was the front look and those ugly headlights. Besides that I wouldn't mind getting around town driving this vehicle.

[@celsovera91]

For some reason, Lexus has always stood out to me more than acura and infiniti. I'm considering buying a second car under $5,000 just to do food deliveries in because I do not want to put anymore miles on to my CX-5 than it already has (110k). Initially I tried to look for a second GS. But they're either priced out of my range or clapped out and damaged. Same thing goes with the first two generations of the IS. The LS is too big for me. I'm guessing that the ES will be a nice middle ground for me. Plus I need something comfortable as I'm driving to the customers. I'm considering that or a first or second gen RX.

[@Ivan-xo2td]

These are great options, but the issue is that most Lexus cars of this era either have a ton of miles, or a very clapped out, or both no matter what model you choose. If you go up in year, the price starts to get very high very quickly. So, good luck finding nice Lexus for a good price.

[@bwofficial1776]

Look for a Prius. They're comfortable, reliable, efficient, and spacious. Yeah, they're dorky and slow, but $5k can buy you a pretty nice one. High miles don't really matter as long as the hybrid battery is in good condition.

[@celsovera91]

@@Ivan-xo2td yeah i see that a lot. Especially with the gs and is. I have seen some clean es's like around the late 100k. But you know how long those engines go

[@celsovera91]

@@bwofficial1776 its the battery that I'm worried about

[@zakmoon7065]

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

[@minipandora22]

The epitome of *RELIABILITY* 🔩

[@waveriderz2687]

Recently bought a low mileage 2006 a year ago for reliability. Hope it stands up cuz'' I have a 99' Le Sabre and it's drive train has been even more reliable. The Buick's been every bit as luxurious, with more room, and gets better has mileage. The styling might be outdated, but I'm just fine with that!

[@Jame6999]

I have an 03 Es300 pretty much the same car. Except bugger displacement. The car is reliable.

[@francesfuego6950]

I’m looking right now at a 05 330 with 189k and a salvage title for 1350 steal? Or no steal? No other issues.

[@errolwashington5606]

Heck yes a steal!!! Its a Lexus!!! Lol

[@robertoortiz447]

05 es 330 225k miles owner here

[@bingflosby]

Just bought a 02 es with 140 thousand miles on it it’s not bad shape but needs some work sadly the previous owner left a bunch of things for me to fix

[@paulm6481]

Lexus ES is probably best luxury car sedan in the world. I recommend a certified ES350 with v6. Best car in the world with a ride that is smooth as butter. Just don’t get the F suspension on it.

[@geddon436]

Is this Lexus Es 330 more comfortable riding that a camry?

[@adeniranfemi1446]

Pls do a es350 review

[@quesokid4959]

Bet those projector beams cost a fortune to replace if damaged back then 😅

[@trishbrad00]

Fix the fog light!

[@llamachan4970]

mine has 400K, still going good

[@zakmoon7065]

Wow! How’s the maintenance for you and any repairs parts?

[@kathymorrison7462]

I bought this same car 15 months ago, I absolutely love it, I think the body style elegant, when I bought it only 69,000 miles on it, I know I will have it for a good long time

[@zeez88]

NEVER SELLING MINE

[@trishbrad00]

We own one. Love it. Fully loaded.

[@mcfragger2605]

omfg what a coincidence that I just bought an es330 this morning haha

[@willyhwang1059]

if this model doesn't have sticky dash it's already 1 million x better than the model that came after

[@trishbrad00]

Who had the accidents? Front end, rear end

[@timmcguire5688]

My Dad passed away in April & he had a 2001 Lexus IS 430. Mom wants to sell it & I think it’s an Ultra. VIN doesn’t ID the Ultra model. It has every option that Zack mentioned except it has Gray Graphite instead of the Woodgrain inside. It has 117K & is Garaged and has been well taken care of. Just trying to gauge it’s worth.

[@sexytime1194]

Why doesn't this generation have backup camera? If it already has navigation isn't it easier to include it?

[@Osmium192]

This was way before backup cameras were even conceived of.

[@mattmroz4905]

Those poor headlights and that one cockeyed fog light. I would definitely have a mechanic look at this one before buying outright. No different than buying any other used car! This could be restored.

[@zakmoon7065]

For the price of any repair it is worth it for a Lexus of this generation

[@funstang2008]

The interior is probably what sold this car. It's comfortable, with nice amenities. I agree, have always thought the mug on this car was fugly lol 😅

[@doug6191]

This generation made me wonder what Lexus designers were doing. Such a downgrade, but they got their act together with the next generation.

[@zakmoon7065]

Actually this generation is very highly sought after for its strong design and materials. From 2002 - 2006 the quality control was at its highest for these cars made in Japan and will run forever with just simple maintenance considering a luxury sedan.

[@toyotadude6771]

​@@zakmoon7065this generation was known for being ugly

[@GoTMLGo1967]

And it takes regular fuel, unlike other Lexus’ that require premium.

[@WhoRambo06]

Don’t forget the stupid timing belt

[@markmeador1137]

I don’t know why but I can get a Lexis ES3 cheaper than a Camry

[@davinp]

Actually, the ES 300 is the Lexus version of the Camry

[@damilolaakanni]

To be more specific, the ES300/330 is a Lexus version of the JDM Toyota Windom. Both share the same platform with the Camry and Avalon though, as well as the original Highlander and Lexus RX330 (Toyota Harrier), but *not* the Venza. The first gen Venza shared a platform with the 2nd generation Highlander, RX350, 6th generation Camry (the ES 330 was based on the 5th generation), and the 2007-2012 ES350.

[@zakmoon7065]

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

[@damilolaakanni]

@jonathan-sl7eg not true. 1991-2012 were based on the respective generations of the Camry, 2013 and newer share a platform with the Avalon. If you ride in a 2012 and 2013 Es350 you will notice the difference.

[@JohnSmith-wx9wj]

I have an 02 ES300 and my friend has an 04 Camry. They're almost exactly the same, from the exterior, interior, and how it feels to drive. I have a five speed transmission, and he has a four speed. That's the only significant difference I noticed. Camry cupholders are better.

[@sinsinsss5216]

Same like use elon beozoz bdien trump. Cina russian... Indonesia seperti similar but bedo... Melompat.

[@sinsinsss5216]

Koe tak omongi nek nesu silahkan niatku gawe koe diam atau mati.rausah kawatir aku yo iso mati.... Hehehe

[@kc0lif]

bottle pass.

[@COYGunners]

Scotty Kilmer intensifies

[@sinsinsss5216]

Lha yo coromu bagdu domba ngono kui

[@ProtegeTuype]

I don't like the design. It's looks too much Asian

[@zakmoon7065]

Lexus quality control was at its highest between the years 2002 - 2006 made in Japan

[@ProtegeTuype]

@@zakmoon7065 Yeah... sticky dashboard and etc

[@trishbrad00]

Filthy engine cover

[@trishbrad00]

225 hp not 226...get it right