2004 Lexus RX330

Click for larger images	2004 Lexus RX330 by Gary S. Vasilash Lexus has done a number of things in its deliberative climb during the past decade or so to the number-one position in the U.S. luxury market. One of its first was the introduction of a luxury-for-its time (now considered “entry luxury,” as the price point is in the $35K vicinity) sport utility vehicle in March 1998, the RX 300. At the time, the closest alternative was a fully loaded Ford Explorer with an Eddie Bauer package. And while this takes us ahead in time to April 2002, it is worth keeping in mind that when Lexus went looking for a branding partner to add a little panache to its product, it didn’t go to, say, REI, but rather to Coach. The difference is in the details. The RX 300 is also one of the early car platform-based SUVs. In its case, it shares underpinnings with the Lexus ES 300 sedan and Toyota Camry. To say that it “rides like a car” is to state the obvious. But because it is an SUV, there are system additions of a more-adventurous nature. The RX 300 is giving way to the 2004 RX 330. The larger number designation isn’t capricious, because it is a bigger vehicle. And while on the subject of the 300/330, it is probably not a coincidence that the RX 300’s engine has a 3.0-liter displacement and the 330’s has a 3.3-liter displacement. The new V6 provides 230 hp at 5,600 rpm and 242 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600. The RX 330 has a wheelbase that’s 3.9 inches longer than the previous model’s. It is 6.1 inches longer and 1.1 inches wider. Now that the market includes the likes of the Acura MDX, BMW X5 3.0i, Mercedes ML 320, and the Volvo XC90, bigger is evidently better. From an overall design standpoint, the RX 330 isn’t a significant departure from its predecessor. The overall four-door architecture is the same, but the key difference is that the rear hatch is more severely raked. While the overall cargo volume is increased by nearly 10 cubic feet (84.7 cubic feet vs. 75.0 cubic feet), there is some question as to the utility of the space that’s under the hatch given its angle. The body side cladding of the previous model has given way to a much cleaner, sharper appearance, with a character line accenting the 17-inch wheels and connecting the two with a crisp continuation across the doors. The tail lamps – which utilize LED lights – are both redesigned and meet flush with the rear glass. One thing that is evident: this is an SUV built with the methods that are part of the Toyota Production System: the gaps are tight both externally and internally. As for the aforementioned system additions, there are Vehicle Skid Control, Traction Control and Brake Assist, all of which do what they sound like. It can be equipped with the Adaptive Front lighting System, a first in the U.S. market, which allows the HID headlight to swivel to the right or left, based on the input of the steering wheel, in order to better illuminate curves. There’s an available rear backup camera. There is an air suspension system that allows three levels of height adjustment. Mark Levinson audio is now becoming a mark of Lexus sound, and a full-blown 11-speaker system is available. With the RX 300, Lexus started a good thing going. And with the RX 330, it is moving even further ahead.