2004 Lexus RX330 Test Drive

There is only one other sport utility this good, and the Infiniti FX45 costs $10,000 more comparably equipped. The 2004 Lexus RX330 is comfortable, utilitarian in ways most important to owners, safe, and available with a complement of convenience features that elevate this to top of the class. Prices: US $35,025 base; as tested, $45,848. Warranty :4 years/50,000 miles.

It's a difficult feat to design a vehicle that stands tall, but is easy to enter and exit, that is utilitarian yet aerodynamic, that has all the comfort of a car but isn't one. But Lexus designers have accomplished that with the new-for-2004 Lexus RX330, as good a small sport utility as is made. It looks good from any angle, but is characterized by a small spoiler visor atop the rear window. And there's no question that the Lexus RX330 is a hit with consumers. Behind the wheel of one, you'll find plenty of like-minded owners to wave at. In base form, the RX330 is a completely competent vehicle, but ours had $10,000 worth of options that put it in a category it then dominates. Pop open a door and look inside at a roof-mounted DVD entertainment system with remote control and headphones, at a navigation system connected to a rear-mounted camera, at the Mark Levinson stereo system that puts you in the orchestra pit, at the leather everywhere and the wood-and-leather steering wheel. Some features you won't find until you're behind the wheel, but even at first glance, the 2004 Lexus RX330 is special.

The interior is extremely attractive, tastefully done in leather and wood. The driver's seat adjusts eight ways, the passenger seat four ways. There are foldable armrests for both seats. All power windows are one-touch down and up and all mirrors are photochromatic, dimming at night as a car approaches from the rear. You are surrounded by air bags - a pair up front, a knee bag for the driver, side bags for the front seats, and a head curtain bag that runs the lengths of both sides. There are three-point belts at all five seating positions; the front ones have pre-tensioners and force limiters. Anti-lock brakes are standard, as is an electronic stability control program to help correct overeagerness in a turn. Particularly noteworthy are terrific high-intensity discharge headlights. Thrown on "high" they have candlepower rivaled only by the Olympic stadium being completed in Greece. Not only do they illuminate far down the road, but they hold illumination well at close range and have the widest periphery coverage seen on any vehicle. It's a joy to watch them "auto level". Our tester's remote key fob had a button that operated the power rear door - up and down. And in the cargo bay, storage compartments pop up for easy unloading.

Under the hood of the 2004 Lexus RX330 is a 3.3-liter V6 that serves up 230 horsepower. It's connected to a five-speed automatic transmission with a "snow" mode. Among the options that made our tester so special were 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with mud and snow tires, a $215 extra. But it was a $6,720 package that really added the convenience. Included were the Mark Levinson sound system, a navigation system that proved first-rate 99 percent of the time, a rear backup camera that shows a superb image on the navigation screen when the RX330 is placed in reverse (even at night), the power rear door, high-intensity headlights that made night driving as safe as it gets today, the leather interior, roof rails with racks, the wood-and-leather steering wheel, a one-touch open/close moonroof, and an illuminated entry system that turns on a puddle light in addition to lights inside the vehicle. But most special was laser adaptive cruise control. Set your cruise speed and the RX330 will maintain your chosen distance from any vehicle ahead. This $600 option is wonderful, but a driver still needs to pay attention. I had to brake sharply once after the alarm sounded as a car ahead of me stopped dead in the road to turn left!

At the base price of $35,025, the 2004 Lexus RX330 is a fine value among sport utilities. But why would anyone with that much money to spend on a vehicle not go all the way and purchase the options that make this one a Super Vehicle? Anyone with children or grandchildren will appreciate the convenience of the DVD system with its roof-mounted screen. And anyone concerned with safety wants the backup camera system. In years to come, this should become standard equipment on vehicles - so Lexus owners just have a head start on the future. And whether your musical tastes run to country or opera, the Mark Levinson sound system will deliver fidelity unlike almost any other system available from any factory. Indeed, there isn't a single "option" on our tester that I wouldn't recommend a buyer purchase. They all add up a driving experience that is simply tops. This is a near-perfect vacation vehicle - and you won't arrive with a backache and worn-out feeling. Those captive backseat kids will be happy, too, having watched "Finding Nemo" for the 106th time. Safe, comfortable, utilitarian, 20/26 mpg mileage ratings - the 2004 Lexus RX330 defines excellence in its category.