Overview & Reviews

Domestic manufacturers get much of the credit -- and blame -- for creating the large luxury SUV class. Yet Lexus was actually the first automaker to enter this market when it introduced the LX series for the 1996 model year. The Lexus LX 470 represented the second generation of this elite line of SUVs.

Like most full-size SUVs, the LX 470 used traditional body-on-frame construction, but it has been tuned to provide a serene and forgiving ride. Unlike many competitors, though, the LX retained substantial off-road capabilities and could take on seriously gnarly trails for those who cared to use it that way.

Most owners did not, of course, but the Lexus LX 470 was an easy vehicle to like, even in the confines of suburbia. There could be no denying the quality of the materials used to construct the interior, for example -- the leather upholstery was almost inconceivably supple, and the wood inlays were some of the richest to be found at any price point. A standard third-row seat allowed the LX 470 to accommodate up to eight passengers, and indeed it has been a common sight in carpool circles at exclusive private academies.

Our only real complaint about the Lexus LX 470 was always its high price. Unless buyers were planning to make use of its all-terrain talents, there was simply no reason to spend this much money -- even on a luxury SUV. As a used vehicle choice, however, the LX makes a lot more sense. Depreciation puts pricing more in line with reality, while reliability is nothing short of exceptional.

Most Recent Lexus LX 470

Sold from 1998-2007, the LX 470 was one of the longest-running vehicles in the Lexus fleet. The LX 470 was mechanically identical to the Toyota Land Cruiser, and differences between the two came down to luxury accoutrements ? namely, the Lexus had more of them. In standard spec, the LX came fully loaded, including amenities like DVD navigation, a rear back-up camera and a premium-grade Mark Levinson sound system. Among the options were a Night View infrared imaging system and a rear-seat DVD player.

Motivation for the Lexus LX 470 came from a refined 4.7-liter V8. A four- or five-speed automatic transmission sent power to all four wheels through a permanent four-wheel-drive system. A lever on the center console allowed the driver to switch to low-range gearing for maximum traction in heavy snow or dirt, while a separate button locked the center differential into a 50/50 power split between the front and rear axles. An adaptive suspension provided both driver-selectable height control and variable shock absorber damping.

The LX 470 was not especially quick for an SUV in this price range, though the engine's supremely smooth delivery somewhat offset this lack of vigor. The LX had an easygoing demeanor on pavement; however, it felt floppy around corners, even with the adaptive suspension in its "Sport" setting.

Inside, seating was plush and comfortable in the first and second rows, but the third-row seats were smaller than the rearmost accommodations in other large luxury SUVs. To make matters worse, the 50/50 sections didn't fold flat when extra cargo space was needed. Cargo capacity in general was also on the low side at 90 cubic feet, though the clamshell-style tailgate provided good access to stowed items.

The Lexus LX 470 received a handful of equipment changes after its 1998 debut. If you're shopping for a used one, the best years to look at are 2003 and up. During the '03 model year, the LX switched from a four-speed automatic transmission to the five-speed, while picking up front-seat side airbags and first- and second-row side curtain airbags. The Night Vision system was added to the options list that year.

The other major update came in 2006 when Lexus equipped the 4.7-liter V8 with variable valve timing, increasing output to 275 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Previously, the V8 generated 235 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque (230 hp from 1998-2002). Revised SAE certification standards saw the V8's peak horsepower drop back to 268 for the '07 model year.

The excellent Mark Levinson sound system also became standard equipment in 2006; it was offered as an option from 2001-'05. Prior to '01, Lexus offered a well-regarded Nakamichi sound system as the premium-grade audio option. If you want a factory-installed navigation system, you'll need to look at 2001 and later models. The nav system was optional in 2001 and standard thereafter. The rear camera system and Bluetooth compatibility became standard fare in 2004.

Past Lexus LX 470 Models

If you're looking at higher-mileage vehicles, you may come across the first-generation LX, known as the LX 450. It was basically the same size and shape as the LX 470, but drew power from a tepid 4.5-liter inline-6 rather than a V8 and was based on the previous-generation Toyota Land Cruiser. High mileage should not necessarily be a deterrent.

User Reviews:

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  excellent SUV! - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By Jammin J - June 5 - 7:46 pm

  Just the best large SUV out there. Ive not found a better ride in any comparable size. I love the quiet cabin & stable feel. Ergonomics are great!

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  LX is Awesome - 2005 Lexus LX 470
  By Love Lexus - May 22 - 2:00 am

  After Buying a GX a few months earlier, I traded in the piece of junk LR3 (which was 2 yrs newer). Simply put a 5 yr old Lexus with 50k is better than any other brand new car.

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  Best of the Best - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By sayahhhhhhhhhhhh - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Best SUV in the market

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  Best Luxury SUV Ever Made - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By davywoodruff - April 21 - 2:00 am

  By far the best SUV ever made, especially if you care about luxury. Compared to my previous Range Rover (and even Landcruiser), the LX470 is simply amazing in its ability to deliver quiet, luxurious, reliable performance. It is also beautiful and stylish, despite being around since 1998. Off-road capability (if you dare) is astounding and as good as any stock 4x4 out there. On-road performance is sumptuous, smooth, quiet, relaxed. Driving the LX470 just makes you feel like the world is a more peaceful place. Security in snow and off-road is first-rate.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Tim Currin - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Amazing handling for a full time four wheel drive SUV. Super interior appointments. Great looking exterior. Navigation system is wonderful.

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  Lexus LX 470 - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Lexus driver - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I love my Lexus! My son drives a 2003 Range Rover and my family agrees that the Lexus is much more comfortable to ride. It is just an amazing SUV!

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  Repeat owner - 2002 Lexus LX 470
  By MFF - March 2 - 10:00 am

  We love this vehicle, in fact it is our second one!

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  LX-470 is a sweet ride - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By Mark3101 - February 4 - 1:40 pm

  Very smooth and the 5 speed transmission is better than the old 4 speed I had in my 2000. The interior upgrades are nice as is the adaptive steering. The 2003 is also quieter than the previous models. Gas mileage is not bad, but should be better. Otherwise a great vehicle for driving in all conditions.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Lexus LX 470
  By hkypuk10 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This is the best riding most comfortable SUV i have ever owned. I will never buy any other type of SUV than this one ..It beats all the competition in every category except mileage.. I have owned the rest and this is the best one!!!!!!!!!!

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  mixed bag - 2002 Lexus LX 470
  By lexinfo - January 17 - 11:16 pm

  Climate control and audio system are excellent. Driver seat feels hard and tends to push driver forward awkwardly. Stubborn starting problems. The starter feels too weak for the engine, and it is normal to have to try 2 or 3 times to get a start that keeps running. It is in the garage now and wont start, so when I have time I am planning to have it towed to the dealer in hopes that a new battery will solve the problem.