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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  Whatelse can you say - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By mad99 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I just picked up used 2003 LX470 and what can I say. It is the greatest SUV, I was looking to buy the GX470 but with the many complaints about the GX I was able to find used LX470 for the same price of a new GX.

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  I absolutely love my 07 LX470 - 2007 Lexus LX 470
  By Mom of Two - November 4 - 4:43 am

  Ive been wanting to get a Lexus SUV for quite some time. I waited until I was able to find the right price. I also wanted to get the older body type instead of the new 570s, which look a bit odd to me. I absolutely love this car! It has great handling, smooth ride, and a beautiful interior. It came fully loaded and you cant ask for anything more. The only downside is of course the gas mileage. But why would you buy an SUV without knowing that you would be paying a lot for gas. Anyhow, weve taken it to various off road terrains and it handles nice. I would highly recommend this car to any family!

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  Love my Lexus!! - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By AliCor - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I am driving my second LX470, I will never settle for another vehicle. It is comfortable, safe, and ergonomically superior to any other car Ive driven. I told my husband the only way Ill give up this car is if he buys me a new LX470. Ive owned a Mercedes suv and that didnt compare.

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  My 2nd is better than the 1st - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By dogallama - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 2...bt far beats the competition hands down...no issues with performance...unmatched off road...and the quality is paramount to any vehicle I have ever owned. They retain value and that is almost impossible with a car, but not with the LX470 or any Lexus for that matter.

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  LX 470 - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By rkisaacs - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Wonderfully smooth and quiet ride, incredibly maneuverable and near- perfect road performance. My only problem with this gem is with the interior design, specifically with the seats. There are so many buttons and lights, but its fun to figure them all out.

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  Our 3rd LX 470 - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By CamOwens - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Without qualification, the best vehicle in its class. Nothing else out there gives us what the LX 470 does. We will continue to be loyal customers until when and if someone designs and builds a better model, which I suspect will also be Lexus.

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  Lexus Quality Again - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Jerry053 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I recently bought the Lexus LX 470 and WOW what a high quality, fun to drive, SUV. After driving all the competitor SUVS in its class. the Lexus stood out hands down. It is an extremely safe and well built SUV that holds its value over the years. It is absolutely loaded with standard equipment and very few options. The navigation system is redesigned for this year and works flawlessly. Extremely impressed with this vehicle and may just buy another one for my wife.

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  Lx470 - 2005 Lexus LX 470
  By isaiah - October 9 - 1:53 pm

  I love the feeling when I wrap my hands around that wood trim steering wheel.The softy smooth whisper of the wind I here when I pull out in front of a car the humming of that 4.7V8 engine and the styling of the exterior.the smooth ride and the quick stopping brakes.this truck will blow your mind!!!!!!! this is the best luxury here!!!!!

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  There is a reason not to choose GX470... - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By DrJT - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Just got my LX470 two days ago. Its a bit surprising to myself, because I went to the dealership to buy GX470 that day. I Never liked the pre-2003 LX470 models because they look like Land Cruzer too much and is not too sporty in look. I test-drove both, and feel GX470 kind of squeezing and very unconfortable on the drivers side, too. The minor changes on the exterior makes the over-all look sporty and pretty.

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  So Nice! - 2006 Lexus LX 470
  By CarXpert - September 14 - 5:30 pm

  As you probably know, lexus is a very nice make. The lexus lx is also the top of the line SUV. It was a great SUV for our family. At the time, we had a few other cars which were other lexuss including the LS. The LX was so nice to drive on the weekends, out to dinner, or when other people came to town!