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 - 2005 Lexus LX 470
  By Sue - July 3 - 12:46 am

  I have never been so happy with a vehicle purchase. With all of the features that come with this SUV you wonder if there is anything you would need to add. Lexus did not overlook anything when they built this truck. The suspension even lowers itself so that I can load items into the back of the truck. The only issue I do have is that the front of the vehicle is deceiving and takes some time to get used to. And the tailgate or hatch in the back does not have an opening feature from the remote.

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  Good....not great - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By jm641 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Overall, the LX 470 is good, but falls short of what it could be. As has been noted, even w/ the 5hp increase and new tranny for 03, the LX is 35-50hp short of where it ought to be. In addition, the general age of the platform has began to show. It is not as space efficient as newer alternatives, and for a $70k vehicle, there are things that should be standard that arent avail (no park distance control, no window sun shades, etc). Sadly, when this vehicle is replaced w/ a Sequoia- based product, there will be a void in this size range (its a big jump from a GX to a Sequoia!). In all, cant say Im disappointed, but Im not gushing.

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  Best vehicle ever owned - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By regreigg - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought this vehicle one year ago with 72000 miles on it. Now has 81000 miles. Wonderful trip ride. Great capacity to carry stuff. All around great vehicles. Drove through 12 inches of snow with it last winter. Goes anywhere. Dealers have great service. Only issue with it is CD changer died. $600 to replace. Oh well, even Lexus isnt perfect!

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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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  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.

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  Good Luxury SUV - 2001 Lexus LX 470
  By llrinco - February 18 - 4:06 am

  Smooth ride, luxury features. After 110K miles it has needed some repairs (ignition broke, suspension wiring went berserk).

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  Simply the Best, 2005 Lexus LX 470 - 2005 Lexus LX 470
  By wlsn951 - September 23 - 12:10 pm

  My new LX470 is absolutely spectacular in ever way except fuel mileage. This is my second LX470, the first being a 2002. As delivered, from day one, there have been no problems what so ever. Nice to drive, great fit and finish, and impressive off road performance. What else can I say, it is a Lexus. Dave

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  Classy - 1999 Lexus LX 470
  By rahang - May 29 - 4:53 am

  Bought this vehicle used from repeat owner of LX 470s who also loves the LX 470. We have driven it in the Rocky Mountains and Northern Michigan in various extreme weather and road conditions and it hardly skipped a heartbeat. Then the problems. Front wheel portion of AWD failed completely without warning and complete and thorough maintenance & records upkeep. No reason, just failed with less than 120K miles on vehicle. Lexus Company left me dry and lacking enthusiasm for its continued reliability stating I should have bought extended warranty. Chagrined that a seemingly top notch vehicle of this caliber has such a major problem with so few miles, but goes to show failure happens

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  Best of Rest - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By Mohs Doc - May 13 - 10:00 am

  25K trouble free miles. 12-14 mpg expected when one notes the 5500+ lbs. of weight. Nothing on the market to compare with it unless the NEW Range Rover, now under German mgmt, might be a contender, but I would have to be shown.

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  The best buy LUV on the market - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Sam Miao - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best SUV on the market regardless of price, plus the Lexus reputation for service and quality.