Overview & Reviews

The GX 470 midsize SUV continued the Lexus tradition of offering high levels of luxury in a vehicle that is both quiet and comfortable. With three rows of seating, a smooth V8 engine and a refined interior, the GX was a top-tier luxury SUV in every sense of the term. In addition, this particular Lexus had the ability to venture farther off-road than most of its owners would ever have the desire, or courage, to take it.

However, the Lexus GX 470 existed at a time when the crossover SUV market was really growing. Although its rugged truck-based underpinnings provided advantages in terms of towing or going off-road, the resulting higher weight, lower fuel economy and decreased space efficiency meant this Lexus wasn't the best choice for the type of on-road driving that most luxury SUV owners spend the majority of their time doing.

Although discontinued after 2009, this model essentially lived on as the redesigned Lexus GX 460.

Most Recent Lexus GX 470
The Lexus GX 470 was a traditional body-on-frame SUV produced from 2003-'09. Mechanically, it was closely related to the Toyota 4Runner of the time. At the time, we were impressed by the GX's superior off-road abilities and upscale interior. Downsides included a very cramped third-row seat and a side-hinged cargo door that could impede curbside loading.

Originally, there was a single trim level and its 4.7-liter V8 produced only 235 horsepower. This would be upgraded to 270 for 2005, but that was downgraded to 263 when testing procedures changed in '06. A five-speed automatic was always standard, as was a full-time four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing.

Throughout its time on the market, the GX 470 came with a variety of features designed to help it off-road including Downhill Assist Control (DAC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) and Rear Adjustable Height Control (AHC). The optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) arrived for 2004. This high-tech feature automatically adjusted the front and rear stabilizer bars to enhance handling under a variety of conditions, both on- and off-road.

While this off-roading potential is a key GX 470 attribute, Lexus owners expect refinement and luxury. True to form, the GX 470 offered fine leather on the seats and lustrous wood on the dash and steering wheel. However, as it got on in years, the GX started to lack some of the luxury features that came to be expected in its segment. As such, later model versions may be less appealing relative to their contemporary competitors.

There were other significant changes made to the GX 470 during its lengthy life. For '04, safety upgrades included a roll-sensing feature for the side curtain airbags, a tire-pressure monitoring system and an optional rear back-up camera system for vehicles with the navigation system installed.

A Sport trim joined the lineup for '05 and remained until the GX 470 gave way to the 460. Other GX option changes that year included an upgraded navigation system with better graphics and additional functions, Bluetooth compatibility and voice commands for the climate control, audio and navigation systems. Navigation was again updated for 2007. Other '07 changes included the addition of an auxiliary audio jack and a larger screen for the rear-seat entertainment system.

User Reviews:

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  Squeaky Breaks - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By SQUEAKY BRAKES - December 10 - 10:50 am

  Bought car brand new. Squeaky brakes when car had 20,000 mi. Initially intermittent, then became consistent. Multiple dealer services not solved. Was told by Service Adivor & Manager common for these cars, in fact was told many new Lexus vehicles squeak and nothing can be done. What a disappointment. Were not talking about Pintos here. No vote of confidence from Lexus trained personnel. Would not recommend Lexus base on above comments from a service manager and adviser. Buyers beware. Can you imagine spending premium dollars and was told they naturally squeak? Car is still new!

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  Lexus BX470 - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By ivy - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE IT! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT AND IT SITS NICE AND HIGH, SO YOU CAN SEE ALL AROUND

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  A Great Car!!! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Snwht76 - November 26 - 5:36 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR!! I traded my Lincoln Navigator which was profoundly unreliable, for the GX470 and I couldnt be happier! I wasnt sure that there could be a smoother ride than the Lincoln but I was mistaken. This car is fun and fast and has all of the options one could want in a car. This was a quality purchase and I am completely impressed with the Lexus product!!

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  Option detail lags competition. - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Jerry - November 12 - 10:13 pm

  Purchased 2005 GX470 after test driving MDX, Navigator, Aviator, Denali, BMW SUV. GX does have an excellent ride BUT Lexus needs to pay more attention to option detail. Lexus NAV system ranks far behind Acura and Mercedes (I own both). Mark Levinson sound system is average, at best. Also ranks behind Acura and Mercedes. Bluetooth phone capability is a joke. Just found out that you cant get a Verizon phone to work with the system. Voice activated NAV and audio is useless. This is a $50,000+ luxury vehicle that should NOT have these issues. Lexus needs to take a look at what Acura (my daughters TSX) and Mercedes (my wifes E320) have accomplished and learn from them. Thinking of trading in.

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  Just a little tweaking, and its perfect - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Janelle - October 27 - 4:10 pm

  A quiet, luxurious, and smooth ride overall. Beautiful presence and the perfect size. Quality materials and dependable. Stock stereo (sound) is nothing to brag about (previously had Bose) and I would upgrade if I had it to do again. Lack of dome light button to light entire interior cabin annoying at best. Seats are a little short for someone with long legs, but all SUVs Ive been in are the same. Auto tilt mirrors when backing up are great. Hard to manually operate lights/wipers/cruise at night because controls are not lighted and because everything generally runs great on automatic, in an instance you need to operate these manually, you are not familiar enough with.

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  ALL WEATHER - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By SOBHI - October 23 - 10:00 am

  DID HAVE TO DRIVE THE CAR IN A HEAVY RAIN STORM REABILITY SECOND TO NONE EXCELLENT ROAD HANDLING

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  GX470 - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By whf - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Major problem for me with the GVWR recall which cost me big bucks. I wouldn’t put much stock in Lexus claims of customer satisfaction or service if the problem is substantial. Even a small item took a trip to the dealership to resolve. Voice recognition is poor. Basic air and sound controls is cumbersome. Navigation system is easy to use, with very intuitive programming. The premium sound system if excellent. Limited storage for small items. Dealer service failed to reset the service notice button. During a trip an emergency notice come on saying we needed repair service, and should contact the dealer immediately. That was a bit troubling, until

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  New Lexus SUV - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By urbancowgrl - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Just got this SUV and I love it!! The size is right, it is reasonably priced with other vehicles on the market. A must test drive. These cars dont stay on the lot long too!

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  Best of 3 - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Charlene - October 3 - 3:30 pm

  I previously had a Navigator and a 2003 Range Rover. After major expensive problems with the RR, I wanted a SUV that was reliable and with the same luxury as the RR. I decided on the GX470 because I am previously a Lexus owner. So I know the quality and the performance of the Lexus. Its not as big as the full size SUV but it is not as small either. It was perfect for what I was looking for.

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  Dream Machine - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By wolverine11 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Simply luxurious all around. Solid as a tank. A true pleasure to drive. We cannot believe how smooth the ride is. Handled Canadian snow blizzard with ease. Its difficult to imagine a better overall package.