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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  Review Title - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By LexusOwner - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Vehicle. Great handling.Smooth ride. No noise. Easy to use controls. Luxurious interior

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  Mixed Emotions - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By gelkin - May 31 - 12:00 am

  This is my second Lexus, previously owned GS 430, but my 4th SUV. Overall a nice vehice but I do have some gripes. The driving position is not to my liking. It seems like Lexus took the undersized arm rests from the Sequoia and put them in the GX. There is literally no position I can put the armrest in and be comfortable. The ride is just OK, even with the suspension set to the softest setting its jarring around town. Constantly being in 4wd leads to some interesting noises at highway speeds over 65mph and when parking in a tight spot. Fuel economy... never seen 17mph. The barn door is a major pain when the wind blows. Id like to see a traditional "liftgate" type of door.

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  First GX 470! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Mom2Four - May 30 - 3:23 pm

  Purchased my first Lexus from my BFF; GX is 5 years old with 35K miles; interior is in excellent shape, has held up well to 2 kids. Love the comfort selection option, comfort- sport. I have yet to find anything I dont love about this vehicle. There is very little road noise; feature options are excellent; and the sunroof doesnt leak (like in other vehicles weve owned). The rumble seats take getting used to - but easy to pop-up or put-down.

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  LEXUS - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Beeglad - May 28 - 10:00 am

  First Japanese Car-- I give it very high marks

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  ABS system Buzz... distractive... - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By honlynx - May 19 - 11:23 am

  There’re high frequency squeaks (buzz) fr under the dash every 2-3 brake pedal application in my new GX470. It makes me feel uncomfortable & distractive when Im driving. However, Lexus said it is caused by ABS braking system and it is a normal characteristic from ABS actuator and no repairs are necessary. It could be a normal characteristic if actuator buzz from OUTSIDE car and do not bothering people in the car. However, it is problem if a noise is annoying people INSIDE the car. This is definitely an unsafe driving condition to any driver. I purchased Lexus w/the high expectation of its quality&services. But I experience the absolutely worst I have ever had. I need HELP & good advise.

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  so far so good - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By newenegue - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Well our family just picked up the new GX470. so far i can say it is excellent. the ride is very smooth and the rear air suspension leveling system is fun to play with. we got it almost fully loaded, everything but the rear entertainment system. the dvd based navigation system is touch screen and makes it even more user friendly. the third row seat is a bit small for someone tall like me (6ft) but okay for small children riding. i really only have one problem with the car and that is that it is not offered with HID(High Intensity Discharge) lights. it would have made the car look even better.

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  Simply the Best - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By Liquiddi - May 15 - 3:03 pm

  I bought an 08 GX 470 for my wife and love every bit of this truck. I own an 06 Trailblazer SS and love it to death. I can say the Lexus out performs the SS in every category except performance. The Lexus is tight The doors dont rattle when you shut them. At the age of 33 Im really sick of all the American cars Ive had. I guess Im getting old and tired of dealing with the problems. GX 470 is awesome.

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  Lexus New SUV - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By OWNER - May 14 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I just purchased the new lexus gx. So far it is enjoyable but I am now looking to purchase the Porsche Cayenne. The Lexus is smooth and navigational system easy to use. I love the engine but maybe a little more horspower would be better. We didnt like that there are no xenon head lamps or integrated turn signals in the mirrors. Otherwise, the lexus is a great competitor and should last for years.

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  Unhappy with first Lexus - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By ChazK - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Our first Lexus and Ill have to say, Ive never been so dissappointed with an automobile. Transmission seems to slip on occassion and it takes bumps a lot harder than I assumed it would. When driving at low speeds up to about 50, it seems to be a little "jerky", for lack of a better term; almost as though it was shifting back and forth between gears. I would difinately test drive one and concentrate on the ride and not get so caught up in the luxurious interior and all of the whistles and bells. The automobile is beautiful inside and out. I just wish the performance matched the beauty. If I were to base Lexus on this GX470; I would never buy another one.

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  Traded ours - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By Jane - April 25 - 12:43 pm

  I have always purchased BMWs, but decided to get a Lexus for a change. I just traded it in and went back to BMWs. The SUV is very well made, but is awful to drive. We actually felt unsafe in ours.