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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  Made a mistake - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By NeverAGAIN - March 2 - 8:33 pm

  It kills me to admit I made a mistake purchasing this vehicle. Every complaint I read previously about the vehicle manifested with my new GX 470. Less than 1K miles and I kept experiencing grinding brakes and "the clunk". The clunk is a noise it makes after stopping. It causes the car to shift slighltly forward and feels as if someone tapped the bumper. When I showed the dealer a TSB report they were forced to fix it.

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  Lexus Sex Us - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By dxchud - February 7 - 2:00 am

  After only 2 GX test drives, reading reviews on Edmunds and ClubLexus.com - I was sold! Also considered Volvo XC90 and BMW X5 and was turned off in that process. Volvo- disappointed by the interior quality and general station wagon feel. BMW - was not big enough and can only rely on its performance oriented characteristics which were not outstanding with the 3.0. Finally, after my wife was SO impressed with the test drive (concerned by SUV gas mileage) and said - "this is NIIIICE". We were sold. Had it only about 48 hrs. but really love the new addition to our family. Even our 2 yr old daughter said "nice car" after sitting in it.

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  Love my Car - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Jessica - February 6 - 3:40 am

  My lexus has been the best car for me. I owned a 2004 for 2 years and just upgraded to a 2006. It rides smooth as glass (much better than my GM SUV). The car is all about making the driver comfortable. The Navigation system is easy to operate and a huge help. I have NEVER had to take my car in except for routine maintentance. I LOVE MY CAR!!

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  WORST LEXUS EVER - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By goodgimp - February 4 - 12:03 am

  This GX is my second and last Lexus. Shakes like a Model T at 60 mph. Brakes stop the car with a loud and shaking "KLUNK" at the end of the stop. Nav system is woefully out of date. All the dealer can tell me is "Lexus is aware of your problems but doesnt have a fix at this time." Bad answer. . .

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  impressed - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By bojai - January 27 - 10:00 am

  everything about the car is great. except that the size of the gas tank is too small so you often have to go to the gas station to fill up. it only averages 300 miles on a full tank. also, it lacks power. car is very smooth and rides nice but it does not have enough acceleration for 4.7 liter 8 cyliner vehicle. other than this, everything is great and i enjoy driving the car.

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  Lexus GX470 2004 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By narin - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This Lexus is better driving than my wife Mercedez-benz E320. It is very easy to drive and handle. My wife is enjoying her driving my Lexus than her car.I am very happy with this GX 470 than my previous RX300;however, rear view is limited and has to be very careful backing (since I do not have rearview camera).Cargo space is also limited with the third row seats.

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  Great overall but really thirsty! - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Thomas Lange - January 1 - 2:26 am

  Lexus just has a feel and style that cant be beat. The GX470 is a great overall vehicle but has terrible fuel mileage. I average around 13 MPG. The ride is exceptional on highways but a little top heavy around town and on curvy country roads. It is as quiet as you would expect a Lexus to be. Towing is amazing with the Class V hitch. The Mark Levinson sound system is absolutely incredible.

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  I wish I had one of these years ago !!! - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Boomer - December 13 - 1:56 pm

  Great--just great. Like me, I think its perfect and like me there is room for improvement. Third seat should fold into floor to allow better rear vision and add more storage room. While its built on a truck frame, it rides ever so smoothly. Passenger side seat should have 6-way power and larger sun visor. Interior is luxurious--navigation system is great help (once you learn how to use it). Optional sound system is Carnegie Hall quality.

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  Superb Quality - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Chris - December 11 - 2:26 pm

  GX interior appointed like prior Lexus luxury Sedan; Sharp exterior style; Tough off road capability.

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  All in all a good package - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By HHF3 - December 7 - 4:43 am

  Excellent visibilty and instrumentation is easy to see and adjust. Fuel economy on the low side and fuel tank is grossly undersized.