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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  04 GX470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By kennyc123 - February 2 - 3:00 pm

  Over all this has been a good vehicle to date. There have been a few problems with the drive shaft slip-yoke. There is also a persistant coolant smell which Lexus claims is normal. Next year I may trade the GX for an 07 Escallade.

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  Great Value, Excellent Overall SUV - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By bsa - January 28 - 10:00 am

  We have owned our GX 470 for about 2 months and are extremely pleased with our purchase. Very comfortable ride, drives like a car, solid pickup. Good in-vehicle gadgetry. Great dealer support. Gas mileage appears to be worse than reported.

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  Look for an adventure - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By looknow12 - January 23 - 10:00 am

  With this vehicle, you look for places to drive. Its comfortable, smooth, quiet, surefooted and handles better than most cars. Every feature and button is laid out where it should be. Navigation system is by far the best in the industry. Touch screen also carries the radio, climate control & DVD. MBs is frustrating to use. Vehicle is unstoppable. Ive had journeys through 40" snow storms with ease and have traversed uphill dirt piles for fun. Of every 4wd vehicle Ive had, this is the most capable.

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  Love My GX470! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Jerp - January 23 - 10:00 am

  The GX 470 is a dream of a car. Solid handling, plush interior, sharp lines and great ride for such a short wheelbase. Very quiet and roomy.

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  AS GOOD AS IT GETS - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By mitchell rowe - January 2 - 8:43 pm

  The gx has a way of adapting to the drivers personality. Well call it a friendly machine. When it snowed last week, I drove 190 miles both ways to north jersey as if it were 85 degrees and sunny. On a warm day it seems as if youre driving a bmw 3 series. The levinson radio is real. The current generation navigation system actually works. The 5 speed tranny doesnt miss a shift. And most important to my wife, its easy to get in and out of the front or back. We rate the gx a 10.

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  Love my Lexus - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By Linda - December 24 - 8:46 pm

  I purchased a used 2008 Lexus GX470 2 weeks ago with just 7500 miles. I love this car! I previously drove an Acura MDX and this vehicle is so much more comfortable. The ride is smooth and there is no road noise at all. My only issue: my Blue tooth. I can hear perfectly but no one seems to hear me! Hopefully, this can be fixed. If you enjoy an SUV but yearn for the smooth ride of a luxury sedan, consider this model!

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  Very impressive & unique car - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Liu Henry - December 10 - 4:06 am

  The driving experience feels safe when youre turning on a curve. It was very stable and no shake at all.

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  Nicest vehicle Ive ever driven!!!! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By blkjack - November 28 - 7:46 am

  I bought this car because we recently had an addition to the family and my 2005 Mustang GT just wasnt going to be suitable for all the appurtenances that go with a newborn. Anyway, I have never driven such a luxurious vehicle. Its quiet, powerful for an SUV, has a great sound system and the navigation is easy to use. Not to mention that it is a Lexus and is No. 1 in manufacturer reliability. Also, the materials are top quality.

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  Pa review - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By gray - November 21 - 10:00 am

  So a wonderful vehicle to drive...no problems or issues.

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  Couldnt be happier. - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Lindsay - November 12 - 5:50 pm

  Traded in 02 X5 for fully loaded GX 06. The ride is very quiet and smooth. The X5 doesnt even compare. Also test drove RR Sport and Aviator. The Lexus was the hands down winner. I highly recommend the sports package. Makes the interior a lot more attractive. Couldnt be happier with my choice. A GREAT vehicle.