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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  Great Car - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By meing - November 22 - 10:00 am

  First SUV, never going back to cars.

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  Great car But !! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By aa446688 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Great Car But!actually had an accident backing up the car because of the size rear head rest obstructing the view)..

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  Best Of GX470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By National - September 9 - 2:00 am

  The quality of the Lexus GX470 is outstanding, both inside and outside. The power train is extremely smooths and everything works and feels as though it was totally thought out.

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  Over Priced or Under Equipped - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By DanWithGX - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I am satisfied with the vehicle. It was precisely the size I was looking for. However, when you compare some of the features to other SUVs, it seems that components are missing. Example, for $1,000 more you can get an Infiniti QX56 with the Xenon Headlamps, LED tail lights, 2nd row heated bucket seats, 8 way passenger seats, Laser assisted Cruise control, and brake preview assist. The only reason I did not get the QX is because it is just too large for what I was looking for.

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  Nothing else ever again! - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Beth - July 24 - 11:06 pm

  I love my new (to me!) Lexus. We traded in a 08 Town & country for a 05 LX470 with twice the miles and were happy about it! This car is wonderful. It is spacious and fun to drive. My only complaint is that the trunk area is small with the third row seat down, I cant even get my stroller in. But, we will make do. It is the best car I have ever had, even better than my husbands 08 BMW!

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  Not bad for 52K - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Julius - July 18 - 2:20 am

  I had my GX for almost 2 years. If you are looking for the car with excellent reliability, this is the one. Also the fit and finish inside is great. The only problem Im still having is a sun roof, that makes a rattling sound when passing an uneven pavement. Its not a horrible noise but you would expect not to have anything like that for this sticker price. They were not able to fix it so far. In general, this is a good headache free SUV. Go LEXUS.

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  Comfy, reliable SUV - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By taniamekv - June 1 - 11:50 am

  Ive driven this SUV for over 6 years and its the best car Ive owned. Service is excellent (especially the Naperville dealer) and the SUV has the best fit and finish of any car Ive driven (including Mercedes and Porsche). It continues to drive smoothly after 85K miles. I hope to have it for 200K+.

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  Great SUV,But... - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By carenthusiast7 - April 2 - 1:16 am

  For an SUV its very good with plenty of space unless you have a family or carrying more than 5 people, then some issues arise. The third row isnt exactly spacious and kids will fight for the mid row to avoid the third. Gas mileage is self explinatory since it runs on a V8. Power is plenty when you need it on highways and even after years, the GX is still fairly quiet even with a V8. All in all, it is a great SUV, just be prepared for gas trips and the questionable third row.

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  Mixed feelings - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By HFPjr - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Just passed 5000 miles. Superb drive train and visibility. Wonderfully quiet. Narrow and short driver seat, third row useless. Rear barn door a pain. Very busy ride. Worst issue is excessively powerful a/c creates way too much air movement. Passengers always too cold. Outside thermometer defective, dealer cannot fix.

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  You get what you pay for - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By JayB - October 3 - 11:16 am

  I am the 2nd owner of this GX. So far, so good. Great ride and carries our family of 4 nicely. Very smooth. Decent amount of interior space, although I would have liked a little more interior storage. Have grown to love the navigation and ML sound system. The only CON would be the gas mileage...but I went into this purchase knowing that it would not be that good. As long as you are comfortable with that, I would recommend this vehicle highly!