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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  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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  Why we traded it in - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Nick - March 28 - 1:06 pm

  Lexus build quailty and service is there but not much else. Really stiff ride and "bucks" over the slightest bump, so much so I took it in to be checked and they said its normal? Nav voice command is a joke. Audio, climate, etc. controls through the nav screen are a huge inconvenience. Third row seats are good for say what, ages 5 and under? Just really unhappy with this truck as a whole. We are trading in the GX tomorrow. I will be happy to see it go.

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  Does not fit 2 Car Seats in 2nd Row - 2009 Lexus GX 470
  By MW - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I saw a posting that it fits multiple car seats in the 2nd row. This is not a correct statement. One Car seat will fit fine, but due to the position of the 2nd latch behind the drive it will not probably hold the car seat still. It is not positioned on par with Federal Guidelines. NHTSA certified fireman said he could not properly install the seat due to the positioning as it of center. So dont buy if you need multiple car-seats in the 2nd row.

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  Expected Better - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By mev - February 1 - 2:00 am

  As an owner of 4 previous Lexusand my first SUV Lexus I am quite suprrised what a quiet ride this SUV has. I purchased this vehicle with every available option. I enjoy driving it but I am disappointed with the braking system. I ocasionally tow Jet skis with this vehicle and I am disappointed with the performance while towing the skis and braking is very disappointing with towing the skis. Brakes fade terribly when traveling highway speed and having to stop more quickly than the norm.

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  Lexus GX - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By gchance1 - December 9 - 10:00 am

  My experience with the GX has been a pleasant one. This vehicle replaced a Toyota 4-Runner. The GX is not as sporty, but was not intended to be. Considering its size, it is very quiet and comfortable. Initially, I did not think I would enjoy full time 4 wheel drive. One drive on a rain soaked road changed my mind. No more unintended wheel spin departing signals on wet streets. Overall, a very comfortable, capable vehicle.

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  Not a Lexus customer - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By John Gatturna - November 11 - 11:36 pm

  The car is an attempt to align the practical & fun nature of an off road with a luxury vehicle. The 2 dont mix well. Pleasant exterior lines. Engaging the 4 wheel drive is awkward and inefficient; only added cost to an already over priced product.

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  Safety? - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Paul - November 3 - 1:43 pm

  Got this GX-470 2003 back on 04/2003, fully loaded. Since then visited dealer once for turning signal light bulb (got replaced for free even after warranty expiration). Other than that - only scheduled maintenance. Never drove anything better than this (including x5/3.0-2007) before or after. Few days ago my daughter got hit by Civic into passenger side on a street (35 mph, at the time of impact even slower for both cars). My GX fell on drivers side, total loss. My girl landed on asphalt through drivers window under my GX, covered by broken glass, cut her left arm and elbow. Her passenger bumped her head. All bags in my GX are intact. WHAT IS SAFETY?

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  Expensive, but great value - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By et415 - October 27 - 3:46 pm

  I was going to buy a V8 Toyota 4Runner, thinking it was a better value than the GX, with the same engine and build quality. Then I priced a 4Runner with the options that I wanted, then I realized the price difference between the 4Runner and better equipped GX (even in base form--no options) was very small (granted, I got my GX at the end of model year). Plus the GX has great resale value, so I thought I would make up the difference at resale. After I bought the GX, I was in heaven! It is so quiet, smooth, and refined in a high seating position that I feel like Im flying through the sky in a silent glider (though I usually have the in-dash 6-CD player cranked up--the base system is great!).

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  Good SUV - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Matthew - August 28 - 7:30 am

  SUV is great for taking snowboarding or any other outdoor activity. We have 15 month old, and this SUV fits his car seat and all of his paraphinalia easily.

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  If I knew then & Look Before You Leap - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By NJC - August 21 - 12:30 pm

  Service, build quality, and drive could not be more impressive but this is the first car I have not connected with. It just seems to have no soul if you know what I mean. Its personality is vanilla - unless u frequently drive off road. I loathe the navigation system. You cant do anything with it while u drive (including read song and artist names of music u are playing). No rear heat controls nor rear heated seats. 3rd row is a joke. My 51" wife cannot put the rear seats up or down... Terribly difficult. Not enough cabin storage for this size vehicle. Spend time with this car before you own it. This is a real SUV - Not a fun car to own just to carpool around town in.