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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  Nice, but could be better - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Mike B. - August 19 - 5:50 pm

  Traded a Honda Pilot for the GX. Looks bigger than the Pilot, but its not on the inside, especially the 3rd row seat. Build quality is great. More like a truck than the Pilot, which I like-better 4 wheel drive system. Overall, very nice vehicle and I will buy a Lexus again.

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  happy w/my new GX 470 purchase - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Lexus 470 owner - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle, everything as promised and more. 0 complaints, dealership made purchasing quite painless and Im very picky.

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  My GX 470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By CKB~ - July 18 - 11:06 am

  I love Lexus! This LUV has a great third row seat that helps hold a total of 7 cheerleaders and one mom! It has all of the luxeries you could want and more! I have the pearl white and the paint is just awesome! I really enjoy this vehicle and I do drive it alot. It was the only midsize LUV with the extra seating room. It is stylish and practical all at the same time!

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  lexus gx470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By murray - January 2 - 4:13 pm

  overall it is a good car and fun to drive with ample power with good finish quality.

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  Lexus GX470 - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By KCS - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful car, easy and comfortable to drive. Should have put in the back up camera and given additional color selections. I am sold on Lexus and if I traded it in, it would only to get anything new they add to the newer models. It is a beautiful vehicle.

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  A Lexus needing just a little bit more - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Lexus470 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is a Lexus. Smooth ride plus. The rear door is trully uncomfortable and there have been several issue with service, that, until this date, with 5 months of experience with the truck, still has not been corrected. It rides like a car but moves like a truck and there have been no off road limitations on hand. It was a newly designed truck, but it looks like they hurried it to the production line. Styling could have been better, but we will take it.

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  Almost got a Volvo! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By liguy - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I was choosing between the GX 470 and the Volvo XC90. Man, am I happy. My friend got the Volvo and has complained ever since. The GX is beautiful. No flaws after 2 weeks. I replaced an RX 300 with this SUV and it is far superior in luxury and utility (no SUV Ive ever been in rides like the RX, though). Even my 52" wife loves this car. I cant find something to complain about. We thought we might not like the 3rd row configuration or the rear door at first. Theyve both been easy to use and very convenient.

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  Well Built SUV - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Jim - July 23 - 5:00 pm

  We bought a GX and have over 30K miles on it now. It is a very comfortable vehicle for trips and is very quiet for its size. Fuel economy is fair with 16 in town and about 19-20 on the highway. The Lexus dealer is easy to work with and fixes any issues without argument. Handling is average for an suv and has a fair amount of lean on corners. The 3rd row seats are useless for anyone but small children and should be designed to stow under the floor like other SUVs. Quality of interior and exterior materials is excellent.

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  Solid, powerful and reliable - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By active_dad - June 22 - 7:40 pm

  We owned a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee for 6 years before this, which was a solid and powerful SUV, but this GX is several rungs up the quality ladder. Ample, smooth power, VERY comfortable and quiet even at freeway speeds. Rock solid in the snow and rain and very reliable. 3rd row seats are handy, and easy to fold up or down. Anyone who says its difficult is mechanically inept. Literally takes < 1 min. Not the best mileage at 14-15 mi. combined avg per gallon, but it is a fairly large SUV with a V8, so actually not too bad. Handles great for its size, and the driving modes and right height adjustments really help for specific driving and road types.

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  Comparison of GX470, Cayenne and X5 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By stonedesigner - May 11 - 7:26 am

  I just purchased this suv loaded. I compared the Porsche Cayenne and the BMW X5 and the Mercedes M class. There was no comparison in terms of overall comfort, status and value in the long run. My sister has had hers for about 4 months 2004 and mine is 2005. She loves it more every day and I am starting to love mine too! I know I made the right decision. THe Porsche had more of a wow factor but more time in the shop which I dont need, the mercedes wasnt up to snuff and the BMW was a close second but too trucky. This was MUCH more luxurious. I even was able to add 2 extra seats which wasnt available in the BMW or the Porsche. I am happy.