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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  GX470 is just ok.......... - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By karenm - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Nice vehicle but the steering vibration needs to have a fix and they still dont seem to have a handle on that problem. The back door that swings open is great! Nice concept there. This truck needs a center console that is higher up. I mean there is no where to put something on to write a phone no. on or write out a check. I really miss that. Its just too small and short. Overall I like the GX but buy another,probably not. Seriously considering trading for a Yukon Denali or something just a tad bit bigger. Had a Seqouia Limited that was paid for and had more room. What was I thinking. Should have kept it!

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  Hooked on GX470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Hooked on GX - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Better SUV than I thought now that I own one. Love it! Very versatile with the removable back seats. Gas mileage however, can be improved.

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  first year bloopers - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Carlton R - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had alot of technical problems. Also, the first year out, it has mechanical problems (drivetrain).

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  Almost perfect - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By Lexus Loyalist - October 24 - 10:43 pm

  After 4 RXs, I needed a change. Voila the GX. It is roomy, comfortable, sufficiently powerful, and beautifully finished. Only cars with the 3rd row seat were available, but I would rather skip that expense and get a cargo cover instead. The seats are stored, taking up room in my garage. After owning 10 Lexuses, I am surprised at some of the features missing from this car, e.g. HID swiveling headlamps and in-dash CD player. The RX is a much better equipped model for much less money.

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  the new gx47o - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Ronald ciaccia - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck, but 1.the arm rest on the captins chairs should be longer. 2.the position of the heated seat buttons are out of reach, try reaching it with a seat bealt on. also the memory seat buttons are in the way, every time i open the door i hit them.

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  Great Car - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Rebecca - August 23 - 12:10 pm

  Overall I love the Lexus GX 470. It is comfortable and has an excellent ride. I like the styling and the mid- size. The size makes it a very manageable vehicle.

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  for the love of lexus - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By 2005 lexus gx 470 - August 9 - 2:20 am

  This car is amazing. It has every feature you could dream of!! The smoothness of the ride makes make it feel more like a plane gliding along the road.

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  GX 470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By cgandy - July 18 - 4:56 am

  Was previous owner of BMW X5. This car is better in these areas: Sound system, climate control, NAV, smoothness of ride, handling in snow, general comfort, roominess, quietness of ride, no rattles, rear camera, reliability. I liked the X5 better in: handling, braking, PDC, gas mileage, sportiness, looks, nibleness/quickness off the line. Both are good cars, but Ill take the Lexus for value and all-around usability. It tows better too because the size is better suited for it.

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  GX470 much more than RX300 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By pjh - July 18 - 2:00 am

  The RX300 was a great car, but the GX470 is a great SUV. We love the smooth ride and handling. Not much bigger than the RX300, the GX offers many many more features. Navigation is impressive and DVD is great for kids. Rear door a little awkward to open. The rear climate control is only functional from the back seat. Its a bit of a gas guzzler - but still worth every penny!!!!!!!!

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  Need more for GX470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By monkey56 - July 2 - 10:00 am

  So far, I like the truck. I drive it around the corner just like the way I drive my car (40+ miles) so KDSS must be working hard at the corners to maintain the balance of this heavy truck. Both the DVD and Navigation can pay DVD movies to entertain all passageser when truck is not moving. The 5:1 sound channels worked wonderfully, the sound quality of wireless headphones are crystal clear. I think it works even better than my home theater sound system. It even offers a cassette player which I can use to play those tapes I have stored in my closet for nearly 20 years!! For mechanical and electrical components quality only time will tell but I would trust Lexus to offer superior build quality