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 suv sport vehicile - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By sak - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Other than a little less space in the rear of vehicile, you get Lexus like comfort , power, and smoothness.A great value for the price and luxury the vehicile delivers.

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  nothing better - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By mitch lader - April 8 - 11:10 am

  Flawless. There is not a single area which requires improvement. Perfect vehicle inside and out, and I could not be more satisfied.

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  Change of Heart - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By ckersh - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Well, I wrote a review of my GX470 after only a couple of weeks and I was not very kind in my remarks. We have since driven the car on a couple of long trips as well as city stop and go traffic and I must admit, the car has proven me wrong! I love this vehicle and my wife does even more so. I took it in for routine maintenance and they gave me an RX300 as a loaner. I was so surprised at the difference. It made me even happier that we had chosen the GX470. It wasnt even a close contest. If you buy the GX, drive it a while before passing judgement. The pluses far outweigh the minuses! Were hooked!

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  2007 Lexus GX 470 - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By Kenny Brooks - March 22 - 9:40 pm

  This is the greatest vehicle Ive ever purchased. Fun to drive, and rides like a dream. We test drove 14 other SUVs before our purchase of the Lexus. We are thinking about purchasing another GX 470 and replacing our 2004 Jaguar XJ8.

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  Lexus GX 470 THE BEST OF THE BEST !!! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By spkohljr - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Lexus has proven itself again. The 2004 has beem improved to include a Kinetic suspension system -- even more comfortable ride than 2003. Also, the NAV system now includes a rear camera for safety and ease of parking! This is a fantastic machine!

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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.