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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  Squeaky Breaks - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By SQUEAKY BRAKES - December 10 - 10:50 am

  Bought car brand new. Squeaky brakes when car had 20,000 mi. Initially intermittent, then became consistent. Multiple dealer services not solved. Was told by Service Adivor & Manager common for these cars, in fact was told many new Lexus vehicles squeak and nothing can be done. What a disappointment. Were not talking about Pintos here. No vote of confidence from Lexus trained personnel. Would not recommend Lexus base on above comments from a service manager and adviser. Buyers beware. Can you imagine spending premium dollars and was told they naturally squeak? Car is still new!

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  WORST LEXUS EVER - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By goodgimp - February 4 - 12:03 am

  This GX is my second and last Lexus. Shakes like a Model T at 60 mph. Brakes stop the car with a loud and shaking "KLUNK" at the end of the stop. Nav system is woefully out of date. All the dealer can tell me is "Lexus is aware of your problems but doesnt have a fix at this time." Bad answer. . .

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  Money is better spent elsewhere - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Angela Marshall - March 20 - 9:10 am

  I had been a Lexus-for-life customer until this purchase. There is a vibration in the vehicle that resonates in the passenger seat that I am told after three trips back to the dealership is coming from the transfer case and is characteristic of all GX 470s (we also own a 2004 Tahoe that has a better interior ride). I have owned two LX 470s prior to going to the GX and regret every penny spent. When I contacted Lexus corp they were simply complacent about my dissatisfaction, they thanked me for the call and, in essence, recommended that I shop at a different Lexus dealer next time. Recommendation: buy a different make, for the money there are a lot to choose from.

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  ABS system Buzz... distractive... - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By honlynx - May 19 - 11:23 am

  There’re high frequency squeaks (buzz) fr under the dash every 2-3 brake pedal application in my new GX470. It makes me feel uncomfortable & distractive when Im driving. However, Lexus said it is caused by ABS braking system and it is a normal characteristic from ABS actuator and no repairs are necessary. It could be a normal characteristic if actuator buzz from OUTSIDE car and do not bothering people in the car. However, it is problem if a noise is annoying people INSIDE the car. This is definitely an unsafe driving condition to any driver. I purchased Lexus w/the high expectation of its quality&services. But I experience the absolutely worst I have ever had. I need HELP & good advise.

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  Disappointing - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Jim R - February 25 - 2:23 am

  I have been so disappointed with this truck that, in the middle of my lease, I ordered a BMW X5 (Im going back to this better performing, more luxurious SUV). The GX 470 is boring to drive. It lumbers down the highway like a full sized American car. The "premium" sound system is no better than average. The gas mileage is worse than the X5 - I rarely get more than 12 mpg. The interior is average - the leather and wood trim are not nearly as nice as what is offered by BMW or Audi. Overall, I paid 55,000 for this truck and its worth about 35,000. I cant wait to get back into a BMW.

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  4th Lexus/Toyota Product: Its The Worst - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By cybersofla - September 12 - 2:30 am

  SO disappointed in this vehicle. HORRIBLE ride. HATE the tailgate. We call it the "weeble" because it wobbles in turns. CONSISTENT issue with transmission which they are apparently unable to fix, as it comes back again and again. Seriously considering lemon law on this one, as another reviewer I saw here. I have few good things to say about this vehicle.

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  Our piece of crap Lexus - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By m - February 25 - 2:36 pm

  We bought this car in November before Thanksgiving and I wish we would not have. We compared it between the Tahoe and Escalade and decided to go with the Lexus because of the resale value. What I really hate this car because of the lack of trunk space with the third row folded up and the big bulky 4wd shifter. Most manufactures have put 4wd at the touch of a button and lexus desided to leave it as a shifter to take up half of center console. Because of the positioning of the shifter and 4wd shifter you have to reach around to control the heated seat controls which gets old real quick. The transmision is all so a joke because it has shifted into a higher gear as soon as i begin to lay into it

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  poor quality - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By mellis1100 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with the styling of the car. The car drives terribly. Poor mileage. Jerking when it is at a stop. Taken it to service, they say that is the way the car is made. High reving when it is started, even when it is warmed up. The comfort of the car, on the passenger side, sits low and cant adjust seat. No lumbar. No power on the highway, due to they all come in 4 wheel drive.