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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  Quite Pleased - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By 4 time lexus owner - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I am quite pleased with GX 470 I purchased in late July. My Blizzard Pearl GX has turned several heads. I havent seen this clor as of yet on the road or at any other local dealerships as of yet. However, I plan to trade in my 2003 for a 2004 because I just cant live with the after market installed DVD system. I will definately get the factory DVD this time. The current system doesnt take full advantage of the factory installed features like the Mark Levenson system or the factory installed system integration. The backup camera in the 2004 will be a blessing.

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  Great Value for a Luxury SUV - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By kellerman - January 17 - 9:13 pm

  I live in the mountains and work in real estate. My driving habits are much more demanding than the typical buyer. I use the vehicle regularly in wintry conditions and also off road. In both capacities, the vehicle is extremely capable and gives the driver lots of confidence. The SUV is very luxurious and has much better build quality than its American competitors. Nav, Bluetooth, rear-view camera, and DVD all work well. I get around 16 MPG, but that is better than other heavy SUVs that get around 12-13 MPG in this area.

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  Excellent SUV - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Love it - January 6 - 5:23 pm

  Test drove the MDX, ML500, BMW X5, and also the Tourage. They all drove nicely. But Im glad I bought my GX 470. Its comfortable and everything you can ask for in an SUV.

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  Best SUV - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Noel - January 3 - 1:36 am

  Absolute perfection in a vehicle as far as reliability and build quality. Rides a bit stiff, but with solid rear axle and frame construction its to be expected. Nothing missing in Lexus plan for a vehicle.

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  Rip Off at the dealerships - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Lexus customer - December 24 - 2:00 am

  The Lexus GX lists for 45,900.00 on the Lexus website and on the vehicle sticker. Edmunds lists the vehicle at 45,500.00. The dealerships just received one demo car fully loaded with all the bells and whistles. However, they are telling people that they Lexus is only going to send fully loaded vehicles to the dealerships. That means, you will have to live with options you dont really want like the $1,200 LexusLink. The service is free for one year and then you can either cancel the service or use it. You will however, be out of $1,200 because that is the cost of the unit. I think Ill go back to the Acura MDX where I do have some options.

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  Amazing Car - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Jblackbelt - December 23 - 1:03 pm

  AMAZING CAR, ONE OF THE BEST SUVS OUT THERE

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  Why own anything else but Lexus - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Barry Pravorne - December 7 - 6:13 am

  Anyone who owns this car knows it does everything well. Lexus takes care of you by doing everything well while making you feel that servicing your car isnt an unpleasant chore. I had three bmws in the past and will never own another one while Lexus sells cars. I am currently looking to add another GX and get rid of my last bmw. Owning this car has been a pleasure.

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  Terrifically safe car - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Lynn Fischer - November 30 - 12:53 pm

  I love it. Im up high. It is reliable and I feel safe. It is a heavy car without being too big. I wish there were turn signal arrows on my side mirrors like Ive seen on other cars, so I never leave the damned turn signal on, confusing other drivers. I also wish the navigational system were easier to operate. Id like a camera in the front too. But the only really big safety change I would want is for far better "blind spot" vision. Changing lanes is still not safe enough and the Lexus doesnt make it easier. Overall, it is a much more comfortable car than the two Mercedes I had before it, including a large Mercedes SUV. It is a softer ride.

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  Very happy - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By jojo55 - November 26 - 2:00 am

  this suv offers real comfort and a strong feeling of safety. Surprisenly i struggle with the rear visibility. i took out the 3rd row seats, they fold up to the side when not in use which really affects visibility and removed the 2nd seat headrests to provide clearer visibility and all is well for me. navigation system is very helpful and pretty easy to use. this is my first suv and i would purchase another.its size makes manuverability easier than i expected. i experienced (2) problems with car that needed factory fixes - it took too long -

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  Simply the best - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By fladave - November 17 - 9:33 am

  The European cars are just terribly overpriced and the American cars are all garbage which leaves room for the Japanese to dominate. Well Lexus steals the show period. Nothing can touch the design, build quality or reliability of a Lexus. After you take a ride in this SUV and then get into anything else you cant help but laugh at other carmakers and smile to yourself.