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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the best suv - 2004 Lexus GX 470
By yoyoyo123fo - November 10 - 10:00 amyou get what you pay for in this car. i just got this car on the 17th and i have never made a better decision. the voice command on the navigation is so much easier to use than other cars along with the navigation screen. the space to see behind you in reverse is limited but that isnt a problem if you got the rearview camera. the standard all wheel drive works like a charm and you couldnt ask for more standard features in any other cars. it even comes with the hill climbing systems and the height leveling system. the back door is very unique. i dont find the 3rd row seat very bad at all, after all, it has air conditioning. best car i ever had with bmw 5 series
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Another Lexus in the Family - 2003 Lexus GX 470
By LS-nowGX - October 27 - 10:00 amGot this Lexus loaded with every option except the Lexus Link - heard there were problems with that!!! We hope to own this as long as we still own our LS which is a 93. I know Lexus can make cars that get good fuel economy - why does this only get 15 city and 18 highway.
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Best SUV I Have Ever Owned - 2006 Lexus GX 470
By Kyhoke - October 24 - 2:43 amAfter owing the vehicle for 7 months I am still amazed at how smooth my GX drives. I choose this vehicle for its reliability, size and comfort as I have two large dogs. While searching for a new vehicle I test drove every SUV out there and I do mean every one including BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, Acura which I was really in love with at first but choose the GX in the end. I commute 100 miles a day for work and on occasion I have to haul things around so a decent amount of room was great. The interior cabin is very spacious and everything is well laid out for ease of use as well. Driving is a breeze as the engine which is quite strong is also very quiet, especially during an idle.
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Great but could be better - 2006 Lexus GX 470
By yellow enzo - October 13 - 11:33 pmThe only regret i have with this car is ours is without the kenetic dynamic suspension. i would consider this a must have option the fit and finish in our car is not up to lexus standards. The fuel economy is the biggest suprise it can easily get upwards of 24mpg on a road trip and about 17-19 on the twisties
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Great - 2003 Lexus GX 470
By michael - September 25 - 2:00 amThis guy is worth the money!
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great car - 2003 Lexus GX 470
By john122485 - September 20 - 10:00 amgreat car, reliable, quiet, great handling, but it could use more horsepower for a v-8.
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My GX 470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
By KennyMitch - August 29 - 5:10 amWe love this vehicle! I traded in a BMW 525i and a Jeep Liberty both with low miles. We can honestly say this is the best driving experience we have ever had. I can assure you that we have had some wonderful automobiles but, nothing beats our 2004 Lexus GX 470. We have style, grace and superior handling all rolled into one vehicle. Long trips are a breeze compared to any other vehicle and I really loved my BMW 525i until I gave it up for a Lexus GX 470. Its a Superb blend of quality and handling. We love it!
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lexus is numero uno - 2004 Lexus GX 470
By roel gonzalez - August 17 - 10:00 amThe GX 470 is a pleasure to drive. The only draw back is the CD player which is in the glove box. It is just a cream to drive.
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Love my car!! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
By Josie Dee - August 17 - 10:00 amI love my GX470. I think it is the best car I have ever owned. The layout is excellent and my kids love the DVD system. Great turning radius.
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A Great Experience - 2003 Lexus GX 470
By bobemac - August 13 - 2:00 amI just got rid of my Acura MDX Touring. Paid over MSRP for it in 2001. The GXs interior is far superior to the MDX. The GX includes full sized lighted running boards, a full sized spare Bridgestone Dueller tires. Wood and leather steering wheel is std. The Dealer was very fair, and gave a nice discount. Purchased a std model with a rear spoiler, two seat for $3.5 K more than an MDX. This is a great SUV, but dont try to follow me off-road in your MDX, you wouldnt make it.
