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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  Stuck in Fresno with a GX - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Stuck With a GX - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Our fully loaded GX was delivered and we Loved it. However we learned of a few flaws that were not traditionally Lexus.( See Improvements) NOISE & VIBRATION at 50+ mph and Fan Clutch noise. I suspect the next year model to address these issues. Problem is NOBODY WILL WANT MY USED GX then. Quite Unhappy

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  GX 470 in a class of its own - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Mrs Sinha - September 9 - 10:00 am

  The lexus GX 470 drives like a dream. It has all the features that you would want with an SUV at the same time feels like a car. Excellent Mark Levinson system. We love the SUV, it fits our family needs. Its a very fun vehicle and we enjoy it very much.

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  Love it! - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Dora - August 29 - 10:33 am

  This car is by far the best Ive owned. It rides smoothly, making it a pleasure to ride. While the gas mileage is not great, its good for an SUV.

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  GX 470 Best Over 6000lbs Gross Weight - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By spinnerkt - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Was looking for a truck to take advantage of the tax code 179 before end of 2003. Must haves were great reliability and quiet ride. We also wanted a Nav system and felt this was the best for the money. The GX470 is quiet and smooth. Our daughter loves the DVD and wife likes the feeling of safety she gets when driving.

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  Love It - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By euskadi92 - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my GX470. I did not buy it for its safety ratings. I bought it because I wanted all the bells and whistles. The GX470 has turned out better than I could ever expect. I couldnt think of any other car that I had had what I enjoyed more. It is extremely comfortable on long road trip. I was in a serious car accident in my GX and I survived while those other cars involved did not. I took most of the energy in that accident. I am convinced that the GX saved me. So I originally bought it for the bells and whistles and it ended up saving my life. I will forever drive a large Lexus SUV. For had I been in anything else, who knows where I would be.

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  Love It! Love It! Love It! - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By gallowaymm - August 11 - 12:56 am

  I love my new truck! It is the perfect size - not too big, not too small. My only complaint is that there are not enough compartments for storage. But, I do realize I had to give up something to get the smaller vehicle that I wanted. The ride is great. My 10 year has plenty of room in the middle. I have not yet used the 3rd row, so I have no comments about that. I do know I will stay in this vehicle for a long time. I was ready to get rid of my last SUV 4 months after I purchased it because it was just too large for me to handle. This is worth every penny spent!

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  A Womans Dream - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By natalie - August 5 - 2:40 pm

  We purchased the car after downsizing from a Toyota Seqouia (which is another great vehicle). Both my children have gotten their licenses and being an active family from skiing to the beach house, this suv gives you the room, comfort and reliability woth no worries

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  drove everything... - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By puma - August 3 - 2:00 am

  We drove all the SUVs out there... the only "close" call was the BMW X5, great car, not practical with two kids and golden retriever! We drive Porsches and BMWs as primary vehicles which have a tight concise ride. The Lexus has it too. We bought the base model and had the DVD installed in the head rest via after market... a better way to go. We traded in a Land Cruiser which served us well for 100k miles... we like the Lexus a lot more.

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  My LUV (Luxury Utility Vehicle) - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Susan Gassman - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Im a Realtor and when it came time to buy a car/SUV that would satisfy my strict requirements, the GX LUV was the only one I wanted. The Navigation system is sensational. This is truly a vehicle that handles like a sports car but with all the capabilities of a SUV. The only downside is the bad gas mileage!

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  Love love love my Lexus! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By amyb19xx - June 23 - 6:49 pm

  This is my second Lexus SUV. Reliable. Purchased used with higher mileage. Have had no repair issues just basic maintenance like oil changes. My SUV is now 11 years old but looks new and rides like new. We get compliments frequently. Stylish and luxury at is best. Planning to buy my third Lexus SUV soon.