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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  Safety? - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Paul - November 3 - 1:43 pm

  Got this GX-470 2003 back on 04/2003, fully loaded. Since then visited dealer once for turning signal light bulb (got replaced for free even after warranty expiration). Other than that - only scheduled maintenance. Never drove anything better than this (including x5/3.0-2007) before or after. Few days ago my daughter got hit by Civic into passenger side on a street (35 mph, at the time of impact even slower for both cars). My GX fell on drivers side, total loss. My girl landed on asphalt through drivers window under my GX, covered by broken glass, cut her left arm and elbow. Her passenger bumped her head. All bags in my GX are intact. WHAT IS SAFETY?

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  FANTASTIC TRUCK - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By fencemeister1 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  THE ONLY IMPROVEMENT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE 3RD. ROW SEATS. SHOULD HAVE FOLDED OUT OF THE WAY. I GET OVER 18MPG GOING 80MPH! NOT BAD FOR A BIG V-8 ALL WHEEL DRIVE.......

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  Love my GX 470 - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Scoot - October 27 - 5:36 pm

  After looking at many different SUVs - I am extremely happy with my Lexus GX 470. The car has a very smooth and comfortable ride. The build quality is fantastic - this is my first lexus and I can see why they score so well in the customer satisfaction rankings. I would recommend this car for anyone looking for a midsized SUV.

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  Expensive, but great value - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By et415 - October 27 - 3:46 pm

  I was going to buy a V8 Toyota 4Runner, thinking it was a better value than the GX, with the same engine and build quality. Then I priced a 4Runner with the options that I wanted, then I realized the price difference between the 4Runner and better equipped GX (even in base form--no options) was very small (granted, I got my GX at the end of model year). Plus the GX has great resale value, so I thought I would make up the difference at resale. After I bought the GX, I was in heaven! It is so quiet, smooth, and refined in a high seating position that I feel like Im flying through the sky in a silent glider (though I usually have the in-dash 6-CD player cranked up--the base system is great!).

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  2007 Lexus GX 470 - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By BC - October 23 - 1:30 pm

  This handles and drives so much nicer than my Toyota Sequoia. The gas mileage averages about 18 combined city/hwy. This is a great luxury SUV that drives very smoothly down the road. It also performs very well in the snow and mud offroad.

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  First time Lexus buyer - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Lexus GX470 - October 14 - 7:26 pm

  My other vehicle is a Ford Explorer. There is absolutely no comparison at any level. This is the smoothest riding, most comfortable vehicle Ive ever driven in and since its a Toyota, reliability is key. I will never own any else.

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  Love this truck. - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Sami - October 12 - 1:10 pm

  We just traded in our 05 Escalade for the 06 GX 470. We love it. The truck is truly beautiful inside and out. Rides like a dream. We were very nervous about going smaller in truck size but this truck offers us everything that we need in a nice neat package. We orded this truck fully loaded and are thrilled with everything. As for the 3rd row seat they are tight but the truck is smaller so that is to be expected. They are there just in case.

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  Dreams - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By CindyRose - October 7 - 5:06 pm

  Better than any vehicle I have ever owned at any price. A dream come true!

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  Love it - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Incredible - October 7 - 9:10 am

  The only problem we had is a bad cable in the sun roof - replaced for almost nothing after the warranty period was up. Bought this vehicle new and now has 125,000 miles. Serviced the vehicle at required intervals at Newport Lexus which has excellent service. No repairs made to this vehicle other than brakes. We also own a 2001 GS 430 which now has 220,000 miles - has never leaked oil and the only repairs have been a radiator replacement and engine mounts - both replaced at 200k miles. I drive the GS and push it real hard, but it does not care.

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  lexus gx 470- this female loves it! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By k. giancarlo - October 2 - 10:00 am

  The smooth comfort of the ride , especially for its size, is a huge reason Im driving this SUV. Its comfortable, luxorious and versatile. Its everything we want in a family vehichle for the four of us, 3 of whom are big, tall guys who often are transporting sports gear.