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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  Room For Improvement - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Socal GX470 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  This is our 3rd Lexus so you know we love the product. Overall we are very pleased with the GX, but as with any new product line there is room for improvement. Gas milage is pretty bad at 13-14 mpg, but we knwe that before buying. The center console could be better thought out to include cell phone storage compartment. The third row seat would be better served if it was automated like the Expedition.

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  2004 lexus gx470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By jsse - July 3 - 10:00 am

  A great vehicle for someone who wants a true SUV with the capability of a comfortable ride and handling. After trying quite a few SUVs, this one was by far the best for the money.

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  First foreign vehicle and am Wowwed! - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Marty - June 16 - 8:43 pm

  Own a very late 2004, but basically the same. Except for some of the plasticware being a little low grade for the Lexus name, the vehicle is outstanding! Never owned a foreign vehicle before, but I am SOLD on Lexus! Drove on icy roads with NO trouble! Nav sys was a bit outdated, but works great! Got DVD in headrests w/game plug ins and that is worth the money on long trips! Wife would like more storage space. 3rd seat can really only hold kids as adults would have knees up to chest. Seats and controls are very comfortable and engine has quite the get up and go! City driving gets 18+ mpg and highway (fully loaded w/cargo top) got about 20. Not great, but OK. Parkplace Lexus is super, too!

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  GREAT VEHICLE - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By larry - June 13 - 4:06 am

  This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. I am now hooked on Lexus quality. Vehicle is luxurious and is a great ride for such a large vehicle.

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  Unsurpassed Quaility and Off Road Capabilities - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By LC Prado - June 11 - 11:50 am

  I traded up from a FJ Cruiser to this. In short, its an amazingly comfortable SUV that excels at off road performance. Based on the Land Cruiser Prado sold pretty much everywhere else in the world except the US (think sand dunes and the bush), this truck is NOT a pimped out 4Runner. The full time 4WD, V8, rear air suspension, build quality, comfort and reliability combined make this rig unsurpassed for those who venture beyond the mall. These trucks are often referred to as out of date dinosaurs, and are compared to their unibody competitors who may outperform in terms of drivability and road manners; but this truck is built for towing, adverse driving conditions, and off-road capabilities while maintaining superior daily driver comfort for the whole family. If that’s not what you need, then look elsewhere. If it is, then look no further, spend a little extra up front, and drive it for another 200k miles. The KDSS version will decrease road body roll and improve off-road capabilities, as well, but they are hard to find. Not so great features include: limited 3rd row seating space and comfort, high (but rare) repair costs, fuel efficiency, styling (face it, its ugly front most angles), and rear door.

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  Head Turner - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By RLSW - June 7 - 10:00 am

  So far so good. The GX470 has a great look, and even better performance. Smooth quiet ride and surprisingly easy to manuever thru city traffic. The only glitch I have found is the mirrors tend "forget" the drivers side memory when taking the car out of reverse.

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  I love this SUV!!! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By JLP - June 7 - 10:00 am

  We drove several luxury cars and SUVs before purchasing the Lexus GX470. When it comes to true luxury you have to go with Lexus. I have found nothing that I didnt like about this SUV. The only negative would be the price but its well worth it!!!

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  3 time Lexus owner - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By steve - May 24 - 3:00 am

  After leasing 2 RX300s over the last six years, this is a BIG step up. The deal was outstanding but the vehicle really sold itself. Comfort, power and looks all in one package. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone in the market for a mid to large size SUV. You wont go wrong.

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  Hwy Luxury, Backroad Performance - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By IndyEric - May 15 - 10:00 am

  The GX470 is deceptively spacious and capable, yet maintains the quality and luxury that you expect from Lexus. I purchased a 2003 GX470 the first week that they were available in December of 2002. I recently traded that one in for a 2004 model. The ride is wonderful and the Nav/sound/ and entertainment systems make the long family trips easy while the ride is smoother than our Acura TL sedan. The biggest surprise is how much room they have. Where does it come from?

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  Awesome Vehicle! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By dmizock - May 7 - 2:00 am

  What a way to travel! Cruising at 75mph is like sitting in your living room -- amazingly quiet. The Mark Levinson sound system is spectacular. The Navigation system is easy to use, accurate and fast.