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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  Its all that and more! - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By HM173 - September 15 - 4:56 am

  This is a car that gives you more for your money than any other car Ive owned. The Nav and DVD are a nice, but the safety features are a must (side impact air bags, curtain and dash as well). When comparing this car with others make list of options, fuel economy and price and this car wins hands down.

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  4th Lexus/Toyota Product: Its The Worst - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By cybersofla - September 12 - 2:30 am

  SO disappointed in this vehicle. HORRIBLE ride. HATE the tailgate. We call it the "weeble" because it wobbles in turns. CONSISTENT issue with transmission which they are apparently unable to fix, as it comes back again and again. Seriously considering lemon law on this one, as another reviewer I saw here. I have few good things to say about this vehicle.

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  Top Notch - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Matt3416 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Just picked up my 04 GX 470. All I have to say is WOW!!! I am thoroughly impressed with Lexuss design. Not only does this vehicle drive like a dream, it has every interior gadget you can think of. I test drove the BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, & Escalade. Let me tell you they dont even compare. Lexus set the bar with this design!!!

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  2006 GX 470 - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Mark - September 7 - 10:46 pm

  I moved from GM to Lexus for reliability reasons and have no regrets. I will probably never buy an American made vehicle again. I did have an issue with the driveshaft but the dealer installed a new one for free since the vehicle was still under warranty. This vehicle would be perfect if it had about another 2 feet added to the rear cargo area (similar to the Suburban or Yukon XL). The power delivered from the 4.7 is superb. Interior styling and finish is nothing less than what you would expect from Lexus. For the price, look real hard at this vehicle if youre in the market for this size of vehicle. Im not sure if any other automaker can top this one! Looking forward to moving up to a LX.

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  Best Luxury SUV - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By RT - September 3 - 1:03 am

  I have been researching for a perfect SUV with 3rd row capacity. GX 470 is by far the best of all. It drives so smooth like a luxury sedan. I am not an off road person. The only option I did not get is sport package. The vehicle is stylish outside and luxurous inside. The engine is not the most powerful but more than enough. Good towing capacity. It beats all comparables hands down.

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  Good SUV - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Matthew - August 28 - 7:30 am

  SUV is great for taking snowboarding or any other outdoor activity. We have 15 month old, and this SUV fits his car seat and all of his paraphinalia easily.

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  Happy in my GX - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By marc - August 22 - 4:20 pm

  Traded in my RX 330 after 1 month for the GX! What a difference! Really great comfortable truck. I love the rear camera and nav. Totally great!

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  If I knew then & Look Before You Leap - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By NJC - August 21 - 12:30 pm

  Service, build quality, and drive could not be more impressive but this is the first car I have not connected with. It just seems to have no soul if you know what I mean. Its personality is vanilla - unless u frequently drive off road. I loathe the navigation system. You cant do anything with it while u drive (including read song and artist names of music u are playing). No rear heat controls nor rear heated seats. 3rd row is a joke. My 51" wife cannot put the rear seats up or down... Terribly difficult. Not enough cabin storage for this size vehicle. Spend time with this car before you own it. This is a real SUV - Not a fun car to own just to carpool around town in.

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  Nice, but could be better - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Mike B. - August 19 - 5:50 pm

  Traded a Honda Pilot for the GX. Looks bigger than the Pilot, but its not on the inside, especially the 3rd row seat. Build quality is great. More like a truck than the Pilot, which I like-better 4 wheel drive system. Overall, very nice vehicle and I will buy a Lexus again.

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  Lexus GX - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Kalvin - August 14 - 10:00 am

  The Lexus GX470 is a capable and comfortable suv,overall it is the best possible choice for consumers who desire a 7 seater suv without wanting to spend 60,000. It has immpecable relibility and reasonable handling. It is able to encompass everything that is needed and wanted is an suv today, without being oversized or overpriced