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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  Over priced car - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Bob - August 10 - 8:26 pm

  I have had this car for 7 months now with 20000 miles on it and I should have walked into the Toyota dealer next door and looked at the Land Cruiser for a lot less. I am a big guy and this car is hard to enter and even women say that. The gas mileage is terrible. I think Lexus did a great advertising campaign to sell this overpriced car. The effort it takes to remove the rear seats is unreal and you would have to have no legs to sit in them.

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  Best Luxury SUV EVER! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Desi Bandha - August 8 - 2:00 am

  For the price, this is an excellent value. Not sure, why anuyone would pay $20K more for the LX470. It beats competition, tough they may seam cheaper. When you add all the options on the others, this one is so much more worth it.

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  Great car for the price - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By BoRock - August 3 - 4:26 am

  I just picked up my new car last night. Already put 200 miles and loving it. If you want speed, performance and fuel economy, get something else. If you want plush luxury ride with great ergonomics this is it. I had 2000 LX 470 which was a little too big for me. My wife has a 2007 RX 350 - a little too small for me and too many chicks riding in that. But when I got into GX, I knew right away, its a match made in heaven.

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  happy w/my new GX 470 purchase - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Lexus 470 owner - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle, everything as promised and more. 0 complaints, dealership made purchasing quite painless and Im very picky.

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  Rock Solid - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Fathom - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had the vehicle one week but love it already. Build quality beyond excellent. Small features like lighted door handles (inside) everywhere are a great touch. Nav and integrated electronics very very good.

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  Why buy a 2006 Lexus GX470 - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Mike G - July 18 - 12:54 pm

  At the time, it was ahead of most vehicles in technology. Comparing it, today, follow this assessment: The rearview camera is something we would no longer do without! At the time, blind spot was not available, nor was cross-over. Toyota is NOT the king of technology in my opinion--but, the technology that was installed still works and has been without problems. The interior, except for wear on the driver floor mat, has held up extremely well. A good cleaning is all that will be required to look like it is brand new. The exterior of our car needs some repair--as in 2 areas of less than 2 square inches that need retouching, and a good rubbing compound prior to waxing--I think it would be considered excellent. It is almost impossible to own an auto for 10 years, drive it 90,000 miles and not have a few dents and dings--but, they are minor, and NOT the fault of Lexus. As for service, we value Kuni Lexus in Denver as the best dealership we have used. Expense? Well, maybe they are expensive--but, we never had any work done on our GX470 only to find that some "new problem" was immediately discovered--and, when I insisted on new tires (Kuni told me we still had 5,000 miles left on the old ones), they met the price of Costco......! Furthermore, the tires lasted 80,000 miles--unheard of in my experience! Same with the brakes--I practically begged Kuni to put brakes on--they lasted well beyond our expectations! But, had not been driving a Lexus prior to this one. Overall, 10 years with almost no major expense--the transmission didnt go bad, the engine didnt go bad, the electronics still work (including the heated seats, the stereo system.........nothing has gone bad on us! My only disappointment is mileage and the requirement for premium fuel. But.....15 to 16 mpg is not horrible, and it is a big vehicle.

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  My GX 470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By CKB~ - July 18 - 11:06 am

  I love Lexus! This LUV has a great third row seat that helps hold a total of 7 cheerleaders and one mom! It has all of the luxeries you could want and more! I have the pearl white and the paint is just awesome! I really enjoy this vehicle and I do drive it alot. It was the only midsize LUV with the extra seating room. It is stylish and practical all at the same time!

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  GX470 vs. ML320 - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By letsee1 - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Recently replaced 2000 Mercedes ML 320 with GX 470. Mercedes had dozens of reliability problems. GX is much quieter, smoother and more versatile in terms of interior layout. Third row seats are easy for one person to remove. Fuel mileage is better than expected at over 17 mpg in mixed driving.

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  Almost Perfect - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By mangophil - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Overall this is a great vehicle. Its styling and performance make up for the swing gate rear door. Why did Lexus downgrade from the 4runner lift gate. You cant open the swing gate when you pull a boat nor does it shelter the stroller when its raining. We have been surprised with the gas mileage; were getting about 17 in the city. The 3rd row seating really isnt practical except maybe for kids 5-10. Does the vehicle height increase the likelihood of a rollover? I saw a report that the GX has a lower center of gravity than the 4runner and the stability control should help the driver recover control.

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  Best of the Best - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By pH - July 8 - 12:10 am

  This is a great truck. Love the ride, handling, comfort and looks. Im 62", so I had no problems to fit inside, unlike 4runner or VW Touareg. Highly recommend this vehicle. Much better than Mercedes and BMW. NAV system in not as good as other competitors and voice activated commands doesnt work as it suppose to. Because of the cabin noise from AC or heater it doesnt recognize commands. Overall Im happy with the purchase. There are, of course, a lot of things for improvement, majority of which I listed in the Improvements section. I also would like to see front connectors on the radio to be able to hook up the iPOD/MP3 player.