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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  Accept no substitutes! - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By Raingeardude - June 30 - 6:43 pm

  I cant say enough great things about this truck! Its a phenomenal piece of machinery and if you love the 4runner, the GX 470 will put it to shame and make you wonder why you ever drove one! The ride is smooth. The interior is plush and luxurious. It rides so quiet! As many have said already, there are a few things that need improving but thats the advantage when you own one. You know it will only be a few years before they roll out the next new model. I just couldnt be happier. I traded my RX350 in for this and I think I made an excellent choice. Much roomier, not too much difference on the gas mileage and its just a more solid vehicle. Truly outstanding product!

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  lexus gx - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By alison - June 7 - 5:10 pm

  I love this unit. I had a RX300 for 2 years and wanted a bigger car. THIS is it! It has the room inside. The outside is gorgeous! It has room for my growing son. And room for hauling.

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  2003 Lexus GX-470 - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Daver - May 27 - 10:00 am

  My new Lexus GX-470 is an amazing automobile to drive and own. It was purchased 1 month ago. I have driven a Lincoln Nav. for the past 4 years as well as a complete test, or comparison of the new Aviator. Although it is not fair to compare the GX-470 to a Nav., I found that in my complete comparison with the Aviator, among other SUVs, driving the Lexus, in all modes, was like riding on air, not to mention the silence inside while in operation. It is extremely difficult to tell if the GXs motor is engaged, as there is no residual noise whatsoever. Although it is an SUV, it rides more like a luxury car. It is an amazing driving experience.

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  Love My Lexus! - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Momoftwo - May 21 - 10:46 pm

  Whats not to love about this suv!? It is super comfortable and drives so smooth. The extras like the navigation and DVD system are great and very user friendly. The sound system is top of the line. On top of all that it looks great. I also like that I only have to get the oil changed every 5K miles. I have taken it on several road trips always feel safe and comfortable on the interstate. Keeping this car for the four years that I promised my husband will not be hardship at all!!

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  Buy one if you need one - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By gelkin - April 19 - 1:00 am

  If you want a luxury SUV that is great to look at, solid as anything available, and 100% reliable then buy this Lexus. I have 13,000 miles on it and it has been trouble free and a pleasure to own. Full time 4wd eats up some gas but the truck is great in some many other areas that you really cant complain.

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  9.5/10, just a few things to work on - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By Vincent - March 15 - 11:16 am

  This vehicle is amazing. It has power and is full of torque. It has great pick up and the technology is fantastic. Im very pleased with the comfort and the leg space, and the rear view camera is worth its weight in gold!

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  Our piece of crap Lexus - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By m - February 25 - 2:36 pm

  We bought this car in November before Thanksgiving and I wish we would not have. We compared it between the Tahoe and Escalade and decided to go with the Lexus because of the resale value. What I really hate this car because of the lack of trunk space with the third row folded up and the big bulky 4wd shifter. Most manufactures have put 4wd at the touch of a button and lexus desided to leave it as a shifter to take up half of center console. Because of the positioning of the shifter and 4wd shifter you have to reach around to control the heated seat controls which gets old real quick. The transmision is all so a joke because it has shifted into a higher gear as soon as i begin to lay into it

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  Overall Impressed - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By Suburb Boy - February 22 - 8:56 pm

  This was the first Lexus we have purchased and traded in an 05 MDX. We have had the car since December of 2007 and have put 10,000 miles on. The ride is superb and the acceleration and handling are just right for a vehicle this size. This is the first car my wife ever said that she liked. We considered the RX, but it was smaller than the MDX we traded, so we went with the GX for the extra space. The build quality is superb and every angle you look exemplifies luxury. The handling in the snow is superb and you feel safe at all times. Was very impressed how well the vehicle handled considering its height. If youre thinking about the GX, its well worth it and you wont be disappointed.

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  LOVE IT! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By H - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This suv is great! I have had numberous suvs. This only drives very nicely, has a great interior and is VERY quite. The automobile does NOT drive like a truck. Fuel is not bad, I fill my tank once a week. I drive a lot with two kids. There was difference in gas milage from my old mini van. The Lexus GX 470 is WONDERFUL!

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  Love my Lexus - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By abusymom - January 27 - 10:00 am

  The good use of interior space makes this car as big as my old Expedition was. It handles very nicely. None of the rattles and truck like ride I had with other SUVs is present in this car. It is missing power rear windows, and sometimes on left turns there is a bit of a blind spot. Overall, Id have to say I love the car - and I get 16 miles per gallon, which is not too bad for an SUV.