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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  Awesome - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Dw4653 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I had the RX300 before this, and to believe that the GX470 is twice the car is an understatement. It is truely an amazing car.

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  GX 470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By GMS - January 11 - 2:10 pm

  Fun to drive. Very stylish. Best Nav system out there. Much better then my Mercedes CL 500! Decent pick up for a heavy SUV. Pretty enough to be a car for Sat night out! Love it.

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  lexus gx470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By murray - January 2 - 4:13 pm

  overall it is a good car and fun to drive with ample power with good finish quality.

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  Love it! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By geno - December 1 - 10:00 am

  We use our vehcle both for extensive highway as well as dirt road driving. With the number of options avaiable for ride, vehicle height and severe driving condition contingencies, this SUV has it all. Its ruggedness and durability, coupled with incredible interior accoutrements make for the perfect "country gentlepersons" all- purpose vehicle.

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  Lexus GX470 - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By KCS - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful car, easy and comfortable to drive. Should have put in the back up camera and given additional color selections. I am sold on Lexus and if I traded it in, it would only to get anything new they add to the newer models. It is a beautiful vehicle.

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  Exceeded our expectations - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Joe D - November 19 - 8:26 pm

  We have only owned it for a week, but we cant get enough of it! It is by far the most quality vehicle we ever owned, and blows away the 5 SUVs weve had in the past. It is such a smooth ride, the interior amenities are great. You truly feel "different" when you drive this car. Even though it is 3 years old, it looks and feels brand new. Sorry, I have to make this quick so I can go back and drive it somewhere... anywhere.

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  Lexus Beats BMW X5 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By MAAbrahams - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Nothing beats a Lexus for quality and reliability.

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By dbrockner - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I really love all the features of my GX 470. However I wish there were more room for the driver.

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  A Lexus needing just a little bit more - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Lexus470 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is a Lexus. Smooth ride plus. The rear door is trully uncomfortable and there have been several issue with service, that, until this date, with 5 months of experience with the truck, still has not been corrected. It rides like a car but moves like a truck and there have been no off road limitations on hand. It was a newly designed truck, but it looks like they hurried it to the production line. Styling could have been better, but we will take it.

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  They Just Keep Getting Better - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By DMC - November 6 - 1:53 am

  This is my 5th Lexus, and I have previously owned the LX 470. My GX has almost all the great amenities the LX did, but because it is a little smaller, much easier to manuever. Not to sound sexist, but this vehicle fits a man. My wife likes it, but prefers her RX 350 AWD. And that is just fine with me! I am averaging just over 18 MPG. From my frame of reference, thats decent. If I had wanted great mileage, I would have bought a Prius. The ride is great, the stereo surround sound is great, and it is very quiet. What else could one ask for?