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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  Cant Beat a Lexus - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Doug - October 17 - 8:36 am

  I am a car nut and really critical of everything I drive and I have had most every car on the market. I bought this GX with 94K, it now has 125K. I cannot believe this vehicle was any smoother or ran any better when new. Awesome vehicle! Not one problem of any kind.

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  My 2004 GX - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By GX4DAVE - October 10 - 10:23 pm

  The reviews are right. You wont miss the LX 470. The GX 470 is Toyotas best SUV in my mind. All the features and options I wanted at a reasonable price. I even found it fun and easy to install the rear spoiler myself. I would definitely buy one again.

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  A true luxury SUV - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By tnn98 - September 26 - 4:56 am

  I had the ML320 2000. It was a good car. I bought my GX470 on 2/3/2006. Before buying this Lexus, I went to test out the ML500, Porsche Cayenne, X5 4.4i and the Volvo suv. I can honestly say that Lexus puts its competitors in the shadow. I was really impressed with the gas millage and the long trip. The road noise is almost unnoticable. Extremely quite and very comfortable. For 50k, its worth it. The only flaw in this GX is the 3 row seating. Its useless. But if not included, back row passengers dont come rear air installed. For those who want to buy this GX, I suggest you all go do like I did. Test drive other SUVs in its class then test drive this last.

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  So far so good..... - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By What a ride!!!!!!! - September 21 - 5:26 am

  I had the unfortunate experience of leasing VW touareg before looking at the other cars... It was a big mistake...I decided to take the loss and go with Lexus...it is like night and day between the VW and Lexus... I could not believe how much of a difference there was between the two.. Get a Lexus ... GX 470, RX330 or what ever.. Lexus is great...

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  I am glad I bought GX470 - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By WLu - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I was debating between GX and LX. Ended up getting the GX! It is a nice car and feels very modern compared to the LX that feels just a bit dated. The performance and gas milage is excellent for a truck this size.

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  Lexus GX 470 - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By TNL - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving an ML 320 for the past 3 years, finally I got rid that nightmare tri star. The GX 470 is a completely better SUV all around compare to the ML 320, it behave very well for such a large vehicle. Smooth engine, quite interior and very well built vehicle, if you are in the market for a luxury SUV, give the GX 470 a try. You will like it. Dealers begin to discount now, so shop around and enjoy your new toy. I got a great deal from Lexus of Thousand Oaks ( I got a fully loaded one for way below the MSRP )

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  Fun Driving - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Herb Pawlitsch - September 7 - 10:00 am

  The GX 470 is fun and powerful driving machine. It is a good looker and not something you see on the road every day. The comfort and little creature features of a Lexus are evidnet. I upgraded from the RX 300 to the GX 470 without regrets

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  Ridin in style - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Nico - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Great ride. I really like everything about it. Even if it is my wifes car. Stereo (ML) really pumps (when my wife is not in the car)

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  Almost got a Volvo! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By liguy - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I was choosing between the GX 470 and the Volvo XC90. Man, am I happy. My friend got the Volvo and has complained ever since. The GX is beautiful. No flaws after 2 weeks. I replaced an RX 300 with this SUV and it is far superior in luxury and utility (no SUV Ive ever been in rides like the RX, though). Even my 52" wife loves this car. I cant find something to complain about. We thought we might not like the 3rd row configuration or the rear door at first. Theyve both been easy to use and very convenient.

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  Well Built SUV - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Jim - July 23 - 5:00 pm

  We bought a GX and have over 30K miles on it now. It is a very comfortable vehicle for trips and is very quiet for its size. Fuel economy is fair with 16 in town and about 19-20 on the highway. The Lexus dealer is easy to work with and fixes any issues without argument. Handling is average for an suv and has a fair amount of lean on corners. The 3rd row seats are useless for anyone but small children and should be designed to stow under the floor like other SUVs. Quality of interior and exterior materials is excellent.