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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3 time Lexus owner - 2005 Lexus GX 470
By steve - May 24 - 3:00 amAfter leasing 2 RX300s over the last six years, this is a BIG step up. The deal was outstanding but the vehicle really sold itself. Comfort, power and looks all in one package. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone in the market for a mid to large size SUV. You wont go wrong.
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Hwy Luxury, Backroad Performance - 2004 Lexus GX 470
By IndyEric - May 15 - 10:00 amThe GX470 is deceptively spacious and capable, yet maintains the quality and luxury that you expect from Lexus. I purchased a 2003 GX470 the first week that they were available in December of 2002. I recently traded that one in for a 2004 model. The ride is wonderful and the Nav/sound/ and entertainment systems make the long family trips easy while the ride is smoother than our Acura TL sedan. The biggest surprise is how much room they have. Where does it come from?
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Comparison of GX470, Cayenne and X5 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
By stonedesigner - May 11 - 7:26 amI just purchased this suv loaded. I compared the Porsche Cayenne and the BMW X5 and the Mercedes M class. There was no comparison in terms of overall comfort, status and value in the long run. My sister has had hers for about 4 months 2004 and mine is 2005. She loves it more every day and I am starting to love mine too! I know I made the right decision. THe Porsche had more of a wow factor but more time in the shop which I dont need, the mercedes wasnt up to snuff and the BMW was a close second but too trucky. This was MUCH more luxurious. I even was able to add 2 extra seats which wasnt available in the BMW or the Porsche. I am happy.
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Awesome Vehicle! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
By dmizock - May 7 - 2:00 amWhat a way to travel! Cruising at 75mph is like sitting in your living room -- amazingly quiet. The Mark Levinson sound system is spectacular. The Navigation system is easy to use, accurate and fast.
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Great SUV - 2005 Lexus GX 470
By Thomas E. Dahlberg - May 6 - 12:03 pmThis vehicle is great. The handling, power and comfort are amazing. The engineers did their homework and anticpated needs I was unaware I had. I strongly recommend the Navagational/DVD options. My model has the Dynamic Kinetic System and drives backroads like it is on rails.
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Best large SUV bar none - 2005 Lexus GX 470
By eeeee - April 30 - 11:06 amOver the last 8 years I have owned the following SUVs ... Mitsubishi Montero, Mercedes ML 430, BMW X-5 4.4i, Infiniti FX. All of these have been top of the line and fully loaded with every option in the book. This time, I shortlisted and test drove the Range Rover, The LX470, the Cayenne, the Touareg the MDX, and finally the GX 470. Other then the 3rd seat (which despite the bulk, is still very convenient for my 6 and 10 yr old), there is simply no down side to this SUV. Even the gas mileage is good (18 mpg) considering it weighs in at 6800 pounds. It beats its own older brother (the LX 470) at its game for $15000 less. If you need a large SUV with superb comfort, you need not look any further.
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Loving it in LA - 2004 Lexus GX 470
By Ian in LA - April 25 - 10:00 amJust bought this car after test driving several luxury SUVs. We have an ML500 that my wife "used" to love to drive. I bought this vehicle for me but have only driven it once in more than one week. My wife just would not let go. This car comes fully loaded at less price than a comparable ML500.
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Never thought I could *LOVE* an SUV! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
By couchmore - April 13 - 2:00 amIm a confirmed sedan gal, so imagine my surprise at how much I LOVE this SUV!Its quiet (more quiet than my previous E320 sedan),luxurious, and great looking.I dont have the ML stereo or navigation system and dont miss either.Its not without weak points: the way the 3rd row seats fold and stow looks amateurish compared to integrated ones in the Expedition,and the "gate" door has taken some getting used to (especially since it opens away from the curb).Yes, its expensive, however; Lexus reliability is a given and the service is 2nd to NONE.You cant say that about many car makers. You definitely get what you pay for with this vehicle.
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New GTX - 2004 Lexus GX 470
By GTX-SB - April 2 - 10:00 amGreat vehicle. I found the comfort suspension setting a bit stiff on my bumpy city streets at slow speeds, fine on country roads at more speed and the nornal or sport settings fine at highway speeds. Everything else is pure pleasure.
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A True Lexus at Heart - 2006 Lexus GX 470
By Ian Aker - March 29 - 1:10 amHaving owned a GX 470 for about a year, I can honestly say that Lexus builds great cars, and that Lexus dealerships take great care of their clients. Overall the car drives just like many other Lexi, bland steering but with a solidarity only found in a few other car makes.