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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  lexus gx470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By ndisil - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I love the vehicle. It drives extremely smooth for an suv. The comfort level is outstanding and it is a very well appointed suv.

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  Look back - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By NJC - December 27 - 8:33 am

  I previously wrote of my frustrations with this SUV re: its quirks and lack of modern features. However, I live in the Midwest and we were hit with a torrential winter in 2010. I had no idea how awesomely this vehicle would perform in the snow and ice. Its unshakable. I felt very confident driving in ice and snow that left other trucks and SUVs in the snow bank. Unbelievably good traction.

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  I am in LOVE - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Heidi - December 24 - 3:36 pm

  I was not a lover of cars. I usually consider myself a bus driver because I am usually driving a carload of children to where they need to be. I like to drive to get where I am going and that is it. I have also driven all types and makes of cars. (My first car was an escort.) I never thought I would ever be committed to one kind of car or maker. I love the Lexus GX 470! This SUV is a great car with the most comfortable ride you will ever experience. I have never had any maintenance issues. In fact, the dealership has gone the extra mile for me and my famlies safety. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for an SUV. You will be hooked like me!

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  Best SUV and No Regrets!! - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Kevin - December 18 - 4:06 pm

  I test drove almost everything out there... nothing could compare to the GX 470. It is a reliable and safe SUV. I think it has the best Luxury and features when compared to the SUVs I mentioned. The one thing that made me buy GX 470 was the Sports suspension (KDSS), makes body roll almost non-existant. I have put over 6000 miles on SUV and never had any regrets or wanted any other SUV.

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  2004 GX470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By mw1862 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I have driven the GX for 1 week now. We are extremely pleased with this SUV. The navigation system is fairly easy to use and the Mark Levinson stereo is excellent. This is our 3rd Lexus. Needless to say that we have been extremely satisfied.

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  You Wont Be Sorry!! - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By R Beetle - December 11 - 9:10 am

  Exceptional vehicle! Extremely comfortable, quiet and fun to drive. Handles and responds very well. Has a lot of the functionality of a truck, but drives like a car!! I love it!

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  lexus gx 470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By peterm - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is an outstanding vehicle in almost every way. Not as pricey as the Lx 470 but every bit as good. I was looking for a V-8 with decent gas mileage and this is it. The ride is pure comfort and you get a host of luxury features. The interior is like a living room.

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  GX470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By was - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Does not have many options. You dont need many. A pleasure top drive and Lexus dealerships deliver outstanding service thus far. Highly recommend.

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  Lots of pluses, lots of minuses - 2009 Lexus GX 470
  By CA driver - November 30 - 12:06 pm

  Our old car was a Ford expedition (Eddie bauer 2003) and I wanted to downsize. We shopped through lots of suvs and finally settled on the gx470. There were a couple of requirements: smaller size and tough four wheel drive vehicle, along with great reliability. The gx met these requirements. But, the interior left so much lacking. I wanted the quality of a Japanese built car and this is built in Japan, but this suv was designed for the Japanese. The seats are way too small (no one should buy this vehicle that is anywhere near 6 feet tall) and the drivers compartment is cramped—base of seat is inches shorter than the expedition, ashtrays everywhere but no personal storage.

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  Worth the price - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Neil Cassidy - November 13 - 2:20 am

  A real surprise. The GX470 is a well built, very comfortable SUV -- I looked at the Range Rover and the BMW X5 and am glad I decided on the Lexus. Everything in the car works -- not a single issue in the first 2000 miles. True, its not a sport sedan -- and it drives like an SUV, not a car. But it has plenty of power and handles well. Id recommend the GX 470 to anyone looking to replace their mid size SUV.