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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  Excellent SUV - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Brad007 - May 2 - 10:00 pm

  Overall, a great value for a luxury SUV. Excellent styling with generally a smooth ride. Very good acceleration for a midsize SUV. Very comfortable for long road trips. The 3d row of seats comes in handy. We also liked the Acura MDX but preferred the luxury feel of the Lexus.

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  EHM! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By happyevraftr - April 20 - 10:00 am

  Before this baby I had only Ford Explorer Limiteds, left the brand due to the worst dealer treatment ever had, with my new Lex I feel pampered from test driving the vehicle to closing the deal I was treated like an V.I.P., going to the dealers shop is the same treatment, you are lex man go right ahead,theres a super hughemungus diffrence from the crapy ride of the explorer to a smooth sedan like ride of the lexus, in cabin is like flying first class pampered all the way, the vehicle was made a suv, if I wanted H.P. and speed I will have decided for the Gs400, I have kids waiting for me at home.

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  Purrfect - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By RobDee - April 19 - 5:16 pm

  This is the perfect SUV for those who want a true offroad (Outer Banks) and super comfortable ride for five passengers loaded with every option known to man. You will think you died and went to heaven. And it runs on REGULAR. Touareg came in second; more stylish and a drivers dream, but reliablity issues, size constraints in the back seat and storage, premium fuel, and poorer mileage .

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  Best SUV ever owned - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Ira G. - April 17 - 5:43 am

  The Lexus GX 470 is probably the most reliable, comfortable, and well designed SUV that I have ever owned. My previous cars were GMC Jimmy, Land Rover, Range Rover, and now GX 470! It is much better than the Range Rover in every way and I can lease 2 GXs for the cost of 1 Range Rover.

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By kimbrlydi - April 12 - 7:16 am

  Wonderful SUV! Not only is it gorgeous, but its comfortable and affordable. The third row isnt that comfortable for anyone over 4 years old, but it does present me options when traveling or having sleepovers. My teen son loves to have the whole row when we go on road trips. He uses the outlet for his electronics and can spread out. We get raves and questions wherever we go with this vehicle. Excellent buy for the money.

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  Defective Model - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Isis Jones - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the long awaited model GX 470 on February 6th 2003. This is my fourth Lexus purchase. Due to the poor availability for test driving, I did not realize until after the purchase an unacceptable vibration in the 40-50 mph range. After taking the vehicle back for service twice, I have been informed that it is a known problem with this model but there is no fix at this time. Totally unacceptable for a luxury SUV that boasts a noise/vibration free ride. Lemon law currently being exercised.

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  Quality that one can feel - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By GX 1 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  In the SUV market that becomes more croweded every day, distinction can be difficult. Not so for the GX 470. The sheer pleasure of hearing the doors close tells you that this vehicle is built with such attention to detail that the rest of the car must be solid. If there is a down side, the back door opening to the side is a bit of a pain (what were they thinking?) Other that that it is stellar. I dont think that anyone who owns this will have a moment of regret

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  GX a winner - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By 2006 GX 470 - April 9 - 1:16 pm

  Wonderful vehicle. I havent had much time to drive it since the rest of the family has experienced the comfort and reliability of this well built vehicle. My only concern is fuel economy. It would be nice if Lexus offered a version that dropped out some of the cylinders at cruising speeds to improve fuel economy. Otherwise, this is a great car with service to back the purchase. This vehicle has navigation system, rear camera, and bluetooth connectivity... really great options.

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  Get Rid of that Barn Door!!! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Looking for waves - April 1 - 10:00 am

  My wife loves the barn door, its her car, but come on Japan, you didnt research the barn door enough. It is completly unpractical for America/Americans - you should only offer it in other countries. I can give you 20 plus examples why it is a poor design. The salesman said it was for saftey, I just laughed and said it was the biggest line of BS a guy has ever said to my face. If you can get over the BARNDOOR, this car offer sooo much more than all the competitors, the MB looks like a minivan/mailvan, the BMW doesnt even compare (it does in my opinion have the best rear door, Bring back the tailgate!!!!!!!) and the Volvo is an underpowered joke.

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  Great 2007 GX 470 - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By david - March 30 - 7:06 am

  This is an excellent vehicle!