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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  poor quality - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By mellis1100 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with the styling of the car. The car drives terribly. Poor mileage. Jerking when it is at a stop. Taken it to service, they say that is the way the car is made. High reving when it is started, even when it is warmed up. The comfort of the car, on the passenger side, sits low and cant adjust seat. No lumbar. No power on the highway, due to they all come in 4 wheel drive.

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  GX 470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Payam Mazhari - March 26 - 2:00 am

  The Lexus GX 470 is one of the most awesome suvs I have ever riden,sat in, and seen.It is even better than the Lexus LX 470, especially the Exterior design.The inside is the best and most luxurious I have ever seen in a car yet. I love the way the back door opens which is sideways unlike the LX which opens half down and have up and I hate that.The engine the biggest engine that has everbeen put into a Lexus. The DVD entertaiment system is so cool because we get to watch any dvd we want and we get to play video games on it.The Navigation system is also fun to use.I like to play and use alot of its high-tech things.

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  Loving my GX. - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Novaracer - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Very hi quality vehicle, very impressed with ride quality, also, I feel the power rating (HP)is kept purposely low, this rig performs!!

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  IIt capped off the 4 Runner - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By SilverGX - March 13 - 3:16 pm

  Have a 05 4 Runner Ltd. The GX takes that platform and tops it off. They may have the same meat but you can certainly tell the difference and to me worth the price. If a Bells and whistle person you got to give the vehicle a look. soft leather, power steering wheel, 14 speaker Audio, better overall interior. Nav system thought it was high well once have one they are neat. Nice wood accents.

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  GX470 Rocks - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Stiffelrep - February 7 - 8:13 pm

  I drive over 30,000 miles per year. I need a heavy car that is comfortable and that handles well. I have owned four SUVs prior to this one. The GX470 is awsome. I like this car so much that I bought one for my wife in June.

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  JL Rave GX - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By jlonthroad - January 24 - 10:00 am

  all better than expected,and compares better than BMW X5 4.4 just traded.

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  A Dream Come true - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Thomas Barrett - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I cant believe I am driving a SUV each time I get in this vehicle. It drives like a luxury sedan.

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  THE LOVE OF MY LEXUS - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By JUDY LOVIC - January 24 - 10:00 am

  MY AUTO IS 4 YEARS OLD AND I HAVE HAD MANY OTHER AUTOS AND I STILL TELL MY HUSBAND HOW MUCH I ENJOY DRIVING MY LEXUS SUV. WHEN I TRADE I WILL DEFINITELY PURCHASE ANOTHER ONE. MY HUSBAND HAS HAD 2 LEXUS AND LOVES THEM. AT THIS TIME HE HAS AN EXPLORER FOR HEAVY HAULING (NOT ALLOWED IN MY AUTO) AND THE REASON IN RICHMOND, VA. THEY WOULDNT DEAL WITH HIM ON A TRADE IN. NOR DID THE MANAGER EVER CONTACT HIM. THE NEXT TIME HE PLANS TO PURCHASE ANOTHER LEXUS. IN ANOTHER CITY.

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  1st time owner - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By cngriffin - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I have thoroughly enjoyed my Lexus GX470. The continuing service from the dealer has been outstanding, and I would not hesitate to purchase a new vehicle from them sight unseen. In fact, I did just that for my wife--an LS430. She has been equally satisfied. We are now Lexus "die hards!"

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  Best car Ive owned - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By bozey - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Seats are buttery smooth Drives like a car Awesome stereo Best dealership Ive ever purchased from From backup camera to nav system, this car is the best toy Ive ever owned.