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 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By J. Helmer - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Love the car. Love the reliability and the performance. Cant wait to take trips with it, as the driving comfort is excellent.

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  GX470 - wonder car - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Rennie Jones - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is terrific!

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  my gx - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By kdoylke43 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  love gx lexus,luxurious smooth quiet ride,relaxing.perfect midsize ,some design flaws on inside dash/panel not rommy enough for business folders,papers,checkbook,no loose change holder but outside design beautiful!!!

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  We Love It - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By Lexx777 - December 30 - 8:03 am

  This is my 5th Lexus, had two ES 300 sedans, and this is my third GX 470. We love the luxury ride, the look, the amenities, the comfort, and the regular mountain driving is superb. I trade every two years, and dont think I would ever consider another car as nothing I have seen matches the quality and the Lexus service.

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  Lexus GX470 - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Dave - December 21 - 12:13 am

  Traded a 2001 Sequoia for the GX. Need something to tow a 5200 boat & trailer, and the GX470 does the job with ease. This vehicle might be pretty, but its a real truck. Even though the Toyo and Lexus both have the same 4.7 liter V-8, the horsepower and torque upgrade in 2005 is very noticeable. It pulls like a beast. Love the backup camera, I can put the hitch ball right under the trailer coupler without looking over my shoulder.

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  Solid SUV - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By VS - December 7 - 7:33 am

  Bought my 04 with 43K miles as certified with 3yr/100K warranty. Now 2 yrs later have 78K and it still drives better then many new cars and SUVs. Very solid vehicle and very useful for cargo hauling (I own a small business with frequent airport trips with as many as 20 cases inside with rear seats removed and middle seats folded!). 3rd seats dont have enough leg room, but otherwise are Ok for short trips. Comfy seats with very tastefully done interior, large sunroof, very macho-looking from outside. Overall trouble-free 2 yrs with some minor wear-tear issues, like tires, brakes and some bulbs...great for snow and bad weather - feels very secure on the road with commanding view!

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  Great SUV; soccer mom car - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By gw9 - November 22 - 1:33 pm

  Having owned Lexus before I knew this would be a very reliable car. Gas & go. Maintain per mfg recommendations and it will last forever. What it is for: In town errands; carrying clean cargo like groceries and such; long road trips; ski trips; car pools. What its not for: Work truck; off roading; hauling heavy trailers; hauling construction supplies or plant material. Its a soccer mom car. Reliable, elegant, comfy. Zero excitement but what SUV is?

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  reliable, though unspectacular - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By wanda - November 9 - 5:23 am

  car hasn`t given us any problems yet.picks up speed and handles well. takes too long to warm up, noisy, stereo is no good

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  Great Vechicle few concerns. - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Darlene@FL - October 23 - 2:36 pm

  Purchased car in Jan 2008 with 31k miles. Now, Feb 2010 it has 65k mile. It has many luxury and comfort items which I enjoy. Luv the size, not to big and not to small for an SUV, and luv having an 8 cylinder which gets better gas mileage than the 6 cylinder I used to own. The Bad: Just a couple of issues. Have brought to the shop to fix the sunroof 2 times, it doesnt close all the way and creates air flow noises and leaking. 3 lights came on dash which was intimidating and only had to replace the gas cap. Lately, transmission hesitates when I back up in the mornings and put it into drive. Dealer said it is typical and nothing is wrong, I Hope he is right!!!!

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  GX 470...conquering one road at a time - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By - October 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my first SUV and coming from a two door sports car..this has been a smooth transition. Interior appointments are incredible. The engine is very athletic even with the size. Virtually no road noise and comfort beyond belief.