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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  Happy with purchase - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By TBPoulton - October 18 - 8:30 pm

  Rides like a magic carpet. Smooth, quiet, luxurious, comfortable.

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  WHAT A SUV SHOULD BE - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By juliandryan - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Researched SUVs for months before deciding to purchase the GX 470. This SUV fills a void in the market for larger SUVs priced below $60K. Outstanding to drive with extremely comfortable ride. Overall, overly pleased with purchase, would highly recommend test driving.

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  A Near Perfect SUV - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Tmidnighter - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck!!! When I 1st saw the GX I was like I have to check this car out. I wasnt sold on the size at first because I wanted a large SUV, like an Escalade, Navigator or Yukon, but I couldnt resist the GX. It has the larger Suvs beat in Luxuary. IUt rides excellant, although it could have more horse power, come on Lexus designers, this SUV should not lag in that dept while beating the competition is other areas. Overall I love this truck, but my biggest complaint is that it can get pricy.

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  GX 470 Review - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Larry Faulkner - October 4 - 12:56 pm

  The GX 470 offers great comfort and reliability with outstanding looks, being a first time owner I intent to be a life long Lexus owner. Finally there is a car company who understands the meaning of producing a truly Quality automobile. Thanks Lexus!

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  Love this vehicle - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By MCK - September 30 - 2:00 am

  The only thing Lexus missed was adding a rearview reverse camera for the navigation screen or at the very least a reverse sensors...other than that, this is a GREAT vehicle!

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  Lexus has out done itself - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By maria hall - September 19 - 10:00 am

  its the best luxury suv on the market. it purres like a kitten. it owns the road. WHAT A RIDE!

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  Our favorite SUV So far! - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By car freak! - September 5 - 6:00 pm

  We have owned every SUV there is and just traded in our H2 for this great vehicle. This is our favorite by far. We are a young couple and still wanted to look young. We wanted a vehicle safe for the family, with a comfort ride without a huge size and better gas mileage than our gas guzzling Hummer. This vehicle is all the SUVs wrapped up into one. Its comfortable, roomy, looks sporty, and gets an average SUV gas milage. We get about 16-17 in the city and 20 on the highway. We also use premium gas, it burns cleaner and allows better gas mileage. This is our first Lexus and we are so pleased with it! It has given the others a run for their money by far!

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  Love this Lexus! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Terri - September 3 - 5:26 am

  I bought this SUV used and have had it for 6 days. So far, I love it! The ride is unlike any other car Ive ever been in - incredibly smooth and quiet. But, more powerful than I had expected for such a large, heavy vehicle with rather low horsepower (235). I love the back up camera and the Nav is very easy to use although it usually takes me through less preferred routes.

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  Perfect SUV - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Ayyubov - August 8 - 4:33 pm

  Excellent vehicle. Performance is great. Fuel economy is a factor, but its V8 4,7 so its not that bad. Interior is luxurious, ride is fun.

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  Over rated SUV - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By limited4runner - August 2 - 10:00 am

  I was very disappointed in the comfort and noise reduction that Lexus stands for. i took it for a test drive. I driven both a Kenetic and non KDSS vehicle. There were no difference just a $4k price increase. The salesman says only notice if its on an offroad terrain. Dont get me wrong its a great vehicle but for the price you are paying you expect a little bit more quality. I own a 97 4x4 limited 4runner (havent had any trouble yet). I hardly know the difference in ride. You can still feel the bumps on the road and hear the wind noise on the windows. I guess Lexus did a great job covering that up with the nav and entertainment system!