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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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By ceksc - July 24 - 2:00 am

  An excellent car. The ride quality outstancing and the ergonomics are great. I believe the Lexus LX and the new Range Rover are the only comparable cars in the class. In addition you can not ignore the fact that this car is loaded with safety features-- a quality that is important in a sport utility. I do reommend buying the car with the navigation system. It is an outstanding system. This car has an unbelievable selection of gadgets.

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  Love My New GX470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By anne - July 12 - 3:10 pm

  I bought my GX470 a month ago, and it meets all my expectations. I have owned 4 other Lexus, all sedans, but I like this model best of all. Plenty of space for my 3 grandchildren, a great entertainment center, and a nice smooth ride all add to our enjoyment. Also, excellent visibility and lots of power under the hood!

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  Good While It Lasted - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Casey Bryson - June 27 - 2:40 pm

  I bought our 2004 GX470 in 2012. We owned it for 2 years and 7 months. It was a good vehicle for us and the engine/transmission are rock solid. Personally, looking back, I would buy one with LESS features. The dynamic suspension is expensive to replace, for example. I also had to replace the sensors for the rear air leveling as they both failed on separate occasions which was VERY problematic on a 500 mile road-trip. Also, others that note theres a "transmission CLUNK" should realize that its a slip yoke on the driveshaft that requires greasing. A 30 second fix.

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  EXCELLENT - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By HZOUDA - June 19 - 10:00 am

  EXCLLENT CAR, WOULD PREFER MORE CARGO ROOM FOR 7 PASSENGER CAR. FUEL ECON, COULD BE BETTER. OR 6 CLIN MODLE

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  Buy! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By motherof2labs - June 14 - 10:00 am

  Test drove Mercedes SUV, Volvo C90, Landcruiser, and Land Rover LR3....None compared in terms of luxury, ride, & handling relative to price. Previous car was Lincoln Navigator. While GX470 is in fact on a smaller frame, I feel Ive lost nothing in storage space, passenger room and only gained in a smaller more managable ultra luxurious SUV!!

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  COMFORT COMFORT COMFORT - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By smashingk - June 1 - 5:53 am

  I bought my car fully loaded 4 years ago and I still love it. I have never had problems and it drives like a dream. The ride is very smooth and comfortable. I have owned several different cars/suvs in the past and this is the best car by far. I have since bought another Lexus LS 430 ultra luxury model.

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  Power, Comfort, & Reliability. GX470 FTW! - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By Lexus Believer - May 21 - 2:42 pm

  After we had our second child, we were looking to replace our 04 Jeep Grand Cherokee with something a bit larger, and higher end. With two kids, two large dogs, and the needed ability to tow and secure a motorcycle carrier to the tow hitch, the choices were limited. I researched several SUVs in this class, but all reviews and stats kept leading me back to the GX. I started looking for certified pre-owned GXs with low mileage, and there werent many. I took that as a sign that these vehicles were sought after and kept. I finally found an immaculate 07 with only 25K miles on it. After we drove it, we realized why everyone gushes over their Lexus cars and suvs. It drives much smaller than it is, and its really comfortable and very quiet. The power is awesome, especially off the line and charging uphill. It tows easily and has a tongue weight of 650+ lbs to handle my moto carrying needs. Interior storage space is more than ample. The 3rd row is handy when you need it, and easy to remove when you dont. Other than the 16mpg avg, I really have no complaints. We have taken our GX in the snow, mud, on icy roads, and everywhere in between, and it handles it all without flinching. I am thoroughly impressed, and would definitely recommend it. PROS: Powerful motor, smooth, quiet ride, car-like handling, comfortable seats, reliable, and go anywhere AWD CONS: Avg 16MPG, and the navigation is crap. (But, who uses the car nav with smartphones anyway?)

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  A great truck for our family. - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By West Coast Driver - May 18 - 2:00 am

  After driving large SUVs for many years, we wanted something smaller and more luxurious. This fit the bill very nicely. I wanted a truck-based design, not a car-based vehicle. Even so, this truck handles very smoothly. My wife loves driving it, and she hated driving the old Expedition. Weve had this truck up skiing (deep snow) and in tons of rain (Seattle) and it works very well. I wonder how it will do once the sun comes out and we can open up the moonroof...

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  Rider seat not as comfortable as driver - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By MA - May 18 - 2:00 am

  The rider seat does not have the adjustments that the driver seat has and leg room is too short.

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  Beast - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By link1235 - April 26 - 12:49 am

  This thing is a beast when comes to snow. The miltary should pick this vehicle up. When it snows I feel like I can go any where. I wish it was a little bigger, of course i have the same complaint on most foreign automobiles. Third row seating is poor but it is a easy fix to take them out. i havent figured out this cassette thing is on the sound system. feel like I can go