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 Car Overall - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By fairnxqure - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Almost bought a ML500, glad we didnt! Dealership experience was good -- no high pressure, only professional salesmanship. Car is REALLY comfortable fun to drive! Killer navi system -- voice input and touch screen features are awesome compare to ML500s little joy stick thingy. Not too cracy about the swing-out back door at first, but actually like it now since we only use the 3rd roll seat for 1 person (my teenage kid) and he uses the back door for access so that he doesnt have to mess with the 2nd roll seat.

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  Great ride - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By t. brick - April 17 - 7:00 pm

  I bought my GX last month after owning 3 land cruisers. Faster, better handling, more comfortable and of course more luxurious than my Cruisers. Should have bought 2 since my wife drives it everyday. ( and her car is a SLC 230 Kompressor )

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  loving my gx470 - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By nithu - March 31 - 6:56 am

  Just bought my GX470. Its much roomier than my RX. Loving the car. The SUV hugs the road, drives great and Lexuss comfort is unmatchable to any other car.

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  Sweetness - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By my mama? - March 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is so perfect. The inside is great and the outsde is like the inside

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  Everything youre looking for! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By KareGal - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The minute you get into the car youre floating on clouds. The ride is unbelievable. I previously owned a Toyota Sequoia which was also a great vehicle but I felt I didnt need to drive around in a car that big.Its the perfect size, gliding ride, and luxury style

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  First Impressions - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By GXDriver - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Great Luxary SUV for the price. Easily justifies the MSRP compared to much higher priced LX470. Drive comparable to luxary sedan (traded Mercedes Benz in for GX470), AWD feature with center locking differential makes it perfect in any driving condition. Lexus DVD based GPS Navigation system is way superior over MB.

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  Another Great SUV - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Horsham GX470 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  After 4 years of my RX300, I decided to get the GX470. I love it! Silky, strong engine, smooth ride and great comfort! The navigation system is the best Ive seen. While I think the GX470 is fantastic, there are a few things Lexus should change: My RX300 has more cubbies/storage places! Seat warmer controls are too out of the way. Trip computer buttons should be on the steering wheel (they have two blank spots) instead of mid-dash where they are inconvenient. Major pet peeve -- the seat belt retractors are typical Lexus -- they dont retract well!

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  2005 GX 470 review - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Hank - March 11 - 12:00 pm

  This vehicle is one of the best vehicles we have ever owned...maybe the best, but we have only owned it for 1 month, so we will need more time to evaluate it. The only better SUV will be the hybrid GX470H(?) to help fuel economy. The GX has every option we were looking for and more. The navigation is tremendous! It does everything for you. I am a car buff and do not really care for Japanese imports, but the GX470 is the benchmark in all catagories for the USA to strive for. Buy it...youll like it!

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  I Love This Vehicle - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By G Conti - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is the best! The NAV system is awesome. Interior and exterior are flawless. I am so happy with my purchase!

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  Truck in a Tuxedo - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By KB - February 21 - 5:43 am

  Just traded my 04 GX for an 07. Very reliable vehicle. Love the new generation NAV and Bluetooth. After shopping most of the lux brands, I still think the Lexus Nav is by far the best. I ski and the old GX was a great performer in the white powder of Tahoe. The drive is very comfortable and balanced no matter what the outside road conditions are.