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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  rear door not user friendly - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By E. Lynette - February 24 - 10:00 am

  rear door swings open into traffic. Window does not open/close. No way to leave door open for an extra long load. must have at least 4 behind vehicle to open door.

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  Hard to find a better car - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By GX470_Owner - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Its not quite perfect, but its close. Youll like the ride and handling. Turning radius is much smaller than the RX300. For my taste, too many buttons to push since they use the navigation display for HVAC and Radio. Touch panel for everything is too distracting and inefficient. The back door swings WIDE. I believe the hinge is on the right side for parking lot use, but on the wrong side when street parking. Its tough to find a good place to mount the hand free telephone equipment so that its easy to use yet not block other controls. Headlights work especially well when travelling down dark country roads. High beams really have a long throw.

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  sams car - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By samm - February 21 - 2:00 am

  The Lexus GX is a fabulous SUV. The ride is exceedingly smooth and comfortable. The interior is beautifully designed. Everything, including a lot of cup holders, are where one would want things placed on the interior. The side opening back door is heaven sent for easy access to the cargo area. No more struggling to lift up heavy doors. The third row of seats are incredibly smooth and easy to put up and down. This is a great family car while treating the driver to a lot more driving fun than most SUVs will ever offer. And the new dark blue color that the GX is offered in, is a real head turner!

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  Best Luxury SUV - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By Pete - January 29 - 2:23 am

  Love It! Ride quality is a 10. Build quality is a 10. Silky smooth from start to finish.

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  Front end shimmy - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Bill Mclaughlin - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for the safety & reliability for my pregnant wife. Immediately after picking it up I noticed a significant shimmy at 60-65 mph. I have had it back twice to the dealer and it has not been corrected. Watertown Lexus has told me it been occuring to some of the GX470s. Lexus Customer Satisfaction has been no help solving this issue. I am pursuing this & if they fail to fix it this 3rd time I will pursue the lemon law. At this point I am very dissapointed with Lexus,the dealer and the vehicle, and would not recommend the GX470 as I feel the shimmy is significant enough where it could render the vehicle unsafe in certain conditions.

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  We love this truck - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By JenG - January 22 - 2:00 am

  We just recently bought our GX 470. After reading countless reviews and doing extensive research, we chose the Lexus hands down. We are extremely happy with it. The ride is very smooth and we love all of the luxury features.

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  engineer - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By bob nguyen - January 9 - 2:00 am

  perfect car with all thing you need for daily use

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  Love my Lexus SUV - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Donna - January 3 - 5:30 pm

  Great driving and riding vehicle. Especially love the side hinged rear door, I no longer have to jump or wrestle with pulling down the hatch. GPS is a must, easy to use and very helpful. Would like it more if you could program it while moving. Third row seat too small, and would like the seats to recess into the floor. Handles very well in snowy weather.

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  Love it!!! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By sbeaty - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my RX300, because I needed more room, and a third row seat...I really liked my RX, and thought it drove very well...I never expected to like the GX 470 as much as I do...it is head and shoulders better than the RX, I love driving it, and get lots of second looks, have caught more people than I can count peering in, and commenting how nice it was. Drives like a dream...cant think of any other SUV on the road that I would prefer...Love the LX, and this is just a smaller version.

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  Love this truck - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By allisonb1013 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I spent a lot of time researching before buying my new SUV/LUV. I decided to wait for the 2004 GX b/c of my fear of buying a vehicle in its first model year. I can honestly say I am absolutely satisfied! I LOVE this vehicle. Its everything I was looking for.