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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  awesome!!!! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By evelyn - July 19 - 10:00 am

  i love this suv

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  My best driving experience ever - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By rbkencar - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Youd feel comfort, luxury and safety once you get on drivers seat. You sense youre surrounded by a solid, protective shield . . and that you are in for a smooth, powerful yet quiet ride. This was how I felt when I test drove the GX 47. (I rated it better compared to similar test drive with MB ML, 320 and 500). But back to my GX 470. The actual driving experience proved even more exhilirating. I have never felt so cool driving 400 miles each way ever. Why? Driving 70-75 mph was a breeze and accelerating to pass those semis was no sweat. The GX 490 is indeed my best driving experience ever.

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  Great vehicle, good value. - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Ist time Lexus Owner - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Bought the GX after looking at the Cayenne and the BMW. Better deal for the money; quality is better. Ride is stiff over heavy bumps in the rear, but the ride and cabin quiet is typical Lexus excellent quality. Engine is adequate for the vehicle; interior appointments are high quality. The rear door looks goofy and is impractical, particularly when towing our trailer. Stereo is excellent, and the nav system is very well-designed and easy to use. I like the size of the shifter, but there should be more of a gate between D and 4. Overall its a great vehicle; great size, good power, great quality.

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  Got A Good One - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By scottb - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Worried about vibration problem, but test drive before taking delivery eliminated as an issue. First time Lexus buyer; currently own 2 BMWs. Almost bought X5, but quality issues steered me away. Glad I chose the GX470 - head and shoulders better than X5.

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  I made the right decision. - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Julie C - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I love my GX. I reluctantly traded in my RX (which also was a great car) because I wanted a little larger vehicle. I am so glad I did. It drives like a dream. I highly recomend this vehicle.

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  This is my dream car - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By rayandhol - July 4 - 11:46 pm

  Absolutely L-O-V-E everything about my new Lexus. GORGEOUS to look at and wonderful to drive. I had a Toyota Sequoia before (which I also loved) but this is an SUV that drives like a car - so smooth! Everyday I thank my husband for my new toy!

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  Built like a tank, but very comfortable - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By cfishlaw - June 23 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is built like a tank. Although the ride is not quite as smooth on rough pavement or cobblestones as my old RX300, it handles very well, and is very comfortable, even on long trips. The quality is perfect - no rattles, squeaks, etc. I was surprised by the lack of a change cup and center console storage (which are present in the RX300). Gas mileage is 13-14 mpg, but what do you expect for a 6150 lb. SUV? The rear "barn door" is unusual, but does not bother me.

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  GX470 is great - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By bk777d - June 16 - 3:00 am

  This vehicle is a dream to drive. We took a trip right after we got the vehicle. The optional rear seat entertainment system was very nice to have, as was the optional navigation system. This vehicle drives very quietly for an SUV. It feels more like you are driving a car than an SUV. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Love my Lexus - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Dan J. - June 2 - 12:56 am

  Great car, however hunts for gears while crusing at 80mph plus up and down hilly terrain. Nothing a supercharger wouldnt fix! I hope TRD is reading this.

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  Better than my Mercedes - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By scott tsai - May 30 - 9:53 pm

  Quiet, smooth handling, comfortable, feel safe, thoughtful interior design, advance technology (blue tooth, navigator system), user friendly.