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:

• 

  Great Car - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Zooma - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Fun and easy to drive.

• 

  Best Of GX470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By National - September 9 - 2:00 am

  The quality of the Lexus GX470 is outstanding, both inside and outside. The power train is extremely smooths and everything works and feels as though it was totally thought out.

• 

  Over Priced or Under Equipped - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By DanWithGX - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I am satisfied with the vehicle. It was precisely the size I was looking for. However, when you compare some of the features to other SUVs, it seems that components are missing. Example, for $1,000 more you can get an Infiniti QX56 with the Xenon Headlamps, LED tail lights, 2nd row heated bucket seats, 8 way passenger seats, Laser assisted Cruise control, and brake preview assist. The only reason I did not get the QX is because it is just too large for what I was looking for.

• 

  Reliable and Luxurious - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By kristeen - September 3 - 1:16 am

  We bought this car 2 years ago and it has been very reliable and convenient. With Lexus, you cant go wrong mechanically-what you get for your money is a total bargain. When you are in this price point, you cant skimp on some items and the navigation system is one of them. Of course if you choose to go with a stock stereo system its a good system as well, but dont expect the best if you dont want to pay for it. The interior spacing is very comfortable-we often seat 4 adults and 3 kids in carseats in our vehicle. Of course that is using the third row - which is ideal for carseats or children who do not really need leg room. Driving it is a dream - I feel safe in all weather conditions.

• 

  A Dream To Drive - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Black Beauty - August 23 - 11:20 pm

  Proud owner of my first SUV. This is a dream car to drive. Perfect size and easy to handle. Lots of power. Short on gas mileage.

• 

  Ok, not what I expected - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Doug Reynolds - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I compared the GX with the Volvo XC90 but chose the Lexus due to immediate availability. It drives nice, but Ive had vibration issues at highway speeds that the dealer cannot replicate, the flip-up seats rattle, and the transmission slips and hesitates occasionaly. Maybe I should have bought the Volvo...

• 

  Very Good - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By N/A - August 13 - 3:56 pm

  Very Good on perfomance, comfort,Fuel Economy, Interior Design, Exterior Design, Build Quality, and Reliability

• 

  I think my SUV is a great vehicle - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By dbeez - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle after selling a 2003 Toyota 4-Runner LTD. I like the stability I felt when I took this vehicle skiing. I purchase a loaded version and my kids love the DVD.

• 

  Nothing else ever again! - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Beth - July 24 - 11:06 pm

  I love my new (to me!) Lexus. We traded in a 08 Town & country for a 05 LX470 with twice the miles and were happy about it! This car is wonderful. It is spacious and fun to drive. My only complaint is that the trunk area is small with the third row seat down, I cant even get my stroller in. But, we will make do. It is the best car I have ever had, even better than my husbands 08 BMW!

• 

  Not bad for 52K - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Julius - July 18 - 2:20 am

  I had my GX for almost 2 years. If you are looking for the car with excellent reliability, this is the one. Also the fit and finish inside is great. The only problem Im still having is a sun roof, that makes a rattling sound when passing an uneven pavement. Its not a horrible noise but you would expect not to have anything like that for this sticker price. They were not able to fix it so far. In general, this is a good headache free SUV. Go LEXUS.