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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  BMW/Mercedes Killer - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Bruce Pietsch - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a BMW325ic and a Mercedes ML320 and this car is so far superior to both that it is astounding. I lost a head gasket on the BMW from chronic overheating and the ML320 electrical system failed 5 times and was almost a grand for brakes. The Lexus does not have the road feel of BMW but it is meant to have a luxury feel and is silent. You cannot tell if you are going 50 or 100 which tends to cause speeding tickets. No more repairs for me, Lexus is the best. Do not buy DVD aftermarket and IRA Lexus is a shoddy dealer,sold me after market DVD for 2 grand when factory one cost 1500! Did not do my homework on accessories.

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  GX470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Dean - July 4 - 8:26 pm

  Excellent car and great service as usual from Lexus. Rear transaxle gets loose and needs to be tightened every 10,000 miles. Lexus stands behind every detail.

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  Everything is Excellent - Except.... - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By azrick - July 4 - 10:00 am

  What a great car. Already own an LS and thought the GX would be a great addition. As usual, the car is a great Lexus product, but they should have continued the thought process on the last 6 feet of this vehicle. The rear door is terrible. The way that you have to manually lift up the third row seats is something you would find in a $10,000.00 SUV. The head rests are so big, you cant recline them and move the seats behind. Using a strap to hold the third row seats up is also a bit cheap, inconvenient and un- imaginative. Come on Lexus, you have an absolute 10 if you would fix these problems. Everything else, perfect!!

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  Mine is a Lemon! - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Mike Park - June 20 - 5:20 pm

  My GX 470 has had and continues to have problems with the navigation, radio, rear camera, console. It is currently at the dealers for the third time - 11 days so far - still they are not able to diagnose and or fix the problem(s).They have replaced the radio head twice without fixing the problem. It is probably time to ask for a new one or have them refund my money.

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  A Dream SUV To Own - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By M. L. Klein - June 17 - 6:36 am

  Everything about this vehicle makes it a dream to drive. It is a luxurious SUV with thoughtful additions that make driving a pleasure. I like the features for the radio on the steering wheel and all the cup holders are well placed. Everything is automatic from the wipers to the steering wheel movement. It is an extremely comfortable ride too!

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  Comfy, reliable SUV - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By taniamekv - June 1 - 11:50 am

  Ive driven this SUV for over 6 years and its the best car Ive owned. Service is excellent (especially the Naperville dealer) and the SUV has the best fit and finish of any car Ive driven (including Mercedes and Porsche). It continues to drive smoothly after 85K miles. I hope to have it for 200K+.

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  Still love it - after a year - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By BoRock - May 31 - 12:50 pm

  I was the first one here to write a review (see bottom). It has been a year and a month and a happy 14,000 miles since I got my 2008 GX470. What can I say, I STILL LOVE IT. I feel like 100 bucks when I get in and I know I made the right choice when I get out. Every day I look forward to driving the car. I use it primarily for commuting to my workplace (40 miles both ways). When I get home it feels nice to know that this great vehicle is waiting for me in the morning. I had 2 problems: driver side mirror was sticking and my aluminum wheels had some black spots. Both problems were fixed promptly and the dealer even apologized for the inconvenience. I will drive this truck forever!

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  Great Lux Truck - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By Daniel - May 28 - 8:20 pm

  This is a great SUV. It has great off road ability and as such some of the on road ride/performance is sacrificed but if you take it off road or drive in weather you will appreciate it. If your primary use is on road and in clear road conditions, you may want to go with another option. But if you drive off road, in snow, heavy rain etc. this is a great choice. I also am evidently one of the few that like the swing out door. It makes loading heavy objects (luggage, mulch etc,) simpler because you dont have to reach over a lowered tailgate. I have encountered more issues with ceiling height (garage) interfering with flip up gates than the swing out. 30,000 miles, not one problem.

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  Traded 05 RX 330 for 06 GX 470 - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By CHRIS RAMSEY - May 27 - 1:23 pm

  Purchased this vehicle because of reliability, this is third Lexus purchased. We needed third row seats and wanted DVD for grandchild. GX 470 has ample power to tow heavy trailers and climb steep mountain roads. Gas mileage and ho hum agility are the only downsides but have IS 300 for daily use and it gets 20-26 mpg.

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  03 GX470 - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By peter a johnson - May 21 - 10:00 am

  i sold a LS430 LOADED, AND PURCHASED THE GX470, I MISS SOME OF THE OPTIONS BUT I AM VERY PLEASED WITH LEXUS, PURSUIT TO PERFECTION, AND I BELIEVE THEY ARE THE CLOSEST. I HAVE OWNED THEM ALL BMW 740 IL, MERCEDES S BODY, FOR PURE QUALITY LEXUS IS #1.