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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  LEXUS GX470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By JAY - May 15 - 4:36 pm

  Ive had the Suv for a month and a half, and everything is great. Not even one thing to bring back in for, not even one problem. Gas Mileage is no good, but knew that when I purchased it, so not an issue. VERY comfortable vehicle, rides and handles extremely well. Really enjoying owning this. Jay

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  Awesome! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By gtfly - May 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the the seventh Lexus I have owned, and it is by far my favorite. Our LX470 is also great, but this is more sporty, with more get up and go, and more sun to drive. The sound system is fantastic.

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  great suv sport vehicile - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By sak - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Other than a little less space in the rear of vehicile, you get Lexus like comfort , power, and smoothness.A great value for the price and luxury the vehicile delivers.

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  nothing better - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By mitch lader - April 8 - 11:10 am

  Flawless. There is not a single area which requires improvement. Perfect vehicle inside and out, and I could not be more satisfied.

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  Change of Heart - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By ckersh - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Well, I wrote a review of my GX470 after only a couple of weeks and I was not very kind in my remarks. We have since driven the car on a couple of long trips as well as city stop and go traffic and I must admit, the car has proven me wrong! I love this vehicle and my wife does even more so. I took it in for routine maintenance and they gave me an RX300 as a loaner. I was so surprised at the difference. It made me even happier that we had chosen the GX470. It wasnt even a close contest. If you buy the GX, drive it a while before passing judgement. The pluses far outweigh the minuses! Were hooked!

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  Great SUV,But... - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By carenthusiast7 - April 2 - 1:16 am

  For an SUV its very good with plenty of space unless you have a family or carrying more than 5 people, then some issues arise. The third row isnt exactly spacious and kids will fight for the mid row to avoid the third. Gas mileage is self explinatory since it runs on a V8. Power is plenty when you need it on highways and even after years, the GX is still fairly quiet even with a V8. All in all, it is a great SUV, just be prepared for gas trips and the questionable third row.

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  Mixed feelings - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By HFPjr - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Just passed 5000 miles. Superb drive train and visibility. Wonderfully quiet. Narrow and short driver seat, third row useless. Rear barn door a pain. Very busy ride. Worst issue is excessively powerful a/c creates way too much air movement. Passengers always too cold. Outside thermometer defective, dealer cannot fix.

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  2007 Lexus GX 470 - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By Kenny Brooks - March 22 - 9:40 pm

  This is the greatest vehicle Ive ever purchased. Fun to drive, and rides like a dream. We test drove 14 other SUVs before our purchase of the Lexus. We are thinking about purchasing another GX 470 and replacing our 2004 Jaguar XJ8.

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  Money is better spent elsewhere - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Angela Marshall - March 20 - 9:10 am

  I had been a Lexus-for-life customer until this purchase. There is a vibration in the vehicle that resonates in the passenger seat that I am told after three trips back to the dealership is coming from the transfer case and is characteristic of all GX 470s (we also own a 2004 Tahoe that has a better interior ride). I have owned two LX 470s prior to going to the GX and regret every penny spent. When I contacted Lexus corp they were simply complacent about my dissatisfaction, they thanked me for the call and, in essence, recommended that I shop at a different Lexus dealer next time. Recommendation: buy a different make, for the money there are a lot to choose from.

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  Lexus GX 470 THE BEST OF THE BEST !!! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By spkohljr - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Lexus has proven itself again. The 2004 has beem improved to include a Kinetic suspension system -- even more comfortable ride than 2003. Also, the NAV system now includes a rear camera for safety and ease of parking! This is a fantastic machine!