Overview & Reviews

Domestic manufacturers get much of the credit -- and blame -- for creating the large luxury SUV class. Yet Lexus was actually the first automaker to enter this market when it introduced the LX series for the 1996 model year. The Lexus LX 470 represented the second generation of this elite line of SUVs.

Like most full-size SUVs, the LX 470 used traditional body-on-frame construction, but it has been tuned to provide a serene and forgiving ride. Unlike many competitors, though, the LX retained substantial off-road capabilities and could take on seriously gnarly trails for those who cared to use it that way.

Most owners did not, of course, but the Lexus LX 470 was an easy vehicle to like, even in the confines of suburbia. There could be no denying the quality of the materials used to construct the interior, for example -- the leather upholstery was almost inconceivably supple, and the wood inlays were some of the richest to be found at any price point. A standard third-row seat allowed the LX 470 to accommodate up to eight passengers, and indeed it has been a common sight in carpool circles at exclusive private academies.

Our only real complaint about the Lexus LX 470 was always its high price. Unless buyers were planning to make use of its all-terrain talents, there was simply no reason to spend this much money -- even on a luxury SUV. As a used vehicle choice, however, the LX makes a lot more sense. Depreciation puts pricing more in line with reality, while reliability is nothing short of exceptional.

Most Recent Lexus LX 470

Sold from 1998-2007, the LX 470 was one of the longest-running vehicles in the Lexus fleet. The LX 470 was mechanically identical to the Toyota Land Cruiser, and differences between the two came down to luxury accoutrements ? namely, the Lexus had more of them. In standard spec, the LX came fully loaded, including amenities like DVD navigation, a rear back-up camera and a premium-grade Mark Levinson sound system. Among the options were a Night View infrared imaging system and a rear-seat DVD player.

Motivation for the Lexus LX 470 came from a refined 4.7-liter V8. A four- or five-speed automatic transmission sent power to all four wheels through a permanent four-wheel-drive system. A lever on the center console allowed the driver to switch to low-range gearing for maximum traction in heavy snow or dirt, while a separate button locked the center differential into a 50/50 power split between the front and rear axles. An adaptive suspension provided both driver-selectable height control and variable shock absorber damping.

The LX 470 was not especially quick for an SUV in this price range, though the engine's supremely smooth delivery somewhat offset this lack of vigor. The LX had an easygoing demeanor on pavement; however, it felt floppy around corners, even with the adaptive suspension in its "Sport" setting.

Inside, seating was plush and comfortable in the first and second rows, but the third-row seats were smaller than the rearmost accommodations in other large luxury SUVs. To make matters worse, the 50/50 sections didn't fold flat when extra cargo space was needed. Cargo capacity in general was also on the low side at 90 cubic feet, though the clamshell-style tailgate provided good access to stowed items.

The Lexus LX 470 received a handful of equipment changes after its 1998 debut. If you're shopping for a used one, the best years to look at are 2003 and up. During the '03 model year, the LX switched from a four-speed automatic transmission to the five-speed, while picking up front-seat side airbags and first- and second-row side curtain airbags. The Night Vision system was added to the options list that year.

The other major update came in 2006 when Lexus equipped the 4.7-liter V8 with variable valve timing, increasing output to 275 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Previously, the V8 generated 235 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque (230 hp from 1998-2002). Revised SAE certification standards saw the V8's peak horsepower drop back to 268 for the '07 model year.

The excellent Mark Levinson sound system also became standard equipment in 2006; it was offered as an option from 2001-'05. Prior to '01, Lexus offered a well-regarded Nakamichi sound system as the premium-grade audio option. If you want a factory-installed navigation system, you'll need to look at 2001 and later models. The nav system was optional in 2001 and standard thereafter. The rear camera system and Bluetooth compatibility became standard fare in 2004.

Past Lexus LX 470 Models

If you're looking at higher-mileage vehicles, you may come across the first-generation LX, known as the LX 450. It was basically the same size and shape as the LX 470, but drew power from a tepid 4.5-liter inline-6 rather than a V8 and was based on the previous-generation Toyota Land Cruiser. High mileage should not necessarily be a deterrent.

User Reviews:

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  No Competitors - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By Lexus - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this LX470 for $30 grand, at the time the mileage was 77k. i thought this was kind of high but when it comes to a Lexus, mileage doesnt matter cause the car can run forever. anyways, the LX470 i bought came with chrome wheels, chrome bumper guard and the tail lights guard, with a gold package. It is awesome, the paint is unbeatable and it is even better than my 98 ES 300. I used to think of SUVs are bumpy but when it comes to the LX470, it is quiet, smooth, it feels as if you are floating on a boat when travel at high speed on highways as well as bumpy roads. i love this suv!

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  Mountain Gem - 2006 Lexus LX 470
  By amr001 - August 8 - 3:56 pm

  Lexus continues to impress with outstanding quality and luxury performance. The Land Cruiser base is solid as ever and delivers rugged reliability topped off with Lexus comfort.

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  lexus lx470 : greatest experience - 2001 Lexus LX 470
  By jochi - July 16 - 10:00 am

  if you love lexus you will love this car

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  2-DIE-4 - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By BuddyJ - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 30 vehicles in my life. Two of the Best have been a LEXUS. My LX470 rides on air and stops on a dime.

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  Good solid vehicle both on & off road - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By Bill Graham - July 4 - 4:39 am

  Towable 4-wheels down - roomy but definately not a boulevard cruiser. Body roll is a problem & the rear seats are not all that comfortable...it is basically a truck ride with a fair amount of road/wind noise at speed.

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  Lexus LandCrusier Beats Cadillac Tahoe - 2001 Lexus LX 470
  By rnrmom03 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Only the Range Rover comes close. The rest (Escalde, Navigator, Denali, X5, ML 430) pale in comparison in the things that really matter - RELIABILITY, resale and OVERALL statisfaction. A true luxury utility vehicle. Nice try Ford and Chevy, thank you for playing.

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  It really is THE best SUV - 2005 Lexus LX 470
  By vdragon - April 7 - 1:26 am

  It is a little expensive. It could use a little more HP. Wish the fuel economy was better. But the ride, the quality and reliability, the safety features, all the electronics, are truly the best. You cant beat it in any of those categories. You have to test-drive this vehicle. Drive all the rest, and then drive the LX. Its truly something special.

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  Simply the Best - 2006 Lexus LX 470
  By carnutinca - April 3 - 1:03 am

  This is my 2nd LX 470 (1999) and my 5th Lexus model. I test drove and researched every competing model before I purchased this vehicle. Previous years owners will love the added horsepower. The quality and workmanship is superior to everything else available. I completely disagree with every complaint in the category - I dont think they understand the market. The one drawback is size. If you are looking for a larger SUV (Tahoe, Sub, etc.) the LX 470 will be too small for you. Also, for towing, I just purchased an 07 Escalade ESV. The LX470 is not large enough for towing but its also way easier to park than larger SUVs.

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  What an SUV! - 2005 Lexus LX 470
  By Lexus411 - March 16 - 10:00 am

  This is an astonishing vehicle. It provides 8 person seating, Leather, Fold up seats, and all. It has features to the max! We had the LX fully loaded to a SUV of $80,000. It had Navigation, DVD, Night Vision, Heated Seats (Front and Back) and just much, much More!

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  Lexus LX 470 - 1999 Lexus LX 470
  By rtemple - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Go anywhere in any weather in style and comfort. Gas: 14-16 mpg is the only shortcoming, but that is to be expected when getting hauled around by this full- time AWD powerful V-8.