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:

• 

  None Like it! - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By speculator - July 4 - 10:00 am

  We test drove just about all available large size SUVs and never found one that can compete with the ride, looks, and quality.

• 

  suspension system - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By lexus lx 470 - June 21 - 3:36 am

  Purchased new in April of 2000 .I drive this Lexus very little, has been garaged all its life. Now has 79,900 miles. At 66,780 suspension went out,,cost to repair $2600 + in 2005. Now after 13123 miles suspension went out again (Feb 2010).Service department says this is going to happen about every five (5) years no matter how few miles it has been driven (13123). Cost to repair now $3350+. It looks brand new inside and out but now rides like a gravel truck, this will be my last Lexus

• 

  My 2003 Lexus LX 470 - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By j smith - June 5 - 11:00 pm

  I am on the road a lot and carry 400-500 lbs. in the back. I have just turned 200,000 miles and my only expense beside maintenance was a wheel bearing. I could never say this about any other car I have driven.

• 

  Beats a Range Rover - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By Hunter - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I owned a Land Rover, Range Rover for four years prior to buying the Lexus. Had all the bells and whistles. My 470LX is so much more of a car. Accelleration is much better, gas a little better, Lets face it, hardly anyone takes either car "off road". Absolutely no comparisons when it comes to comfort, luxury and ride. Ride comparison: 9 vs. 4+ (RR) Going on 40,000 miles on original set of tires, RR was luckly to get 20-25,000.

• 

  Great ride - 1999 Lexus LX 470
  By lexus guy - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Upgraded from a minivan and love the vehicle. Lexus is it as far as build quality and ride. A few minor problems but overall a really fabulous vehicle. Mine has nearly 80,000 miles and rides better than any other new SUV you can name.

• 

  Lexus LX470 - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By mariediana - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I have only one negative comment - and that is the way the rear gate opens. It opens like a door instad of like a gate. When putting groceries in the back, I like to have the gate serve as a cover for me in the rain while I load groceries. Im not a fan of the way this back gate is designed.

• 

  Super Lexus - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By Arab - May 10 - 2:00 am

  this is the best 4x4 ever.

• 

  Lexus 470 2005 - 2005 Lexus LX 470
  By brddog-pheasant - April 23 - 1:26 am

  This is my 8th SUV over $50,000 and my 1st Lexus. It is so much nicer than any of other vehicle I have driven in this class. I actually look forward to being in this vehicle.

• 

  Hard to describe - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By ktiger - March 17 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased this beauty (gold) from a dealer in Houston, TX. After driving the LX470, the Escalade (what a joke for $58,000), the Navigator, & the Sequoia we decided to drive to Houston (best prices/live in Louisiana)to purchase the certified LX470 (only 36,000 miles). This SUV is everything we hoped it would be. We traded in our 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee which we drove to Houston and that made the experience driving home a dream. None of the other vehicles could match the LX470 smooth ride and comfortable seating. I cant believe we waited so long to purchase one.

• 

  X Land Cruiser Owner - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By stevet - February 13 - 2:00 am

  As an avid Land Cruiser fan (7 yrs/2 vehicles) it was difficult to put out another $10K “for the same vehicle” but after a test drive and closer evaluation of the added features it was a no brainer (these are listed below in my perceived order of value). After 2 months I’m more convinced I made the right decision. The ability to lower the vehicle has eliminated my wife “hopping” in and out and has proved to be quite useful in parking. Not only is there practically non existent road noise there is also the absence of traffic “fumes” thanks to the air quality sensor tied to external/internal air flow control. I strongly recommend this vehicle to anyone.