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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  None better - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Greg Gebhardt - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd LX470. One of the nicest vehicals I have ever driven. With decent tires you cant ever get stuck. Best 4 wheeel drive in its class. Quiet and comfortable. The Lx470 will do large number of miles in a day with no stress to the driver.

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  Satisfied driver - 2005 Lexus LX 470
  By pierre - February 14 - 12:13 pm

  Highway driving is not fun, all this truck needs is gasoline and you forget about rain or snow. It drives like a train on tracks. If getting there is your main concern, this will get you there. For city drivers, well this is not the easiest to park and not the cheapest to feed. In off road, well who the hell will drive a vehicle with this price tag off-road. It will amaze you to find that this is much more than you ever believed your vehicle could do.

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  Need to be improved - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By emp - December 14 - 10:00 am

  This is nice car to drive but over priced car. Many functions will not be used during the life of this car which are waiting money to me. It will be nice if Lexus can reduce the price.

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  Top Dog - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By DrMike - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had many SUVs over the past 10 years, but never one that was "all-in- one." This LUV (luxury utility vehicle) is the BEST of everything that I have ever wanted and enjoyed. This LUV makes me "want" to drive, even on the busiest roadways. The quality speaks volumes for the name Lexus. This is The Vehicle that you can be comfortable taking ANYWHERE, the Country Club or camping or just kicking back for a cruise on the road.

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  Excellent - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By Tom - October 28 - 1:40 pm

  Outstanding vehicle. If you can afford it and want an SUV, look no further. My LX 470 has 80,000 miles on it and it rides as nice as it did when I bought it. Reliability, comfort and quality are super, not one rattle or vibration after the 6 years I have owned the vehicle. Probably built too well as there is no reason to get rid of it even after 6 years. I plan on keeping it for a long time and putting many more miles on it. Performs flawlessly in the snow as I can go anywhere. Had to get to navigate on a steep, closed road one snowy day. No problem at all in this vehicle. Just a great vehicle.

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  If money is not an issue, buy it!!! - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By artist - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Nice SUV with excellent handling both on road and off road. Have to be careful on sharp turns at steep inclines off road. On road, you feel safe in the vehicle. Music system needs improvement. Excellent tires and show very little sign of wear and tear, despite 69000 miles on them.

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  Excellent SUV - 2005 Lexus LX 470
  By Sue - July 3 - 12:46 am

  I have never been so happy with a vehicle purchase. With all of the features that come with this SUV you wonder if there is anything you would need to add. Lexus did not overlook anything when they built this truck. The suspension even lowers itself so that I can load items into the back of the truck. The only issue I do have is that the front of the vehicle is deceiving and takes some time to get used to. And the tailgate or hatch in the back does not have an opening feature from the remote.

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  Wonderful! - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Caroline Holmes - June 26 - 7:30 pm

  thank you for sharing that!

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  Wow - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By william45 - June 18 - 5:40 pm

  After owning a Tahoe, Expedition and Denali I finally bought a 2000 Lexus LX470 with 90,000 miles. It was the only one I could find in my price range. I have only had it a month but it is easily the nicest vehicle I have ever owned. It has more buttons than a NASA spacecraft, but I think I finally have most of them figured out. It is not as quick as my Denali was, but as far as build quality, ride, comfort, and looks, its hard to beat. Im hoping that it can go another 90,000 if I take care of it.

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  Best riding SUV period - 2001 Lexus LX 470
  By Jabo - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I looked at 2004 Navigators and Escalades. I already own a 2003 Explorer. None of them compare to the refined ride of this vehicle. The off the line torque seems to be every bit as good as the Navigator and not that far from the Escalade. Most of the torque seems to be readily available at the lower end of the tach. The ride is incomparable. The handling is exceptional for a vehicle of this size/weight. The interior is as luxury as it gets with soft leather and burlwood accents. The navigation system is in a class of its own. Extremely intuitive to operate and accurate, with a huge screen. The third row seats are useful for small people only.