2005 Lexus GX 470 Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

A luxurious sport-ute that offers a near perfect blend of on- and off-road capability. You won't miss the LX 470.

Pros

Luxurious cabin furnishings, plush ride quality, fine road manners, smooth drivetrain, exceptional off-road ability should you need it, costs less than highly regarded European competitors.

Cons

Very tight quarters in optional third-row seat, side-hinged cargo door impedes curbside loading.

What's New for 2005

A Sport model joins the lineup that includes the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, smoked bezel headlamps, foglamp trim, black pearl emblems, a chrome license plate garnish and exhaust tip and alloy wheels with a dark graphite finish. Inside, the Sport features black bird's eye maple wood and graphite metallic trim. Other GX option changes this year include an upgraded navigation system with better graphics and additional functions, Bluetooth compatibility and voice commands for the climate control, audio and navigation systems. All models also receive a more powerful V8 engine good for 270 horsepower (up from 235).

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Squeaky Breaks

Written by: SQUEAKY BRAKES on 07/30/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	5	Fun-to-Drive:	3	Build Quality:	7
Comfort:	4	Interior Design:	3	Reliability:	3
Fuel Economy:	1	Exterior Design:	8

Vehicle

2005 Lexus GX 470 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

Bought car brand new. Squeaky brakes when car had 20,000 mi. Initially intermittent, then became consistent. Multiple dealer services not solved. Was told by Service Adivor & Manager common for these cars, in fact was told many new Lexus vehicles squeak and nothing can be done. What a disappointment. We're not talking about Pintos here. No vote of confidence from Lexus trained personnel. Would not recommend Lexus base on above comments from a service manager and adviser. Buyers beware. Can you imagine spending premium dollars and was told they naturally squeak? Car is still new!

Favorite Features

Handsome exterior.

Suggested Improvements

Cramped interior. Gas Guzzler. So-so performance.

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My 3rd Lex

Written by: maliksul on 12/02/2008


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	9

This is my 3rd Lex still own the the 2nd one which is a 2000 RX300, this is one big bad ride the v8 is nice and smooth and has a great growl, the Mark Levinson sound system (14 speakers) is outstanding, great suv overall.

the sound system

control interface could be a little more user friendly

Mine is a Lemon!

Written by: Mike Park on 04/22/2008


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	5	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	6	Reliability:	2
Fuel Economy:	5	Exterior Design:	6

My GX 470 has had and continues to have problems with the navigation, radio, rear camera, console. It is currently at the dealer's 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.

Great Value for a Luxury SUV

Written by: kellerman on 01/21/2008


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	9

I live in the mountains and work in real estate. My driving habits are much more demanding than the typical buyer. I use the vehicle regularly in wintry conditions and also off road. In both capacities, the vehicle is extremely capable and gives the driver lots of confidence. The SUV is very luxurious and has much better build quality than its American competitors. Nav, Bluetooth, rear-view camera, and DVD all work well. I get around 16 MPG, but that is better than other heavy SUVs that get around 12-13 MPG in this area.

Downhill assist control is amazing on icy roads! I have used it down an 18% grade with two inches of ice. The GX never broke away and held the car back on its own. The variable ride height gives an extra 1.5" of clearance in the rear. The GX will not get stuck in any conditions or terrain! 6000+LBS

12-way power passenger seat. Better place to store rear headphones. 2nd row could fold more flat. Better design on gas tank (pump shuts off too early sometimes). Rear-view camera gets dirty easily.

GX Spot

Written by: Berle on 11/08/2007


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	8

This is our 3rd Lexus trading up from the RX model. The main reason we bought the GX is its size while driving around Florida. We are totally thrilled with the performance of this vehicle. The interior is well appointed and is the best ride we have had in years owning a vehicle. Driving is a joy on a calm day. If it is windy you are going to struggle with the wheel when sudden gust prevail. Passenger seating is very good in the back except for the cargo area fold down seating. Just try to get back there. Leg room zero and tolerable for young kids. Cargo area and rear door needs work. With cargo seats stored you are limited with space for any large items unless you remove the seats.

Lexus has made a great effort within interior appointments and it is appreciated. If I had one thing to say it is the seats... they are just comfortable with the added feature to adjust the actual suspension. I appreciate the ease of folding down the rear passenger seats

Rear door is way too big, rear cargo seats need a place to put your legs and hide when you don't use them. Passenger seating should be 6-way, outside mirrors: auto fold-in,turn- signal view. Storage capability in rear for guy stuff like bungy cords, jumper cables, tools etc.

2005 Lexus GX 470 Consumer Ratings & Reviews