Used 2004 Lexus GX 470 SUV Consumer Reviews
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Solid Build, excellence throughout
I bought this in 2012, 8 years old, 98,000 miles and it looked brand new. I was replacing an old Land Cruiser - wife wanted something nicer inside and newer, an found out this is an off-shoot of the Land Cruiser. Dealer wisely let me take it home and there was no going back. Five years later, 185,000 miles and it rides like new, quiet and smooth. Replaced all brakes and rotors, which was fairly expensive, replaced the radiator (which I expected after reading up on it), and that's about it. By far the nicest car I've ever owned, and for years I bought all new cars (because of a family discount). We've used it for family trips in the winter in Michigan because it handles the weather so much. I could go on. Everything on it seems to be made with excellence. Every little feature still worked when I got it. Highly recommended. Keep in mind, it does only get about 15-18 mpg (still get about that), but consider that it is FULL TIME 4WD (not all-wheel), and it is a heavy vehicle. Also, if you have a lot of kids, when they get bigger, the third row is cramped. If you have eight people in the vehicle, there is very little storage, so you'll need a top box for trips, especially in the winter (in West Michigan, anyway). Update 2/1/2019. Still fantastic. Got new rims because the other ones were starting to peel/rust. I really like them - just some nice aftermarkets. Also, just replaced one headlight. I've had a few of the other lights burn out and I've replaced them with LEDs where I can. I don't wash it much, but the paint they used in the factory really looks nice when it cleans up - noticeably nicer than much newer black cars of other brands.
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Good While It Lasted
I bought our 2004 GX470 in 2012. We owned it for 2 years and 7 months. It was a good vehicle for us and the engine/transmission are rock solid. Personally, looking back, I would buy one with LESS features. The dynamic suspension is expensive to replace, for example. I also had to replace the sensors for the rear air leveling as they both failed on separate occasions which was VERY problematic on a 500 mile road-trip. Also, others that note there's a "transmission CLUNK" should realize that it's a slip yoke on the driveshaft that requires greasing. A 30 second fix.
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $9,495101 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,000103 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $10,395245 mi away
Best SUV
Absolute perfection in a vehicle as far as reliability and build quality. Rides a bit stiff, but with solid rear axle and frame construction it's to be expected. Nothing missing in Lexus' plan for a vehicle.
Can't Beat a Lexus
I am a car nut and really critical of everything I drive and I have had most every car on the market. I bought this GX with 94K, it now has 125K. I cannot believe this vehicle was any smoother or ran any better when new. Awesome vehicle! Not one problem of any kind.
Most trouble free I have ever had
In almost 100,000 miles on and off road driving this is the most trouble free car I have ever had. Brakes lasted 80k miles 100 percent joy to go off road and great in the city.
My Lexy
Love my 2004 GX470. I have never had any major issues, just normal maintenance. I would highly recommend this SUV - not too big, not too small, not great gas mileage, but not bad, just an all around great car. Very comfortable and a great ride. Despite all the issues with Toyota, I would buy this car again...especially if they change the rear door!
The SUV that all aspire to be
I purchased this new in May 2004. I have never been more happy with a vehicle purchase. Everyone loves this vehicle from the exterior look to the interior feel this is as close to perfect as they come. This has great power for the highway and is amazing in any weather or terrain. I have taken this where no other could go. Deep snow is no match. Off road is so easy. I use this to haul and deliver equipment to my clients and I could not be more happy with this vehicle. The Mark Levison sound is great! The navigation gets me where I want to go. Everyone feels safe when I drive them in this vehicle. Fill it with gas, do standard maintenance and it goes and goes.
My Lexus
I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my truck. I bought it used. I was skeptical at first because it had a lot of miles on it, but this truck rides like a 2011, its smooth, comforable and reliable. The interior is beautiful and I always get compliments on it. People actually think my truck is a 2009. I have not had ANY problems out of it. I was actually thinking about getting the BMW X5, but boy im glad I didnt. I could go on and on about my Lexy, but if you have one you know the feeling.
Loved my RX, but love my GX wayyy more!
Ride is excellent, as well as the incredible sound system! The leather trim and wood are highest quality. Instrument panel is easily readible, and handling is amazing for a larger, yet still sleak SUV. Parking is easy, and I love the rear backup camera! Love my GX 470.
Nicest vehicle I've ever driven!!!!
I bought this car because we recently had an addition to the family and my 2005 Mustang GT just wasn't going to be suitable for all the appurtenances that go with a newborn. Anyway, I have never driven such a luxurious vehicle. It's quiet, powerful for an SUV, has a great sound system and the navigation is easy to use. Not to mention that it is a Lexus and is No. 1 in manufacturer reliability. Also, the materials are top quality.
Love it
The only problem we had is a bad cable in the sun roof - replaced for almost nothing after the warranty period was up. Bought this vehicle new and now has 125,000 miles. Serviced the vehicle at required intervals at Newport Lexus which has excellent service. No repairs made to this vehicle other than brakes. We also own a 2001 GS 430 which now has 220,000 miles - has never leaked oil and the only repairs have been a radiator replacement and engine mounts - both replaced at 200k miles. I drive the GS and push it real hard, but it does not care.
GX 470
Was previous owner of BMW X5. This car is better in these areas: Sound system, climate control, NAV, smoothness of ride, handling in snow, general comfort, roominess, quietness of ride, no rattles, rear camera, reliability. I liked the X5 better in: handling, braking, PDC, gas mileage, sportiness, looks, nibleness/quickness off the line. Both are good cars, but I'll take the Lexus for value and all-around usability. It tows better too because the size is better suited for it.
LOVE this SUV
Comfortable ride, great handling, quiet, reliable, low maintenance. Went from a Toyota Land Cruiser (had 230,000+ miles on it at 12 years of age when our daughter totaled it) to the GX. It is just as solid and dependable as the LC, only the ride and amenities are MUCH nicer. Our vehicle is now 16years old and has 253K miles on it and going strong. it still looks great and we still receive compliments on its appearance. When we inform people of its age, they are surprised. Being so old, it does not have all the accessories to accommodate today's electronic devices. However, my hubby added an aftermarket bluetooth audio system to connect to my iphone; and we added a remote starter. She’s been incredibly reliable, comfortable, and has hauled a lot over the years. Can’t afford to replace her at the price they are now so my hope is that we’ll get at least another 50K miles out of her.
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Sweet SUV
It is the sweetest suv I've owned. Drives like a dream - smooth and rattle free after 4 years. Had to replace the motor in the sunroof after I complained it didn't work right for 3 years. Because it is so high, a little "tippy" in high winds and sharp turns they could hack off a couple of inches and not miss it. Great sound system and like the navigation system. Took out the useless 3rd row seats, and never reinstalled. Bought in early 2004 before rear camera was out, could use it for visibilty. Overall, great and reliable. I love it!
GX 470
The 2004 GX 470 is a great vehicle. The handling is great. It is extremely comfortable and you can adjust the ride to make the suspension stiff or much softer for that touring feel. Our GX 470 gets an average of 18+ MPG. It is currently 4 years old and I change the oil every 5000 miles. There has been exactly 0.00 dollars in repair cost. Thats right ZERO. This vehicle is worth every penny I paid for it. It is a Lexus so you have to pay a premium for high quality.
COMFORT COMFORT COMFORT
I bought my car fully loaded 4 years ago and I still love it. I have never had problems and it drives like a dream. The ride is very smooth and comfortable. I have owned several different cars/suvs in the past and this is the best car by far. I have since bought another Lexus LS 430 ultra luxury model.
Love this Lexus!
I bought this SUV used and have had it for 6 days. So far, I love it! The ride is unlike any other car I've ever been in - incredibly smooth and quiet. But, more powerful than I had expected for such a large, heavy vehicle with rather low horsepower (235). I love the back up camera and the Nav is very easy to use although it usually takes me through less preferred routes.
Couldnt ask for more, true Lexus quality
This is an all-around fantastic car! It's amazingly smooth, even over large bumps, pot holes and medians. The navigation is very user-friendly, I learned it in less than a day. We bought ours with 50,000 miles on it. I would never blink at purchasing a high-milage Lexus (not that 50K is high), they run forever. We haven't had any problems with ours, except for replacing the drive shaft (a problem they are aware of with these cars which is covered by the manufacturer, totally no cost to us).
Solid SUV with a luxury car feel.
At 32,000 miles the car drives like the day we bought it. Great value for the price which included third row seats, rear spoiler, side rails, sunroof. Overall a better ride and value than our previous BMW X5.
All good but mileage
Very comfortable car to drive. Really enjoy sitting up higher than other SUV's. Only complaint is the mileage - 17 on a good tank.
Best Big SUV Ever
I still own my 2004 GX470 and it is going strong! Almost 147,000 miles and rides like new. No major repairs! Love it!
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Solid SUV
Bought my '04 with 43K miles as certified with 3yr/100K warranty. Now 2 yrs later have 78K and it still drives better then many new cars and SUVs. Very solid vehicle and very useful for cargo hauling (I own a small business with frequent airport trips with as many as 20 cases inside with rear seats removed and middle seats folded!). 3rd seats don't have enough leg room, but otherwise are Ok for short trips. Comfy seats with very tastefully done interior, large sunroof, very macho-looking from outside. Overall trouble-free 2 yrs with some minor wear-tear issues, like tires, brakes and some bulbs...great for snow and bad weather - feels very secure on the road with commanding view!
Great Vechicle few concerns.
Purchased car in Jan 2008 with 31k miles. Now, Feb 2010 it has 65k mile. It has many luxury and comfort items which I enjoy. Luv the size, not to big and not to small for an SUV, and luv having an 8 cylinder which gets better gas mileage than the 6 cylinder I used to own. The Bad: Just a couple of issues. Have brought to the shop to fix the sunroof 2 times, it doesn't close all the way and creates air flow noises and leaking. 3 lights came on dash which was intimidating and only had to replace the gas cap. Lately, transmission hesitates when I back up in the mornings and put it into drive. Dealer said it is typical and nothing is wrong, I Hope he is right!!!!
this vehicle is a must have!
my husband just bought me this 3 days after christmas. we traded in a lx 470. this suv is out standing. it has a dvd player for the kids and a navigation system. even though it is a few inches smaller than the lx 470, you would never know it. i also love the way the back door opens. it is much easier to load groceries and packages.
Time to Turn in the Lease
A great SUV. Will turn it in and get another one.
A Great Car!!!
I LOVE THIS CAR!! I traded my Lincoln Navigator which was profoundly unreliable, for the GX470 and I couldnt be happier! I wasn't sure that there could be a smoother ride than the Lincoln but I was mistaken. This car is fun and fast and has all of the options one could want in a car. This was a quality purchase and I am completely impressed with the Lexus product!!
GX 470 is King.
Have over 35K on truck now. Never a problem. Drives and tows like a dream. Would highly recommend over any other 4 x 4 on the market. It rides and drives like a car but has all the power of a truck. Tows my 6000 lb boat like it isn't there. What a perfect truck.
GX470 is just ok..........
Nice vehicle but the steering vibration needs to have a fix and they still don't seem to have a handle on that problem. The back door that swings open is great! Nice concept there. This truck needs a center console that is higher up. I mean there is no where to put something on to write a phone no. on or write out a check. I really miss that. It's just too small and short. Overall I like the GX but buy another,probably not. Seriously considering trading for a Yukon Denali or something just a tad bit bigger. Had a Seqouia Limited that was paid for and had more room. What was I thinking. Should have kept it!
Would buy another one in a heartbeat
Wonderful car. 40,000 miles, never needed service except for oil changes and regular maintenance. Rides extremely comfortable like you are floating on air but still handles extremely well off-road. Considered a Lexus LX470, RX350, Infiniti FX45, BMW X5, Land Rover LR3 and VW Toureg.
Great but beware of fancy suspension and bad mpg
This is a great car with no problems aside from both sides front suspension sensors and back sensors going bad. There is no cheap way to fix these problems either. When the back goes out it will feel like you are riding on a 4 wheeler. I had 3 Toyota sequoias before and would most definitely have chosen another if I had known about this suspension problem. Best vehicle ever was 2007 Toyota Sequoia. This Lexus just has too many fancy additions that make for costly repairs. It’s a Toyota and it’s long lasting, built well, and tough but my advice skip the fancy Lexus and stick to basic Toyota. Also, this car is smaller than Sequoia and gas mileage is no better which is another down side at 15-18 mpg.
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GX IS NOT smaller version of LX
consistent issue with transmission slippage which dealer has been unable to eliminate. dealer refuses to acknowledge issue. tailgate is hideous. ride is like that of a tractor. LOVED my LX. no similar feelings for the GX.
first year bloopers
I have had alot of technical problems. Also, the first year out, it has mechanical problems (drivetrain).
Drive it and You'll Love it.
A quality vehicle that leaves little to ask for even in the base model. It can be expected to hold value. With a smooth ride and comfortable interior this "heavy" SUV gets good MPG for it's weight,shape and V-8 engine. Handling is good. Entry/exit using running boards can be cumbersome. Fit/finish, both in and out, is typical high quality Lexus. Stock highway tires? Switch to Michelin X- Country tires which, in my opinion, should come standard on this type of vehicle. Flush folding rear seats would be a welcome design change. Like the rear door, a "door/gate" that would permit rear door to convert into a tailgate would be welcome. Overall..Great SUV
Great Car
Overall I love the Lexus GX 470. It is comfortable and has an excellent ride. I like the styling and the mid- size. The size makes it a very manageable vehicle.
Love my Lexus
The good use of interior space makes this car as big as my old Expedition was. It handles very nicely. None of the rattles and truck like ride I had with other SUV's is present in this car. It is missing power rear windows, and sometimes on left turns there is a bit of a blind spot. Overall, I'd have to say I love the car - and I get 16 miles per gallon, which is not too bad for an SUV.
Need more for GX470
So far, I like the truck. I drive it around the corner just like the way I drive my car (40+ miles) so KDSS must be working hard at the corners to maintain the balance of this heavy truck. Both the DVD and Navigation can pay DVD movies to entertain all passageser when truck is not moving. The 5:1 sound channels worked wonderfully, the sound quality of wireless headphones are crystal clear. I think it works even better than my home theater sound system. It even offers a cassette player which I can use to play those tapes I have stored in my closet for nearly 20 years!! For mechanical and electrical components quality only time will tell but I would trust Lexus to offer superior build quality
rear door not user friendly
rear door swings open into traffic. Window does not open/close. No way to leave door open for an extra long load. must have at least 4' behind vehicle to open door.
Not bad for 52K
I had my GX for almost 2 years. If you are looking for the car with excellent reliability, this is the one. Also the fit and finish inside is great. The only problem I'm still having is a sun roof, that makes a rattling sound when passing an uneven pavement. It's not a horrible noise but you would expect not to have anything like that for this sticker price. They were not able to fix it so far. In general, this is a good headache free SUV. Go LEXUS.
Loving it in LA
Just bought this car after test driving several luxury SUVs. We have an ML500 that my wife "used" to love to drive. I bought this vehicle for me but have only driven it once in more than one week. My wife just would not let go. This car comes fully loaded at less price than a comparable ML500.
Love my Car
My lexus has been the best car for me. I owned a 2004 for 2 years and just upgraded to a 2006. It rides smooth as glass (much better than my GM SUV). The car is all about making the driver comfortable. The Navigation system is easy to operate and a huge help. I have NEVER had to take my car in except for routine maintentance. I LOVE MY CAR!!
GX470 much more than RX300
The RX300 was a great car, but the GX470 is a great SUV. We love the smooth ride and handling. Not much bigger than the RX300, the GX offers many many more features. Navigation is impressive and DVD is great for kids. Rear door a little awkward to open. The rear climate control is only functional from the back seat. It's a bit of a gas guzzler - but still worth every penny!!!!!!!!
Lexus GX 470 THE BEST OF THE BEST !!!
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!
Outstanding Surprise
After three successive SUVs, I was planning to lease a Lexus LS430 luxury sedan. Instead, I wound up with their "mid-size" GX470 luxury SUV, and WOW, what a treat. It is so much more than the other SUVs in terms of comfort, features, luxury amenities, etc. that I am absolutely delighted. I am a big man, but my wife is small, and this vehicle is just the right size for both of us. The ride is superb, the handling terrific and the sound system second to none. This is the nicest SUV I have ever been in, period! The only negative is the poor gas mileage, but it is still superior to the Escalade and other large types.
Mixed feelings
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.
Not a Lexus customer
The car is an attempt to align the practical & fun nature of an off road with a luxury vehicle. The 2 don't mix well. Pleasant exterior lines. Engaging the 4 wheel drive is awkward and inefficient; only added cost to an already over priced product.
Love It
I love my GX470. I did not buy it for its safety ratings. I bought it because I wanted all the bells and whistles. The GX470 has turned out better than I could ever expect. I couldn't think of any other car that I had had what I enjoyed more. It is extremely comfortable on long road trip. I was in a serious car accident in my GX and I survived while those other cars involved did not. I took most of the energy in that accident. I am convinced that the GX saved me. So I originally bought it for the bells and whistles and it ended up saving my life. I will forever drive a large Lexus SUV. For had I been in anything else, who knows where I would be.
Over rated SUV
I was very disappointed in the comfort and noise reduction that Lexus stands for. i took it for a test drive. I driven both a Kenetic and non KDSS vehicle. There were no difference just a $4k price increase. The salesman says only notice if it's on an offroad terrain. Don't get me wrong it's a great vehicle but for the price you are paying you expect a little bit more quality. I own a '97 4x4 limited 4runner (havent had any trouble yet). I hardly know the difference in ride. You can still feel the bumps on the road and hear the wind noise on the windows. I guess Lexus did a great job covering that up with the nav and entertainment system!
Lexus GX470
We were coming out of a 2000 BMW 528i, which our family outgrew, so it is quite a change switching to a SUV. Overall it is a solid, comfortable vehicle with a pretty good ride, especially considering it's 4-runner roots. Easy to manuever and excellent off-line torque. The interior is a very high quality and finish. It meets our space requirements with all the amenties and while not a 5-series ride or handling, it is comfortable.
Expected Better
As an owner of 4 previous Lexus'and my first SUV Lexus I am quite suprrised what a quiet ride this SUV has. I purchased this vehicle with every available option. I enjoy driving it but I am disappointed with the braking system. I ocasionally tow Jet skis with this vehicle and I am disappointed with the performance while towing the skis and braking is very disappointing with towing the skis. Brakes fade terribly when traveling highway speed and having to stop more quickly than the norm.
Rider seat not as comfortable as driver
The rider seat does not have the adjustments that the driver seat has and leg room is too short.