Used 2005 Lexus GX 470 Consumer Reviews
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"Love my Ellie Car"
I special ordered the 2005 GX470 Sport over 10 years ago. I love this car! I now have 150,000 miles on it and have never had a single problem. I am very hesitant to trade her in but when I do I will buy the same newer version. Great job LEXUS.
GX Spot
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.
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $14,299377 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $15,000415 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,489548 mi away
Great Value for a Luxury SUV
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.
Best Suv Ever
I have never owned this smooth vehicle in my life. Usually trucks which have superb offload capabilities don't have such luxurious ride on paved roads. This is the quietest vehicle I have ever owned both on gravel and on paved roads. The Only draw back is the MPG. If gas consumption is not a problem, it is the best SUV to own with no unexpected maintenance.
- Performance
Used GX after 11 years of travels
Have owned over 50 cars in my 22 years of driving :) picked up car with 145k miles for $12k with luxury packg , great value for the money . Drove Porsche suv and Mercedes suv in same price range they will fall apart with that mileage asap . On high mileage cars expect $2000 a year in maintenance. Car is extremely comfortable has the best sound system in class for the money , not a single rattle in the cabin after 11 years . Will burn 13mpg in town and 17-19mpg hwy. Will cross any ice snow mud river and hill you can throw on it . Does 8.8s to 60mph . People have them with 300k miles on first transmissions :) it's land cruiser prado - in Asia and Australia used also by fire/medical departments .dont be afraid of high mileage just check carfax service history , the looks will grow on you . Recommended for adventures and families, it goes anywhere beside heavy rock crawling trails. Feels like a tank drives like a sedan and parks very easy . Get only the ones fully loaded .Dont buy without mark levinsons audio or backup camera .it axes me that people still give it compliments and think it's triple the money paid :)
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- Comfort
- Reliability
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Has been a workhorse!
It's now 11 (12) years and we're just now thinking of getting another car. We took out the third row seats, and removed the 1/3 section of the second row. This is perfect for getting the dog in and out, and when traveling long distances, one person can completely lay out from back door to back of the front seat (though it may not be the safest thing to suggest). We have never regretted taking out those seats, as it about doubles the space in the back. We removed the third row from my LX too, though kept my second row intact. The GX has just come through it's second sunroof leak, only this one is really bad, because it sat for weeks before we were around to notice. Don't know if it's related or not, but the shocks spent so much power trying to equalize, due to a malfunction, that they drained the battery. Now that the car is dried out, we see it's still broken, a $4,000 fix, and the whole interior mildewed from the leak. The roof problem wasn't fun the first time, when the water filled the glovebox, but when it's the whole car, it's debatable if we keep or move on. Apart from these problems, I would have nothing negative to say, and are so pleased to have towed so many trailers, hauled heavy stuff, dog and people year after safe year. (UPDATE) After it was 'fixed' from second major sunroof leak, drove the car from one house to the other, did fine for the 700 mile drive, just like usual. After it sat in garage a week, took it out to go somewhere. The mildew was coming back and I couldn't stop coughing. We put the car back in garage, and then gave it to a non-profit trail conservation group, whose pickup truck had just died. We feel it should do well for them for many years, maybe another decade, as a substitute for the purpose they need, despite the mildew. My husband decided to get the 2017 Honda Ridgeline and see if that can be a good substitute. When it comes my time to get a new car, though I'm not sure when, as my 2005 LX 470 is a workhorse on its own and doing well, too, I'll probably stick with the Lexus, maybe the LX570.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
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- Value
What an SUV should be
An older design that has held up very well. Light on certain features vs newer competition but so well executed it doesn't matter. I've owned too many SUVs and was let down by their quality and resale value. Finally, I looked for the best 50K-60K SUV out there and worked backwards from the resale figures. What I found was a capable and incredibly reliable SUV. Stout mechanicals covered with Lexus jewelry. I have no complaints and my wish list isn't really valid... what I wish for generally wasn't allowed for in the design years ago. One thing amazes me though, the HP & torque figures are pretty lame considering the weight (235/320 & 4900+), Toyota somehow makes it feel much stronger.
Nothing else ever again!
I love my new (to me!) Lexus. We traded in a 08 Town & country for a 05 LX470 with twice the miles and were happy about it! This car is wonderful. It is spacious and fun to drive. My only complaint is that the trunk area is small with the third row seat down, I can't even get my stroller in. But, we will make do. It is the best car I have ever had, even better than my husband's 08 BMW!
Great SUV; soccer mom car
Having owned Lexus before I knew this would be a very reliable car. Gas & go. Maintain per mfg recommendations and it will last forever. What it is for: In town errands; carrying clean cargo like groceries and such; long road trips; ski trips; car pools. What it's not for: Work truck; off roading; hauling heavy trailers; hauling construction supplies or plant material. It's a soccer mom car. Reliable, elegant, comfy. Zero excitement but what SUV is?
Two Children or less
It is a wonderful vehicle to own. The only negative comment that I have is that it is not very roomy in the back seat. We have three children and two of them are in carseats. They do not have any extra room. The third back seat does not have any leg room at all.
Best of the Best
This is a great truck. Love the ride, handling, comfort and looks. I'm 6'2", so I had no problems to fit inside, unlike 4runner or VW Touareg. Highly recommend this vehicle. Much better than Mercedes and BMW. NAV system in not as good as other competitors and voice activated commands doesn't work as it suppose to. Because of the cabin noise from AC or heater it doesn't recognize commands. Overall I'm happy with the purchase. There are, of course, a lot of things for improvement, majority of which I listed in the Improvements section. I also would like to see front connectors on the radio to be able to hook up the iPOD/MP3 player.
The best
This is my fourth Lexus and my third SUV. Had the the large SUV, in fact two of them and both are great
My 3rd Lex
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.
I wish I had one of these years ago !!!
Great--just great. Like me, I think its perfect and like me there is room for improvement. Third seat should fold into floor to allow better rear vision and add more storage room. While it's built on a truck frame, it rides ever so smoothly. Passenger side seat should have 6-way power and larger sun visor. Interior is luxurious--navigation system is great help (once you learn how to use it). Optional sound system is Carnegie Hall quality.
Mine is a Lemon!
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.
Money is better spent elsewhere
I had been a Lexus-for-life customer until this purchase. There is a vibration in the vehicle that resonates in the passenger seat that I am told after three trips back to the dealership is coming from the transfer case and is characteristic of all GX 470s (we also own a 2004 Tahoe that has a better interior ride). I have owned two LX 470s prior to going to the GX and regret every penny spent. When I contacted Lexus corp they were simply complacent about my dissatisfaction, they thanked me for the call and, in essence, recommended that I shop at a different Lexus dealer next time. Recommendation: buy a different make, for the money there are a lot to choose from.
Squeaky Breaks
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!
Mama's Car
My dad and my mom bought this car after my mom had been looking for MONTHS! When i first saw he car i thought it looked decent. We happened to be at an away game for my school, and I could not wait to get to ride home in the car, But then the second i got in the car I was SO disappointed! I could hardly fit in the back seat! There is absolutely no room! also, another problem that we had was the navigation screen. I mean my family was so confused cause, you run the climate from that screen, the radio, the DVD player, and everything else that would have been a lot easier just to make buttons for. My family has not liked this car at all! I mean 16 mpg highway, I mean come on. Just don't get this car!
for the love of lexus
This car is amazing. It has every feature you could dream of!! The smoothness of the ride makes make it feel more like a plane gliding along the road.
A Dream To Drive
Proud owner of my first SUV. This is a dream car to drive. Perfect size and easy to handle. Lots of power. Short on gas mileage.
Great Vehicle
Very comfortable and luxurious. Gas mileage is good. Engine has great pickup. 4WD handles well.
I am in LOVE
I was not a lover of cars. I usually consider myself a bus driver because I am usually driving a carload of children to where they need to be. I like to drive to get where I am going and that is it. I have also driven all types and makes of cars. (My first car was an escort.) I never thought I would ever be committed to one kind of car or maker. I love the Lexus GX 470! This SUV is a great car with the most comfortable ride you will ever experience. I have never had any maintenance issues. In fact, the dealership has gone the extra mile for me and my famlies safety. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for an SUV. You will be hooked like me!
First foreign vehicle and am Wowwed!
Own a very late 2004, but basically the same. Except for some of the plasticware being a little low grade for the Lexus name, the vehicle is outstanding! Never owned a foreign vehicle before, but I am SOLD on Lexus! Drove on icy roads with NO trouble! Nav sys was a bit outdated, but works great! Got DVD in headrests w/game plug ins and that is worth the money on long trips! Wife would like more storage space. 3rd seat can really only hold kids as adults would have knees up to chest. Seats and controls are very comfortable and engine has quite the get up and go! City driving gets 18+ mpg and highway (fully loaded w/cargo top) got about 20. Not great, but OK. Parkplace Lexus is super, too!
2005 GX470 with Sport Package
This SUV is well worth the money. The interior styling, handling, and performance is flawless. I have the sport package with KDSS which may contribute to the excellent handling, and will say this thing definetly corners just as well as any car-based SUV in the market. Haven't had a chance to offroad, but I have no doubts on its capabilities. It maintains excellent control in the snow & mud. Other vehicles I considered were the Acura MDX, BMW X5, and the Land Rover LR3. I am 100% satisfied with my choice.
Perfect SUV
Excellent vehicle. Performance is great. Fuel economy is a factor, but it's V8 4,7 so it's not that bad. Interior is luxurious, ride is fun.
Awesome
The GX 470 is a great balance of luxury and performance. I feel like I am still in a truck capable of going off-roading in difficult conditions yet still feel like I am in a smooth riding high end sedan. Great vehicle overall!
04 GX470
Over all this has been a good vehicle to date. There have been a few problems with the drive shaft slip-yoke. There is also a persistant coolant smell which Lexus claims is normal. Next year I may trade the GX for an '07 Escallade.
We love our 2005 Lexus GX 470
We've owned the Lexus GX 470 for a month now and find the vehicle to be an excellent SUV which drives smoothly like our Lexus sedan. There is ample interior space to confortably accomadate 5 adults, the 3rd row seat is only useful for small children. We took out the 3rd row seats so we could have more trunk space. Standard equipment includes unique features such as moisture activated windshield wipers, sensors monitoring tire air pressure on all 4 tires plus the spare, and ability to adjust the rear height of the vehicle. Both interior and exterior finish are typical high quality Lexus workmanship. The vehicle's safety features includes curtain airbags protecting passengers from side impact
My GX 470
We love this vehicle! I traded in a BMW 525i and a Jeep Liberty both with low miles. We can honestly say this is the best driving experience we have ever had. I can assure you that we have had some wonderful automobiles but, nothing beats our 2004 Lexus GX 470. We have style, grace and superior handling all rolled into one vehicle. Long trips are a breeze compared to any other vehicle and I really loved my BMW 525i until I gave it up for a Lexus GX 470. It's a Superb blend of quality and handling. We love it!
IIt capped off the 4 Runner
Have a 05 4 Runner Ltd. The GX takes that platform and tops it off. They may have the same meat but you can certainly tell the difference and to me worth the price. If a Bells and whistle person you got to give the vehicle a look. soft leather, power steering wheel, 14 speaker Audio, better overall interior. Nav system thought it was high well once have one they are neat. Nice wood accents.
You Won't Be Sorry!!
Exceptional vehicle! Extremely comfortable, quiet and fun to drive. Handles and responds very well. Has a lot of the functionality of a truck, but drives like a car!! I love it!
Best SUV ever owned
The Lexus GX 470 is probably the most reliable, comfortable, and well designed SUV that I have ever owned. My previous cars were GMC Jimmy, Land Rover, Range Rover, and now GX 470! It is much better than the Range Rover in every way and I can lease 2 GX's for the cost of 1 Range Rover.
AS GOOD AS IT GETS
The gx has a way of adapting to the driver's personality. We'll call it a friendly machine. When it snowed last week, I drove 190 miles both ways to north jersey as if it were 85 degrees and sunny. On a warm day it seems as if you're driving a bmw 3 series. The levinson radio is real. The current generation navigation system actually works. The 5 speed tranny doesn't miss a shift. And most important to my wife, it's easy to get in and out of the front or back. We rate the gx a 10.
Better than my Mercedes
Quiet, smooth handling, comfortable, feel safe, thoughtful interior design, advance technology (blue tooth, navigator system), user friendly.
Great SUV
This vehicle is great. The handling, power and comfort are amazing. The engineers did their homework and anticpated needs I was unaware I had. I strongly recommend the Navagational/DVD options. My model has the Dynamic Kinetic System and drives backroads like it is on rails.
Great ride
I bought my GX last month after owning 3 land cruisers. Faster, better handling, more comfortable and of course more luxurious than my Cruisers. Should have bought 2 since my wife drives it everyday. ( and her car is a SLC 230 Kompressor )
From my LX 470 to my GX 470
Fun, fun, fun. Going from a 2001 LX470 to a 2004 GX470, the GX is alot more sporty and a hell of a ride. Road trips aren't on the constant lookout for petrol, more of the enjoyment of getting there.
MORE ATTENTION TO ROAD MANNERS
This is a beautiful SUV, well designed for passenger comfort and with all the elegance and refinement one should expect from a vehicle in this price range. It has but one flaw --- it is NOT rock-steady at highway speeds in the wind and has more "slip stream" wobble when it encounters 18-wheelers than our Grand Cherokee! This is obviously due to its height/tread width ratio and would approach "perfect" if shaved down a couple of inches or (better yet) based on a wider platform. Overall a wonderful vehicle but I would NOT have purchased it had I tested its highway performce in advance.
Smart and classy buy
Looked at many other suv's, but loved this one! I have had it for almost a year and an very happy with it. I have just reached 12,000+ miles and the car still looks brand new! It drives very comfortably and is spacious! The trunk is a bit small when the third row is down, but i love the third row option. People tend to complain about the trunk door, but it has not bothered me once! Its a great car and should last a good long time, both the interior and engine! :)
2005 GX 470 review
This vehicle is one of the best vehicles we have ever owned...maybe the best, but we have only owned it for 1 month, so we will need more time to evaluate it. The only better SUV will be the hybrid GX470H(?) to help fuel economy. The GX has every option we were looking for and more. The navigation is tremendous! It does everything for you. I am a car buff and do not really care for Japanese imports, but the GX470 is the benchmark in all catagories for the USA to strive for. Buy it...you'll like it!
lexus gx470
overall it is a good car and fun to drive with ample power with good finish quality.
love my Lexus
I love my Lexus, I had a Jeep before the Lexus RX 470. The Lexus is an 8 cylinder and the Jeep was a 6 cylinder and we are getting 18.7 miles to the gallon on our Lexus. The same as the 6 cylinder Jeep. I drive about 160 miles a day back and forth to work and home. Gas mileage and comfort is important to me and this SUV delivers everything i could possibly want and more. This March after a snow storm I came upon a patch of road near the river that had frozen and two cars had landed in a ditch the Lexus drove right over the patch of ice and did not slide at all, I did not have the SUV in 4 wheel drive. I feel so safe in this SUV. I love the RX470 and it is well worth the price. I use the GPS all the time.
Superb Quality
GX interior appointed like prior Lexus luxury Sedan; Sharp exterior style; Tough off road capability.
Great machine!
Have been most impressed by the GX470. Very solid feel, excellent performance and good safety features. Just the right size for me, kids grown with only grandkids to haul now. Would recommend this vehicle to anyone, usual Lexus quality, no problems after 9,000 miles.
2005 Lexus GX 470
I just traded a 2002 Toyota Sequoia and I really didn't know the meaning of a luxury driving feeling before I got into the GX 470. I love it!
My GX 470
I love Lexus! This LUV has a great third row seat that helps hold a total of 7 cheerleaders and one mom! It has all of the luxeries you could want and more! I have the pearl white and the paint is just awesome! I really enjoy this vehicle and I do drive it alot. It was the only midsize LUV with the extra seating room. It is stylish and practical all at the same time!
GX470 is great
This vehicle is a dream to drive. We took a trip right after we got the vehicle. The optional rear seat entertainment system was very nice to have, as was the optional navigation system. This vehicle drives very quietly for an SUV. It feels more like you are driving a car than an SUV. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.
reliable, though unspectacular
car hasn`t given us any problems yet.picks up speed and handles well. takes too long to warm up, noisy, stereo is no good
Option detail lags competition.
Purchased 2005 GX470 after test driving MDX, Navigator, Aviator, Denali, BMW SUV. GX does have an excellent ride BUT Lexus needs to pay more attention to option detail. Lexus NAV system ranks far behind Acura and Mercedes (I own both). Mark Levinson sound system is average, at best. Also ranks behind Acura and Mercedes. Bluetooth phone capability is a joke. Just found out that you can't get a Verizon phone to work with the system. Voice activated NAV and audio is useless. This is a $50,000+ luxury vehicle that should NOT have these issues. Lexus needs to take a look at what Acura (my daughter's TSX) and Mercedes (my wife's E320) have accomplished and learn from them. Thinking of trading in.
2004 Lexus GX 470
Deciding to trade my GS400 for an SUV was a difficult decision. Wanting more room but not a monster vehicle, the GX470 seemed to be everything I was looking for. Having previously driven the LX470 as a primary vehicle, I was not looking forward to a bulky existence. The GX470 is a petite SUV perfect for my petite 5' 2" frame. Better gas mileage would be a plus, but the ability to transport two friends each along with my two children has made up for it. I believe this is about as close as I can get to an SUV that feels more like a car. I have grown to love the car and all it provides for me, as a single Mom, and my children. They love the extra room too.