2002 Lexus LX 470 Review
2002 Lexus LX 470 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Quiet and refined demeanor, capable backwoods performer, slick adjustable suspension, splendid interior materials, Lexus build quality.
Cons
- High price, lack of horsepower, floppy handling, Toyota-grade secondary switchgear.
What’s new
The LX 470 was updated last year. As such, the only change for 2002 is that the navigation system is now standard equipment.
Edmunds says
Yes, it costs well over $60,000. But for the money, you'd be hard pressed to find a more versatile, luxurious and capable vehicle.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Lexus LX 470 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$315/mo for LX 470 Base
LX 470 Base
vs
$196/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
The LX 470 has been our favorite luxury SUV the last few years, and we don't foresee any reason why this would change for 2002. It provides a near ultimate SUV experience, combining the luxury appointments and workmanship of a Lexus sedan, seating for up to eight passengers, decent cargo and towing capacity, plus rugged off-road capability.
You get a sense that no expense was spared in creating its luxurious cabin. Indeed, the LX 470's walnut wood trim is radiant in its luster and the perforated leather sumptuous in its suppleness. Materials used in the construction of the interior are generally of the highest quality, though we've noticed that much of the switchgear is identical to what is found in more plebian Toyota products.
We also love the ergonomics of the LX 470's cabin, as its large controls are easy to find and operate. You can also find heated seats with memory, a dust and pollen filter, one-touch power windows and sunroof, automatic tilt-away steering column (for easier entry/exit), and separate rear-passenger climate controls. A third-row seat that is best suited to child-sized bodies is standard in the LX 470, but it can be folded up easily for those who have more cargo than people to haul. The GPS navigation system, which was a $3,510 option last year, is now standard equipment, leaving the Mark Levinson premium audio system as the only option left on the order sheet.
Power comes from a 4.7-liter V8 that creates 230 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. This V8 is one of the smoothest engines we've ever experienced. Still, we'd like Lexus to add a few more horsepower to propel the 5,401-pound truck -- the '02 Cadillac Escalade weighs in at 5,809 pounds but offers 345 horses to lug its girth. Though neck-snapping acceleration is not within the Lexus repertoire, its rated towing capacity of 6,500 pounds is indeed proof that it can haul the family yacht to the shore.
While its engine and much of its technology (skid control, traction control and brake assist) are shared with the Land Cruiser, the LX 470 does outdo its coach-class sibling with its Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). AVS is a semi-active shock absorber system with five firmness settings. After a setting has been selected, AVS adjusts the ride based on road surfaces, and steering, acceleration and braking input in order to create ride quality tailored to the driver's preferences.
Another LX 470 exclusive is Adjustable Height Control (AHC). AHC allows the LX 470 to be raised to clear rough road and lowered for ease of entry and exit. This, combined with a full-time 4WD system, allows the Lexus to overcome nearly any type of terrain.
The extras that come standard on the LX 470 make it appealing when compared with a Land Cruiser. And if you really want AVS, AHC and the Mark Levinson audio system, the LX 470 is the only way to go. However, for our money, we'd probably save the $8,000 and go with the Toyota. Though we really like the AVS, we have to admit that the Land Cruiser has everything else we love about the Lexus -- and it offers it at a price that is more competitive with other luxury SUVs.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Lexus LX 470.
5 star(78%)
4 star(18%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(0%)
28 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
Good Luxury SUV
llrinco, 02/08/2008
2001 Lexus LX 470 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 4A)
Smooth ride, luxury features. After 110K miles it has needed some repairs (ignition broke, suspension wiring went berserk).
4.75 out of 5 stars
My Second LX-470
Windpointe, 05/15/2002
2002 Lexus LX 470 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 4A)
This is my 2nd LX-470. My 98 was
awesome, but the 2002 is even better.
It's like sitting in your living room
on trips. It can be driven in "fun"
mode or "luxury" mode depending on how
one feels. It was definitely worth the
four year upgrade to get the Nav System
and the Mark Levinson Audio System,
plus a few other new bells and
whistles. I can't imagine another …
vehicle I'd rather own.
4.25 out of 5 stars
More than I needed - but dependable
Justin, 03/14/2009
2002 Lexus LX 470 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 4A)
Bought the car 4 years ago because we thought we would be going into the woods and hauling. Well we never did either, although we live in Chicago so it's nice in the snow. Everything about the car is great, the ride, interior, dependability, lost cost of ownership, except for gas. So my biggest complaint is MPG. I get 13-15 in suburban driving and 15-16 on the highway. For this size … car there other options that get 20+ MPG such as the Honda passport. No serious mechanical issues, in fact no minor mechanical issues except a leaky CV boot, which is good since I bought it used. Height/level adjustment is nice but unnecessary unless you are towing. I recommend for people towing/traveling.
4.13 out of 5 stars
This review for 2001 -- Still has bugs
RL3, 12/10/2002
2002 Lexus LX 470 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 4A)
I had a 1998 LX470 with several
problems. It always pulled to one side
or the other (steering wheel never
centered correctly) on highway;
emergency brake cable rattled near/at
right rear wheel; tilt/telescope motors
went out several times. Lexus never
could fix either problem; took back
under lemon law. I bought a 2001 just
like it hoping they would have fixed …
problems. New 2001 pulls to left at
highway speeds; same emergency brake
cable rattle at right rear wheel;
tilt/telescope motors already replaced
once; transfer case replaced
(vibration); Several rattles interior.
Very disappointing to have basically
same problems on same vehicle 3 model
years later.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2002 Lexus LX 470, so we've included reviews for other years of the LX 470 since its last redesign.
2002 LX 470 Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $61,855 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 13 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $315/month |
Seating | 8 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 19.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the LX 470 include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
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