Lexus GX 470

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.50 of 5, 4.00 votes

Price Paid:  $46000.00 from Lexus of Santa Monic

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 GX470

Summary:
Smooth and quiet. A great off-roader.

Strengths:
Quality, reliability, quietness, 4X4 capability (It's a 4-Runner at heart), air conditioner that will drive you out, torque.

Weaknesses:
Handling, acceleration and a sometimes-rough transmission.

Similar Products Used:
Expedition Touareg

Price Paid:  $51900.00 from Rockville Lexus

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 GX470

Summary:
I took the opportunity to really shop for this SUV. My test drives included the: ML430,Touraeg, Pacifica, Discovery III, Forerunner among others. I had just sold a Jeep Grand Cherokee (NEVER BUY ONE OF THOSE)due to horrible quality (rattles, squeaks, leaks, etc.) and the worst maintenance record ever. This Lexus offers a far superior ride to any of those vehicles. The quality and craftsmanship is very apparent in the seats, electronics, paint, and finish.

Strengths:
The ride is smooth and rattle free. The interior fit and finish is excellent. The color (ash blue and tan) gets compliments wherever I go.

Weaknesses:
Gas mileage is not as high as I would like it to be, but none of the SUV's get good mileage.

Similar Products Used:
I test drove a myriad of SUV's. I would not buy and American made SUV again after owning the Jeep.

Price Paid:  $49300.00 from Lexus of Manchester

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 GX470

Summary:
Its a Lexus, our second, and fifth Toyota product, our oldest daughter is on her third. We decided to take Uncle Sam up on the offer, were self-employed and decided 100 percent write sounded ok by us. We shopped around, the vehicle has to have a GVW over 6000lbs, so we were somewhat limited. We test drove several vehicles, including the Caddy Escalade, 60K, hmmmmmmm, a local Chevy dealer assumed the name, they don't have a clue. I know the GX is based loosely on the FourRunner, but you would be hard pressed to know that, the Caddy is based on the Tahoe, and you wouldn't be hard pressed to know that. Lets just say, I'm glad I checked em out, Caddilac and GM is out'a their league, as is Ford, and Chrylser. these guys have a lot to learn about quality service, customer satisfaction, Lexus kiss's your ass, it is a totally different experence from shopping at one of the above dealerships. These guys are still living and selling cars like they did 50 years ago, like buying from the local corner used car joint. I would love to buy an American SUV, as long as I'm not spending in excess of 30K, but for 45-55K I expect more and American just does not stand up. Our first Lexus was a pleasure to own, and if not for the BIG write off we'd still have it. The Mark Levinson stereo, just WOW, I'm into audio, this stereo is almost mind blowing for something from the factory. Had the Bose system in another car, and not even a close match.

Strengths:
Its a Lexus, engine, tranny, comfort, and the Stereo, almost want to drive it to listen to it. This is a damn nice vehicle.

Weaknesses:
Backing up, really does need the back up assist, just can't seeem to get past the mirrors looks like I'm inchs away and I still have several feet. Rather bad gas mileage, but they (SUV's) all have this problem. Getting heat to the rear seems to be a problem, perhaps we just haven't figured it out yet? I think for the moul'a, Lexus could'a thrown in the head sets for the rear stereo, I mean come on guys were talking cheap'o money for customer convience.

Similar Products Used:
RX300, several Toyota Four Runners,Ford Bronco and the like.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 Lexus GX 470

Summary:
Excellent buying experience..best I've ever had with any dealer. Gx is very quiet, smooth and comfortable. I have only the base model (no 3rd row seats, no nav system or entertainment system). As part of the deal I had dealer switch the highway B-Stone tires to Michelin X-Country tires.Highway tires are quiet and help to impress the potential buyer but not as practical for this vehicle in most US regions. Interior is well appointed and of high quality. Both interior and exterior fit and trim very high quality. Spare tire has matching alloy wheel so that rotation is seamless. Suspension is adjustable from "comfort" to "sport" in several degrees of variation. Gas mileage is fine (those who complain about MPG on SUV's shouldn't consider them in the first place lol) Overall well worth the $ and will satisfy buyer for a long time.

Strengths:
High quality build and finish in and out. Smooth 4.7 ltr engine. Smooth and quiet ride. Excellent leg room. Will hold value well in my estimation.

Weaknesses:
rear seats need to fold flush. Better stock tires needed. Rear mirrors should have power fold back. Cabin storage a bit sparse (a small bin in dash for cell phone might be a consideration). Head rests on rear seats block rear vision somewhat.

Similar Products Used:
Ford Bronco, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Isuzu Trooper

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
2.17 of 5, 6.00 votes

Price Paid:  $49000.00 from Rockville Lexus

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 GX 470

Summary:
This car has been nothing less than spectacular so far. Mine's equipped with all options except KDSS and I have been very happy with both the sales experience (Rockville, MD) as well as the service experience (they installed an aftermarket second row DVD). This is my second Lexus, I originally had a 99 RX 300 that I purchased from another local dealer. The sound system is great, the voice activated controls work flawlesly. I will report back if I run into issues.

Strengths:
comfortable ride fit and finish great service

Weaknesses:
limited "chotzkey" are in the front seat front passenger seat does not adjust in all directions with the 3rd row, limited cargo area.

Similar Products Used:
test drove: Toureg, Infiniti QX56 Driven: RX 300, LX 470