2003 Lexus GX470 review from North America
"Looks better than it drives"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I have had 3 instances where the car as left me stranded. One due to a tire, one due to the gas cap not being tightened correctly (yes, it can stall the vehicle), and one due to a bad battery.
All the comments with regard to the transmission/drive train are true. I've driven the 2003 GX470 and 2004 GX470 (loaner), and both have the same problem. When stopping, the rest of the transmission stops a second or two later with a minor, and sometimes not so minor jerk. You always look in your rear view mirror to see if someone bumped you.
My car was checked and I had almost the entire drive train replaced. It seemed to correct most of the problem, but now after a year, the problem is starting to come back. And yes, Lexus says the transmission/drive train is very complicated, doing a bunch of things, so it's not unusual for it to continue doing things at a stop. Hard to believe, but that's exactly what I was told by the dealer.
General comments?
They say Lexus has a 90% approval rate. Well, I'm one of the 10% who is disappointed. There are a few lemons in every batch, and I was unlucky to receive one of them. Would be scared to buy another one.
Recommended Reviews:
![]() ![]() | This truck is worth every penny |
![]() ![]() | Over priced Toyota 4Runner |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model Year | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 1/10 |
| Reliability marks | |
| Comfort marks | |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Previous car | Lexus GX470 |
| Date of Entry | 6th April, 2006 |

