Very poorly designed, very poor ride, extremely touchy brakes.
In December 2003 I purchased a new GX-470. This was my first Lexus and the purchase decision was based upon the company's reputation and extensive marketing efforts, which portray the company's vehicles as examples of cutting edge engineering excellence.
I have purchased numerous new vehicles in the past 30 years, including four luxury SUV's, prior to the GX-470. I do not ever recall being so dissatisfied with a new vehicle as I am with your GX-470. The GX-470 is very poorly designed in many areas, ranging from antiquated rear seat folding systems, to excessively sensitive brakes. The vehicle also lacks many of the common luxury features available on common vehicles like the Ford Expedition.
I have brought my concerns about the car to the attention of the service department of my local dealership. A service consultant told me candidly; "Mr. Schutz, this vehicle is not one of our better products".
Is there any reason why I should alter my opinion that Lexus is selling an over-priced Toyota 4-Runner through the apparently fictitious Lexus Quality Image?
FYI, All Lexuses are over priced Toyotas. Same with Honda/Acura, Ford/Mercury. For example, a stripped down Acura 3.2 is about the same price as a fully loaded Honda Accord, and they're the same thing! Want something nice and affordable? Look at Jeep.
I have a GX that has an awful smell entering the inside of the vehicle every time I go up or down a hill. Neither my dealer nor Lexus corporate will do anything about it, except, for about and extra $5k sell me another one that they cannot and will not promise won't have the same problem! Can't wait to get out of this SUV.
Our 2004 GX470 replaced our 2001 Mercedes M430. The M430 was in the shop for warranty repairs 3 or 4 times each year. We've never had a problem with the Lexus. Only in the shop for normal maintenance. In fact our hometown Toyota dealer does all of the scheduled maintenance on the Lexus.
My wife loves the Lexus and feels it is much more luxurious, comfortable and reliable that the Mercedes.
The Lexus GX 470 is one of the best designed mid-sized SUV's on the market. I have done extensive research and found it's fit and finish exceptional when compared to anything Detroit (or Europe) is putting out today. This SUV is powerful, agile and has all the luxury you could want or need. The engine is quiet, the transmission positive and smooth shifting and it handles like a sports car. The mileage is not good and you need to get used to the very sound braking system. I'm buying one this week!
I have the GX470 love every bit of the LEXUS SUV.. this is my 3 rd. Lexus.. I'll be buying another one after this one. Very quiet... rides smooth.. and never ever a problem..
I just bought a GX and am quite satisfied. Everything Lexus is known for (reliability, safety, durability) is in this car. The sound system is awesome and the interior is first rate (GPS touchscreen, wood, DVD system, etc). Some complaints are that the 3rd row is crammed and doesn't fold flat into the floor like so many other SUVs. Also, with the GPS Touchscreen option, Lexus leaves NO room for a 6-disc single feed, but instead packs the CD changer into the glove compartment. The barn door swing out rear door in favor of a traditional tailgate is awkward, but allows easy access when you're towing something- I'm still getting used to it. Overall I am quite satisfied with my purchase and experience at Lexus so these quirks that bother me are overlooked- I love my new car.
I’m in the car business. Drove almost every SUV in the market. Bought a BMW X5 but sold it because it had too many little problem. No SUV can perform like it though. I sat in a GX470 and fell in love. From the touch screen Navigation System with rear reverse camera to the styling of almost everything this SUV had to offer. The ride is smooth, but doesn’t pick up fast enough. Takes time to get use to the brake. Handles very well. Most reliable SUV I ever had and I went through 8 already. Lexus need to redesign the third seat. It need to fold flat like all the rest of the SUV out there to create more room. Other than that, still loving this SUV.
For the person that said look at Jeep needs a reality check. Anyone who purchases a Chrysler or Jeep product needs their head examined. They are built very poorly and have poor resale values. I have yet to figure out why people purchase them in the first place. I guess they really just don't have any car knowledge at all. No one who really did their homework and was savvy in automobiles would make such a mistake. I guess they buy them either because they are not very bright, have bad credit and go for the fake rebates and financing, or can't afford a real vehicle. Oh well, I would never stoop that low.
For quality and fit and finish you just can't beat a Toyota or Lexus. Look at ownership ratings, that says it all. All the big 3 in Detroit are struggling, why does everyone think they are having to do the employee pricing and all of the rebates?? They need to move them, their market share keeps decreasing.
Our 2004 Lexus GX470 is our first Lexus and it will be our last. I am going to caution all of you GX470 owners that in time, you will have the same problem that our GX and four of our friends have... a clunking in the rear of the vehicle after coming to a stop. It almost feels like someone has "tapped" the rear bumper behind you. It was explained to us by service managers at two different Lexus dealerships that it is a condition with the drive shaft and the air suspension. They also informed us that Lexus is aware of the problem and has chosen to ignore the defect stating that it is ACCEPTABLE and nothing can be done to fix it. I'm sorry folks, but with their reputation and price tags, Lexus should be ashamed! Please note that on a local level the dealerships have made every effort to rectify the problem including new drive shafts, but the irritating "clunk" in the rear cannot be fixed. Add to this the several times the vehicle has been in the shop for electrical problems, and constant steering wheel shimmy (wheel balancing extremely sensitive)...we're not impressed. As I mentioned earlier, four of our friends have the same vehicle and they ALL have the same complaint. One has gotten rid of the car and one is returning his in 6 months (lease will be up). The other two friends have decided to live with it. We will not "live with it". Good luck GX470 owners!
Just bought a 2006 GX470 and I did not notice this "clunking" noise in the rear axle. Did anyone know for sure whether the problem reported in the 2004 GX470 has been fixed on the 2006 model?
I just learned that my 2005 GX470 is in need of a new catalytic converter. Apparently, the dealer cannot resolve the issue with the foul smelling odor in the cabin of the vehicle. I was previously told by a Lexus service technician that the odor would dissipate before reaching 10,000 miles. Well, I'm at 15,000 miles and the odor still exists. Who would have thought that an 8-month old SUV would be in need of a $2,000 repair. I also concur with others that have written about the clunking noise in the rear of the vehicle. This is obviously a defect that Lexus will need to correct. I will make every attempt for Lexus to resolve mine...and soon.
This is my first lexus product and (so far) I am pleased. My GX 470 is Black/Black loaded with a navigation system, Mark Levinson audio, back up camera, remote starter, 10 inch ceiling mounted dvd player and a pretty hot wife who also loves it. We had shopped Land Rover, Bmw X5, Mercedes M-Class, Cadillac, Lincoln (Aviator and Escalade), Chevy and Volvo before choosing the GX 470 and I think it is the perfect luxury utility vehicle. I do not tow, push or off - road whatsoever, so my opinion might not hold water to some however, for every day driving, to all those SUV lovers the GX 470 is AWESOME.
In 2000 my grandma gave me her 1999 RX300 for a birthday present. It had 12000 miles when I got it and when I traded it in it had around 80000 miles. I traded it in Last month for a certified 2003 GX470. I couldn't be happier with this vehicle. Anyone who claims Lexus is an overpriced Toyota needs to see a doctor. I test-drove the 4-runner limited before buying this and it doesn't even compare. I haven't noticed the odor or the clunk in mine. I do realize the brakes are sensitive, but you get used to them. In my opinion you can't go wrong with this car. Get one if you have a chance!
My wife and I just traded our Chevy Tahoe in for a 2006 GX470 and love it. The quality of work, interior appointments, and overall feel of the car is far superior to that of the Tahoe. We had the Z71 package, decked out with everything. I tapped on the dash and could just about hear the echo... the GX470 interior is just, well, solid. for a lack of better definition. This is our 4th Lexus, and we have been pleased with all in the past. Not to mention, the customer service that comes with a luxury car is just 1st class. It really makes a difference... I hate to admit it, but the American companies just cannot compete, for many reasons. It is not that we cannot make a great car, the labor rates are so lopsided compared to Asia that we can't keep up...it's a shame. I am 6'2", and admit I did give up some room in the front, but I still highly recommend this vehicle.
An Acura is NOT the same as a fully loaded accord. A Lexus is not the same as a fully loaded toyota. Who ever suggested you get a jeep instead of a Lexus doesn't know what they are talking about.. Go look at the surveys of lexus vs Jeeps... no comparison...