2003 Lexus GX 470 | Retro Review

The first gen Lexus GX 470 was as capable and stunning when new as the 3rd gen GX 550 is today!
Show 2210 | Original Airdate 11-06-2002
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[@Shabbe02]

You still see many on the road today, and that just shows how reliable these trucks are compared to their competitors.

[@BCJDM]

No surprise there, Toyota actually has a different standard for Land Cruiser where in parts for LC are manufactured to higher durability standards. Toyota Parts for LC are manufactured to last 25 years. Thats partly why they are tanks, land cruiser Prado included

[@DoSum4Me]

I’m on the road all day for work and rarely see these. - see lots of 4Runners tho!

[@AL-pu7ux]

They were just re styled after almost 20 years so who knows how old they are.

[@marcochavanne]

They were redesigned in 2010

[@SpikeRazzor]

Still very sought after with off-road enthusiasts, they command a tidy sum even with 200,000km here in Canada.

[@YeahYall]

Sitting in my 03 Sequoia watching this.

[@dohc1067]

An oldie, but a goodie. Old school toughness.

[@calmic75]

Jeeeeeeez, this is still better than the vast majority of cars on the road today What a timeless, elegant, off road SUV

[@davidaubin3902]

2:37 John: A FORESTS WORTH OF PREMIUM WOOD TRIM! LOL

[@DaddyBusAdventures]

More like a pit of crude oil, paint and a molding machine.

[@NEONPARADlSE]

Had an 07 GX and I swear it was the smoothest riding SUV ever with the adjustable shocks in the comfort setting! Now have a 22 GX! Best SUVs ever!

[@nate678]

I had an 07. Looking at GX460s soon!

[@fernandorocha-dx1wv]

@@nate678 Very beautiful the Lexus GX 470, nice and great SUV

[@realRichHunting]

Still an awesome vehicle all these years later. 👏

[@JH-qy7zw]

No matter how often I think of buying a new SUV, every time I drive my 20 y/o GX I think "I don't need a different SUV than this". Still love my GX.

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Still have mine. That V8 has never left me stranded.

[@revmotor]

Still looks good to this day.

[@PhillyDee215]

This SUV will outlast most newer suvs today

[@allentoyokawa9068]

With the exception of other Japanese SUVs of today

[@marial8235]

@@allentoyokawa9068Probably them too.😂😂😂

[@jpete3027666]

Yeah I have a 2012 GX and my neighbor just got a brand new Kia Telluride and their brand new kia will be in a junkyard years before my 12 year old GX will be.

[@marial8235]

@@jpete3027666 Yes, you can’t beat Toyota/Lexus (or Japanese in general)quality. Years ago I had a bad experience with Hyundai-customer service was garbage. I swore “never again.”

[@faheemabbas3965]

A shame how most the auto industry is planned obsolescence now. What will we have left to look upon?

[@surfordie82]

One of the best SUVs ever made.

[@joskjj3625]

More than two decades later the Lexus gx is thriving especially in the off road community.these first gen Lexus gx470s are still seen on the road today

[@JimmyDoresHairDye]

I’m a G-Wagon guy but I’ve always had a soft spot for the first gen GX. Excellent build quality, ride and with a coil lift and proper tires, great off roader too!!!

[@tkewrestler2662]

My parents are in need of the a new suv and I had them test drive a 2022 Lexus GX. They were very impressed.

[@CJL36]

These have aged so well inside and out.

[@MercOne]

Yes, this is when Lexus had a real identity to their interiors. This looks better than the goofy/confused looking GX460 that came years later.

[@mediocreman2]

Not with those climate controls they haven't.

[@TomK-ti8kp]

These trucks are the same kind of durable that classic Mercedes were in the 80s. So, even though they still command high prices on the used market, they’re worth it because of how long they will continue to last.

[@timbattle3415]

My 04 GX470 has 240k miles, it's lifted on 32' mud terrains. I often take mine to the local off roading parks. It's a great vehicle with no signs of slowing down. Maintenance is key with these because.... Timing belt.

[@JimmyDoresHairDye]

Love seeing these GX’s on coils and proper tires. Hope if gives you many more years of enjoyment!

[@damilolaakanni]

The kickstarter is known to fail quite often, and it's very hard to get to because of its location.

[@AaronSmith-kr5yf]

@@damilolaakanni Yeah you can't be no wimpy ass 110lb woman to kick start this high compression V8. You need to be a real man with some leg muscles and weight to throw behind it to get this SOB kick started. Then you gotta rev that hand throttle just right when its cold or else it'll stall on ya, too much and it floods out, too little and it putters out. But once it warms up man does it sing, you know it revs up to 10,000rpm and sounds like a hive of the most pissed off angry hornets coming to get you while they belch of a bunch of stinky blue/black smoke.

[@timbattle3415]

@@JimmyDoresHairDye thanks a ton for the kind words man

[@cesar2917]

@@AaronSmith-kr5yfthis was corny as all hell.

[@otiefloro8968]

I just bought one. Hands down the best vehicle I've owned

[@marial8235]

I have the 4 Runner version and wish I had found a Lexus just for the extra comfort. Congrats!

[@JH-qy7zw]

tip: get front seat risers/spacers. Really helps with the comfort of the seats.

[@countrysider2258]

良い判断た

[@peterouuu]

I own a 2008 GX. the engine and transmission is so smooth. it’s been 4500 miles since my last oil change and it’s still golden.

[@averagedriving3979]

It is very reliable but please for gods sake change your oil at 5000 miles, I do 3000 miles oil change with my IS300 granted I drive very hard and swing the car around turns quite often but still.

[@peterouuu]

@@averagedriving3979 oh yeah i don’t go over 5k between oil changes in my GX & TSX 6 speed. Synthetic only too

[@Ill06Taco]

Remember the GX used this platform for 20 years without many changes

[@HOTPLATEGAMING]

Lexus was really milking it

[@Ill06Taco]

@@HOTPLATEGAMING 4runner is still using this platform..

[@brettk173]

3:53 - funny looking back on this commentary now, many of these in Colorado are used as off road rigs in 2024. They are capable and tough, even stock. Love these retro reviews

[@fhatuwaniglentonnetshivhul9202]

In RSA, we got it as the Land Cruiser Prado

[@Brunoxtr]

Actually, in the rest of the world.

[@nwezetx1]

Ok

[@briengakaplan-b1550]

The new 24 GX is calling my name for my next truck, Toyota/Lexus always knocks it out of the park with this truck.

[@rustbeltrobclassic2512]

I own a GX460, or the next generation, and absolutely love it. Yeah it doesn't have all the modern electronics, but it works.. It also doesn't have the same looks, i do think the 470 has a nicer interior and nicer looking exterior, but the timing chain and extra 75hp in the 460 were a fair comparison. The newest one is good looking, but there's no way it will meet a 470/460 reliability level..

[@kgthegreatone943]

Still see them all the time

[@ryanpatterson9526]

Built like a tank!

[@mtt3870]

Funny enough 20 years later the GX is an off-roader enthusiast favorite and a lot of them are not a pace queen but an off road warrior !!!!

[@colintracy9287]

Bought a 2004 with 148k last month, it is my first car ever and I could not be happier with it on every start up

[@control2791]

Still rolling in a 2006! Under 100k on the beast. Want to hold on to it forever but the Midwest rust seems to be getting to it. Considering upgrading to the 2024 Land Cruiser

[@BCJDM]

Absolute Unit

[@solares2001]

Here I am overlanding in one of these! Best car I’ve ever owned.

[@GoBudsGo]

The outro song is awesome! Great video, superb car wow. MW is the greatest auto show of all time.

[@FernandoMoodyMusic]

The new 2024 models are nice, but I can't afford it. I have a 2007 in mint condition was serviced by Lexus from 2007 all the way to 2023 so it was very well taken care of. I use mine for camping!

[@MarkMeadows90]

I see quite a few of these still on the road today. Some are modified off road adventurers. All terrain tires and snorkel kits lol

[@saakiaskani]

Amazing Offroad/Onroad Beauty Love it❤

[@dnlpark]

Original 2005 Gx470 owner here! Still running amazing with very little wear at 220k miles, I don't even add any oil between oil changes. I bought a 2021 Gladiator Rubicon to replace the Gx and I find myself driving the GX on a daily basis and the Jeep kinda just sits.

[@KickoStocks]

Just sold a 2006 that runs like a top, this truck was a masterpiece

[@buckfiden2988]

Best SUV still on the road.

[@folkard84]

as an australian, to me this appears to be the Lexus version of the then Prado gen

[@redzoom7857]

And it was indeed a huge success

[@MrHooves89]

These will go for 300k-600k miles easily with regular maintenance. Some have clocked over one million miles now. The GX470 has gone down as one of the most reliable vehicles in history.

[@user-eb6tj6lv9v]

i have a 2003 GX 470 with 350k, still running silky smooth.

[@omostim2385]

I still want one

[@1000PerCentHuman]

Loving my ‘08 GX with 245k

[@Visaliaipa]

I have an ‘05 with 142k and it runs great. Super clean and holding up well.

[@jeffreyvai6750]

These things are indestructible. I have a 2004 with 163k and it's great. And I have 2 friends with 220k+ and they just don't die

[@PKB55]

my mom bought a CPO 04' GX in 2006 with 30,000 miles; since then she's taken it to 300,000 miles in the last 18 years although its now relegated to home depot runs and dog transporting. no counting how many movies were watched on the ATM style TV screen in the second row as a kid.

[@nathanielcargile7135]

Land Cruiser Prada. Amazing vehicle.

[@hansyang1697]

Pricing are getting insane on these GX470s, with 200k+ miles and still sell for over $15K

[@Anomic-mo9ji]

My wife and kids went to visit the inlaws and I spent last week putting $4,000 worth of parts into my 2005 GX470 in the driveway. If it ever gets wrecked I'm searching the country for another one.

[@shanet7511]

For Lexus the GX was more "build it and never update it and you'll profit billions"

[@douglasb.1203]

What was the 0-60 & 1/4 mile?

[@quentinwooten30]

Field of dreams was a good movie.

[@nicolasmolli]

Un Land Cruiser de luxe réservé aux USA à l'époque.

[@mark_u]

New GX550 is awesome but I still prefer the quietly capable looks and more luxurious cabin touches on the first gen.

[@klinatoc]

Sitting in my 03 GX watching this

[@oliverdelgado6952]

Bad ass! Enjoy!

[@janettex08]

There’s one on sale for $5,500. 278k miles. Clean title. Worth it…?

[@andrewsmactips]

I’d take that interior over any new car.

[@mumwifeteacher]

Most of the people buying these probably wouldn’t notice if it didn’t have 4x4 as long as it had the button and lever for it.

[@T3CHET]

My RX400h has well over 200k. Good generation here

[@nwezetx1]

Pretty decent vehicle to get in 2002.

[@jpete3027666]

This one is probably still on the road running strong with 300,000 miles on it.

[@samartz]

So many prados on the road in Australia!

[@sutherlandA1]

Fancy Toyota Prado

[@jesusmercado6947]

Anything from Toyota/Lexus built to last and quality

[@Thankyou_3]

An absolute gem. Can’t say the same about any other brand for 2003. Acura and Infiniti are absolute garbage from 2003

[@nwezetx1]

This was a knockout back in 2002. Very well executed product all around.

[@roberthoyt7921]

Wonder how the GX550 would do for MotorWeek's road test segment?

[@Motorweek]

You'll find out in a few months!

[@roberthoyt7921]

Should both the new GX (and the Toyota Land Cruiser 250) get Chevy Suburban-like three-row LWB variants? Someone needs to directly take on the Land Rover Defender 130.

[@rustlesee]

It was “build it and he will come”.. as in (spoiler alert) his father.

[@lukerinderknecht2982]

"If you build it, he will come"

[@Moching-ob6ny]

My 2004 rear suspension just broke. The rear end is totally sagged since the air compressor failed What is the best solution?

[@peterouuu]

switch to coil springs

[@oscarlevipaguada]

These 2uz-fe v8 will outlast most vehicles on the road. My V8 4Runner has 205k and drives like it’s brand new

[@runoflife87]

Lexus GX>Lincoln Aviator>c@ap> Cadillac Escalade.

[@DirectX3]

I bought this Lexus in 2005 and at the same time my cousin bought his Cad. Today I am still driving mine as a daily horse but for his already in the junkyard. 😂

[@mohmdakel]

Will be running over zombies in the apocalypse levels of reliability

[@marcochavanne]

My 2004 just rolled over 191k miles. Still smooth as butter. Putting a timing belt on my coworkers 2006 tomorrow. His has 170k miles. These things will give cockroaches a run for their money after Armageddon.

[@TheCosmicGuy0111]

Woah

[@DANNYN224]

Sadly parts are too expensive for this vehicle

[@troysanchez776]

Bojack Horseman drives one 🐎

[@mediocreman2]

Leave it to Toyota to put a touchscreen from the '80s into a car from the 2000's. 😅

[@AmraphelofShinar]

Now all of the 50+ year-old female realtors have something to drive!

[@tmajec]

😄

[@Lrules364]

These look nice, but i haven't seen one in about a decade. Their frames never lasted.

[@markringwald2776]

These vehicles will outlast your family 😅

[@PenttiHuttunenGlobetrotter]

Toyota Land Cruiser

[@mirelurk-fish7387]

Failed every iihs test too with no side airbags

[@peterouuu]

these have side and curtain airbags ?

[@averagedriving3979]

And? If I want to take corners fast I’d get a sports sedan like my IS300, no one buys a Off-road rig and be like “yes I can take this hairpin at 50 mph 🤡

[@THE-xp3hp]

They dont make these like this anymore. Unibody wimpy cars and suvs/cuvs galore 😢

[@McBeamer94]

As a European, I only see a gussied up small Toyota Land Cruiser with a V8 (which we didn't get). Very weird! 😂

[@yudhabagaskara98]

Toyota badge lost its fanciness compared to Lexus badge

[@user-cj4sm8hv9y]

Lost In The Crowd

[@kinglumpy6145]

The new GX will be less reliable than this

[@Welcometofacsistube]

Toyota: factory rust holes within 2 years of ownership free!!

[@heyyougonnafinishthat8658]

Laughs in Chicago with zero rust on an 04 GX.

[@jpm1544]

Zero on 05 4Runner and 99 Taco 😎 ​@@heyyougonnafinishthat8658

[@scott8238]

@@heyyougonnafinishthat8658 laughs from Minneapolis having to replace Toyota frames daily at Walser Toyota due to corrosion issues and lawsuits against toyota.

[@Welcometofacsistube]

100 mile garage queens dont count​@heyyougonnafinishthat8658

[@heyyougonnafinishthat8658]

@@Welcometofacsistube 193,000 miles and counting. Wool Wax is your friend.

[@closer71]

Ha! Ha! Ha! I just pulled into my driveway in a 2004 with 320,000 miles. And I’m supremely confident it’ll last another 320,000. Ha! Ha! Ha! Probably gonna outlive me!!