1998-2007 Lexus LX 470: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1998-2007 Lexus LX 470 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Passenger room
- Build quality
- Exterior finish
- Acceleration
- Cargo room
- Interior materials
- Ride
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Rear-seat entry/exit
Vehicle Highlights
The full-size sport-utility vehicle from Toyota's luxury division got a name change for 1998, along with its new engine. Switching from 6-cylinder power to a new 4.7-liter V8, also destined for Toyota's T100 pickup, the SUV was transformed from the LX 450 to the new LX 470. As before, it served as an upscale edition of Toyota's Land Cruiser. Styling was new, and the V8 engine was a "first." Each LX 470 had an independent front suspension and permanently engaged 4-wheel drive. No factory options were offered, apart from a power moonroof. Unlike Toyota's Land Cruiser, the LX 470 was equipped with Adaptive Variable Suspension. That system included computer-controlled shock absorbers that selected from 16 damping levels to match the road surface. A switch permitted manual selection of firm, normal, or soft mode. Automatic Height Control also was exclusive to the Lexus edition, allowing the driver to set ride clearance to high, normal, or low level. That system switched to normal if vehicle speed exceeded 20 mph in high mode. Standard equipment included exterior running boards, leather-and-wood interior trim, rear air conditioning, and an in-dash CD changer. Rivals included the Acura SLX, GMC Yukon/Denali, Land Rover Range Rover, and Lincoln Navigator.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Lexus LX 470 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 8 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 9 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 60 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1998-2007 Lexus LX 470. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1998-2007 Lexus LX 470.
Year to Year Changes
1999 Lexus LX 470:
Only one change was noted for 1999: addition of a premium Nakamichi audio system to the factory's options list.
2000 Lexus LX 470:
A Vehicle Stability Control antiskid system became standard this year, incorporating Lexus's new Brake Assist feature. That system automatically supplied full hydraulic pressure in response to quick, strong brake-pedal movement. Exterior running boards now were illuminated. Formerly optional, a power sunroof joined the standard-equipment list, while a leather-and-wood steering wheel became optional.
2001 Lexus LX 470:
New for 2001 was a 9-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, and the LX's first optional navigation system. Newly standard were a leather/wood steering wheel (optional before), second-row child-seat anchorages, dual rear cupholders, and revised keys and locks.
2002 Lexus LX 470:
A navigation system was standard instead of optional on Lexus's full-size SUV for '02. The navigation system got revisions including multiroute calculation, simplified graphics, and route preview, along with a faster computer and the ability to play DVD movies on its dashboard screen.
2003 Lexus LX 470:
Standard side airbags, a new 5-speed transmission, and a newly available night-vision system highlight 2003 for Lexus's senior SUV. The V8 engine also got an additional 5 horsepower.
2004 Lexus LX 470:
A new rearview camera is the only major addition to the LX 470 in 2004.
2005 Lexus LX 470:
LX 470 continues on unchanged in 2005.
2006 Lexus LX 470:
No changes for the LX 470 in 2006.
2007 Lexus LX 470:
LX 470 carries over unchanged in anticipation of a model-year 2008 redesign.
Our road test for the 1998-2007 Lexus LX 470 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1998-2007 Lexus LX 470 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1998-2007 Lexus LX 470 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
The V8 engine is muscular enough to deliver brisk acceleration, helped by prompt, smooth shifts from the automatic transmission--whether up or down. An LX 470 yielded 15.4 mpg with plenty of highway driving, while an '03 model averaged just 11.8 mpg in city driving. Premium fuel is recommended. Wind and road noise in a Land Cruiser can be noticeable, but the LX 470 is quieter, in keeping with its luxury mission. Luxury-grade sound deadening and a silken engine, in fact, help make the LX 470 quieter than many passenger sedans. Ride comfort and control are good, both on-road and off. Though high-built, the LX 470 wagon does not feel ponderous around town. It also handles confidently except in fast corners, where marked (though predictable) body lean is the rule, coupled with a slight tipsy sensation. Head room and rear leg room are good, in contrast to prior models. There's also enough cabin width for three grownups in the middle bench seat. The third-row seat is cramped and inaccessible for all but a preteen couple. Middle-row entry/exit isn't easy either, thanks to a tall step-up and narrow door bottoms. On the other hand, that high stance gives a commanding view of the road, though headrests impair vision out back. The LX 470's body lowers automatically by a few inches when the ignition is switched off, which can ease entry/exit by a bit. The user-friendly dashboard has simple new rotary climate controls, though a few other switches aren't so easy to see. Space behind the third-row seat is sufficient for grocery bags but not much more. That seat folds or removes fairly easily for generous maximum cargo room. The drop-down tailgate means there's a long stretch to your cargo, but a plastic filler panel between the gate and the load floor makes sliding heavy items a little easier.
Value for the Money
Some less-costly SUVs offer more space, but the LX 470 is highly capable off-road and as comfortable as any competitor on-road. If this Lexus falls within the capacity of your pocketbook, why not take a spin?
Some less-costly SUVs offer more space, but the LX 470 is highly capable off-road and as comfortable as any competitor on-road. If this Lexus falls within the capacity of your pocketbook, why not take a spin?
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Lexus LX 470 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 8 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 9 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 60 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Lexus LX 470 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Lexus LX 470 .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
The A/C makes strange noises and the company will replace the expansion valve and/or one of the A/C lines with newer designs that prevent the problem. (1998-99)
Ball joints:
A buzzing or snapping noise from the front suspension is caused by a problem with the lower ball joint. (1998)
Brake noise:
If not properly adjusted, the parking brake rattles when driving over bumps. (1998)
Brake noise:
The front brakes make a rattling noise unless new antirattle springs are installed. (1998)
Hard starting:
The engine may not start if another transponder is on the same key ring as the original immobilizer key (1998-01)
Vehicle noise:
If the cross bars of the roof rack are installed improperly, wind noise (howling sound) occurs above 25 mph. (1998)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $625 |
| Alternator | $415 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,250 |
| Brakes | $455 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $960 |
| Exhaust System | $640 |
| Radiator | $445 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $995 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $510 |
Our price chart for this generation Lexus LX 470 details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2007 | |||
| LX 470 | $48,500-51,000 | $45,600-47,900 | $35,900-37,700 |
| 2006 | |||
| LX 470 | $42,000-44,500 | $39,500-41,800 | $30,700-32,500 |
| 2005 | |||
| LX 470 | $36,300-38,500 | $33,800-35,800 | $25,800-27,300 |
| 2004 | |||
| LX 470 | $31,000-33,000 | $28,800-30,700 | $21,700-23,100 |
| 2003 | |||
| LX 470 | $26,000-28,000 | $24,200-26,000 | $17,200-18,500 |
| 2002 | |||
| LX 470 | $22,000-23,700 | $20,200-21,800 | $14,300-15,400 |
| 2001 | |||
| LX 470 | $19,500-21,000 | $17,900-19,300 | $12,700-13,700 |
| 2000 | |||
| LX 470 | $17,500-19,000 | $16,100-17,500 | $11,200-12,200 |
| 1999 | |||
| LX 470 | $16,000-17,500 | $14,600-15,900 | $10,200-11,200 |
| 1998 | |||
| LX 470 | $14,800-16,000 | $13,500-14,600 | $9,300-10,100 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Lexus LX 470 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 112.2 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 192.5 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 76.4 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 72.8 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 5401 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 97.4 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 25.4 | |
| Seating Capacity | 8 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.0 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.3 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.4 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.3 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Only one powertrain has been used in the LX 470: a 4.7-liter dual-overhead-cam V8 engine, producing 230 horsepower and coupled to a 4-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V8 | 4.7 / 285 | 230-5 | 320 | 4-speed automatic: 13/16 5-speed automatic: 13/17 |
4-speed automatic: 14.1 5-speed automatic: 11.8 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Lexus LX 470 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
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