2005 Lexus GX 470 New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Lexus GX 470?
This year, the 2005 Lexus GX 470 receives a boost in power, now producing 270 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque thanks to variable valve timing. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) that varies the sway resistance of the front and rear stabilizer bars for better on- and off-road performance moves to the standard feature list and there's a new Sport package that incorporates smoked light bezels combined with a graphite finish for the wheels, roof rack and select interior trim. If you choose to equip your GX 470 with the optional navigation system, you'll also get Bluetooth technology built in. A set of new advanced front airbags with front-passenger detection completes the changes for the 2005 Lexus GX 470.

Advantages of the 2005 Lexus GX 470:

• Gorgeously detailed interior
• Standard roll-sensing side-curtain airbag system
• Refined V8 powerplant
• KDSS greatly improves handling

Objections to the 2005 Lexus GX 470:

• Side-swinging tailgate
• Front seat comfort is poor for taller people
• Difficult to climb into and jump out of
• Lacks useful interior storage areas
• Control layout and operation
• Wind noise
• Vehicle creep at stoplights requires undue amount of pedal pressure to retard

Editor's Advice:
Lexus rarely puts a foot wrong in its self-proclaimed "passionate pursuit for perfection." We think somebody forgot this company mantra when the business case for the Lexus GX 470 was laid out. Unless you're traveling far off the beaten path where only Hummers, Jeeps and Land Rovers dare tread, we recommend that you avoid the 2005 Lexus GX 470. As a daily driver, this Lexus gets poor ratings for ease of entry, ease of exit, front seat comfort for taller drivers, fuel economy, cargo loading and unloading, third-row seat comfort, interior storage, and control layout. Based on a product that is sold as a capable Toyota-badged four-wheel-drive utility vehicle, the 2005 Lexus GX 470 is, philosophically, an old Land Rover Discovery with much nicer interior materials. In other words, it's no good as a vehicle driven primarily on pavement by people who've never had a callous on their palm. Typically, Lexus builds very good luxury vehicles that are difficult to fault. Compared to the rest of its product lineup, the company's 2005 Lexus GX 470 is an aberration. Buy this only if you're planning to go on safari and cannot live without supple leather, gorgeous wood trim and a fantastic Mark Levinson audio system.