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2004 Lexus GX 470 Road Test

A Real SUV in a World of Pretenders

I was invited to a press event by Toyota recently, and given the opportunity to either be driven to the hotel or drive. What do you think I opted for? The location is about an hour northwest from the airport in a small somewhat forgetable community, so considering I would just be getting off of a four and a half hour flight from the west coast, something comfortable would be optimal.

"Hmmm, what Toyota havent I driven yet?" I said to myself. "No, wait a minute. Im looking for optimal comfort right? Then what Lexus havent I driven yet?" Of course, the new GX 470 would be ideal, and one just happened to be available from the local press fleet.

I arrived relaxed from the flight, albeit a little out of

At a Toyota press event I recently went on I had my choice of vehicle to drive from the airport, seeking optimal comfort I opted for the Lexus GX 470. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

whack due to the time change - nothing out of the ordinary mind you. Waiting at arrivals was a Blizzard Pearl-hued GX with a soothing Ivory-colored interior. Ive always liked the look of the GX. Its tall, with broad shoulders and well balanced between rugged machismo and refined elegance. I found myself sitting quite high in the drivers seat, more so than when in the average SUV, giving me a commanding view

The GX 470 has a gorgeous cabin, with beautifully finished woods, rich leather seats and trim, plus fine attention to detail. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

of the road ahead - a good thing as I had no idea where I was going even with directions.

Scanning the interior, something I always do before taking off in a new car, I noticed things were set up pretty much as done in other Lexus cars and sport utilities. An assortment of buttons and dials on the center stack are all within easy reach, simple to operate and of the highest tactile quality. Additional buttons are set into the steering wheel, also easy to operate. Overall its a gorgeous cabin, with

Lexus continues to rank highest in J. D. Powers Initial Quality Study and Vehicle Dependability Study. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

beautifully finished woods, rich leather seats and trim and fine attention to detail even in areas that a person wouldnt initially look.

Take the center armrest bin for instance. I recently tested a Mercedes-Benz with a stunningly attractive interior, until I poked around beneath the surface. Under the armrest was a poorly finished cubby made of cheap, shiny plastic and exposed screws. It immediately turned me off. The GX, on the other hand, finishes the same bin off in velvety material, soft to the touch but appearing easy to clean. Now thats luxury.

While

The GXs Adaptive Variable Suspension provides a remarkably smooth ride for a 4x4 capable truck. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

coddling its occupants doesnt have a great deal to do with reliability or initial quality stats, it reflects greater dedication to quality, one of the reasons Lexus continues to rank highest in J. D. Powers Initial Quality Study (IQS) and Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), as well as other market research surveys. The attention to detail Lexus shows by going the extra mile below the surface also goes a long way to winning over customers on a long-term basis. After all, once the honeymoon is over we become intimate with our new vehicle for better or worse. Customers that sign on the bottom line with Lexus seem to have more uplifting relationships than with any other brand.

Once

The 4.7-liter V8 engine in the GX provides 235-hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

acclimatized I found a comfortable position by toggling the multi-adjustable seat buttons up, down, back and forth, set my mirrors and headed for the open road. What a smooth ride for a 4x4 capable truck! To put this in perspective, the GX started life as a Land Cruiser in Japan, Europe and other markets. Land Cruisers are among the most capable off-road vehicles without tracks, making the GX 470s pavement prowess impressive to say the least.

Its standard Adaptive Variable Suspension damping (AVS) delivers excellent smoothness by continuously adjusting all four shock absorber damping rates in response to road surface conditions, vehicle speed, driver steering and braking inputs, plus vertical vehicle movement.

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