Online Test Drive

The 2000 Lexus LX 470
Base Retail Price: $60,000
Four Stars

If you're looking for a really exclusive big SUV, forget the Navigator and Escalade, check out the Lexus LX470. This truly is the ultimate big ticket sport utility vehicle.

Not that there's anything wrong with the Lincoln or Cadillac SUV's, but the LX470 is definitely limited edition. They are only making about 1200 amonth, and at 60 thousand plus, it's definitely a high ticket item.

What do you get for that sixty thousand that you don't get on the Toyota Land Cruiser that the LX 470 is based on. You get a smoother ride, the Lexus dealership experience and all the bells and whistles you can imagine. Of course there's the CD changer, leather seats and moonroof. But, there's so much more.

You can throw a switch and the ride goes from tighter to smoother. There's also a power switch to adjust the automatic transmission, if you need an extra boost. You don't really need it here, but I drove the LX 470 in a hilly area, and this really came in handy. Let's face it, this is a lot of metal for even a V-8 engine to move.

The LX 470--like most Lexus products--scores very well on J.D. Power's vehicle satisfaction scale. While it may never be anybody's best buy, you get everything you can imagine--like anti lock brakes and traction control--and a lot of things you can't imagine--brake assist, skid control and the standard Lexus first aid kit.

For such a big vehicle, the LX 470 handles surprisingly well. It's much less "trucky" than even compact SUV's, has very responsive steering, and--considering how much this vehicle weighs--brakes very well.

While the LX 470 seats eight, it's a little smaller--and more garageable--than it's competitors. For example, the Lexus LX 470 is 8.7 inches smaller than the Cadillac Escalade.

The LX 470 has a unique third row of seats. Instead of coming out or folding down, it splits, and folds up on either side, giving you very good storage room.

While the styling of the Lexus LX 470 is understated elegance, you'll definitely be noticed, because there aren't very many of these on the road. Don't expect much of a "wow" factor, this is a more classy vehicle.

Oh, yea, the LX 470 has outstanding off road credentials. Underneath, it is a Land Cruiser, one of the best off-roaders in the business. But, I doubt anybody's going to take a 60 thousand dollar vehicle up north into the woods. It will, however, get you through any snowstorm that metro Detroit weather will throw at you.

The Lexus LX 470 is certainly right up there with the "best of the best" when it comes to large luxury SUV's. But you will pay for it. It gets four stars on our one to five scale.



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