Paging Threxx...Impressions of Lexus LX 470

Reading the review and the specifications of this thing, I was hardly surprised that in the end the two reviewers gave this SUV a good rating (Can you say "media bias"? They seem to throw themselves at the feet of Toyota products.) I have to wonder why anyone would consider a luxury SUV that is short on power, has circa 1995 styling, offers a rough ride, gets 11 MPG in the test-drive average, seems to be a bit of an ergonomic mess, yet costs up to $10,000 more than a loaded 2007 Escalade....

http://info.detnews.com/autosconsumer/autoreviews/index.cfm?id=22382

I would not ever think of owning one of those. BUT I do love the GX 470, now that was one schweet ride. But still too expensive.

I own an RX and I must say it grew on me, and now I am a Lexus nuthugger. :lol:

The LX470 is by far the most obvious rebadged Toyota on lots today. Toyota Land Cruiser, that is. Then again, comparing prices, you don't really pay all that much more for the Lexus varient considering you get a few nice extras and Lexus service, too.

With that out of the way, the LX470 was a good alternative to the GMT-800 Escalade, IMO. Especially if off-roading was your gig but you have too much money to blow. The LX is an excellent platform for offroading if money is no object. I sat in both the new GMT-900 Escalade and the aging LX470 at the auto show a few weeks ago and would take the Escalade hands-down, no questions asked even if the LX was discounted down to the same price as the Escalade. The Escalade is the first GM SUV I've ever sat in that I was truely impressed by the quality, is far more modern inside and out, far more powerful, and a far newer design than the LX.

Which brings up the last point. 2006 was the last model year for the LX. It's being replaced for 2007 by a much lower priced (relatively speaking, we're still talking 50k+ starting out) SUV based on the all new Sequoia platform (which is of course based on the all new Tundra platform).

I'm not sure if we'll see another Land Cruiser and Lexus derivative in the future or not, but rest assured this is its last year in its current antiquated state... Lexus just wanted to 'hold on' as to not leave a gap in their product line, until the new Tundra platform came out.

And speaking of, I believe they're also planning a new Lexus GS-based SUV for 2008. Somewhat of a BMW X5 class competitor in the 50k range.

The GX is still a very competetive vehicle; I consider getting it for my wife instead of our 4runner since they're much the same, but they only come in 4WD and we didn't want 4WD, plus our Lexus dealer is just not nearly as willing to bargain as our Toyota dealer was.

The current RX is nice but is sorely needing the new GR-series 3.5L and new trans... which will be going on sale (RX350) in about a month.

I just did some more thinking about this and realized that the LX470/TLC has been on sale since mid 1997 and has been largely unchanged since then.:eek:

Yeah, I got the feeling this vehicle was rather long in the tooth and soon to get replaced. But that still begs the questions...

Why did these fools even review a vehicle that has gone virtually unchanged in 9 years? :shrug:

Why did they think so highly of it when it looks so dreadful on paper? :rolleyes:

I mean honestly, if this were a GM truck priced that jaw-droppingly high and as far behind the times as this Lexus is...good God in heaven...the criticism would be so fiery hot you probably couldn't hold the paper it is printed on.

But yeah, I forgot, there is no media bias.

But yeah, I forgot, there is no media bias.

There is media bias - and it goes both ways.

I don't think anyone with half a brain is going to put too much stock into what that couple has to say in their 'reviews'. My local paper has a 'full' review of some car every sunday and without fail every last review of ANY make/model of car is glowing.

They lost credibility with me ages ago.

Anyhow - the LX470 isn't bad. It's just not great. Like I said, it stacked up very well against the GMT-800 Escalade, but not the 900.

i'm actually pretty shocked it's unchanged. I'd MUCH rather just have the Land Cruiser, but gas = a bitch

Without looking at either the review or the actual story leading into the review I will guess one of the TWO most anti-American journalists based out of Detroit..

It's either another piece by Christene Tierney or Paul & Anita Lienart.

They can all go work for another cities newspaper just as Carmen 'I will only announce the recalls, you announce the good stuff " Harlen.