New Car Review of the 2004 Lexus LX 470 Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle

Description: Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle
Base MSRP Range: $64,175
Invoice Price Range: $55,830

The luxury sport utility vehicle from Lexus is a formidable machine equipped with tall stance, torque-heavy engine and a four-wheel-drive (4WD) system capable of rolling over daunting off-road obstacles. It also proves on pavement it can be a smooth rider rigged with vast passenger compartment that accommodates eight riders on three tiers of seats.

And those plush appointments: Soft leather and rich walnut wood trimmings, power-everything, and seven audio speakers to envelop you in soothing stereo sounds. It carries the luxurious fittings of an elite sedan as well as the muscular assets of a heavy-duty off-road warrior. The 4WD system has a center differential with limited-slip capacity to distribute engine torque to front or rear wheels. Add a locking mechanism to the center differential plus limited-slip rear differential and you get maximum potential for traction. A big V8 delivers 235 hp and links to a five-speed electronic automatic transmission.

The optional navigation system adds the Bluetooth wireless connection plus bumper camera for reverse video views.