03 GX to 06 LX initial impressions
07-13-05, 08:47 AM
#1
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03 GX to 06 LX initial impressions
Just picked up an 06 LX470 this passed Sunday and traded in my 03 GX. I had some really good memories with the GX and I'm surely going to miss that truck.
Here are some subtle differences between the GX and LX. At the time of this writing I have only 300miles on the LX.
Steering is a bit faster or more responsive on the LX than on the GX. This could be from the VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering System) or slightly lower profile tires.
The ride comfort is very similar. They are both quiet and rides like a true premium luxury truck. However, on freeway dips the GX tend to bottom out in the rear causing a jolt, on the other hand the LX doesn't seem to bottom out, it just glides through the dip.
Brake Pedal feel is a lot better on the 06 LX than on the 03 GX. The GX always had a soft pedal making it feel that you will not be able to stop in time, I tried bleeding it several times but to no avail. On the 04 + GX , Lexus changed the Master Cylinder probably to stiffen the pedal up, I haven't driven an 04 GX to give any conclusions.
I miss the dark gray interior of the GX (LX has light gray). Therefore, it might be harder to keep clean on the LX.
For some reason I prefer the swing out tail gate on the GX than on the LX. It seems that the lower half of the tail gate on the LX is always in my way when getting stuff out.
GX hands down has the power advantage over the LX. The LX just dosen't pull as hard and the transmission is constantly down shifting to keep the truck at speed. I know it still needs to be broken in but I don't see it getting noticably better.
That is it for now. Off roading impressions coming soon.
Regards,
Charleston
Here are some subtle differences between the GX and LX. At the time of this writing I have only 300miles on the LX.
Steering is a bit faster or more responsive on the LX than on the GX. This could be from the VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering System) or slightly lower profile tires.
The ride comfort is very similar. They are both quiet and rides like a true premium luxury truck. However, on freeway dips the GX tend to bottom out in the rear causing a jolt, on the other hand the LX doesn't seem to bottom out, it just glides through the dip.
Brake Pedal feel is a lot better on the 06 LX than on the 03 GX. The GX always had a soft pedal making it feel that you will not be able to stop in time, I tried bleeding it several times but to no avail. On the 04 + GX , Lexus changed the Master Cylinder probably to stiffen the pedal up, I haven't driven an 04 GX to give any conclusions.
I miss the dark gray interior of the GX (LX has light gray). Therefore, it might be harder to keep clean on the LX.
For some reason I prefer the swing out tail gate on the GX than on the LX. It seems that the lower half of the tail gate on the LX is always in my way when getting stuff out.
GX hands down has the power advantage over the LX. The LX just dosen't pull as hard and the transmission is constantly down shifting to keep the truck at speed. I know it still needs to be broken in but I don't see it getting noticably better.
That is it for now. Off roading impressions coming soon.
Regards,
Charleston
07-13-05, 09:25 AM
#5
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Originally Posted by CivicFerio
Just picked up an 06 LX470 this passed Sunday and traded in my 03 GX. I had some really good memories with the GX and I'm surely going to miss that truck.
Here are some subtle differences between the GX and LX. At the time of this writing I have only 300miles on the LX.
Steering is a bit faster or more responsive on the LX than on the GX. This could be from the VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering System) or slightly lower profile tires.
The ride comfort is very similar. They are both quiet and rides like a true premium luxury truck. However, on freeway dips the GX tend to bottom out in the rear causing a jolt, on the other hand the LX doesn't seem to bottom out, it just glides through the dip.
Brake Pedal feel is a lot better on the 06 LX than on the 03 GX. The GX always had a soft pedal making it feel that you will not be able to stop in time, I tried bleeding it several times but to no avail. On the 04 + GX , Lexus changed the Master Cylinder probably to stiffen the pedal up, I haven't driven an 04 GX to give any conclusions.
I miss the dark gray interior of the GX (LX has light gray). Therefore, it might be harder to keep clean on the LX.
For some reason I prefer the swing out tail gate on the GX than on the LX. It seems that the lower half of the tail gate on the LX is always in my way when getting stuff out.
GX hands down has the power advantage over the LX. The LX just dosen't pull as hard and the transmission is constantly down shifting to keep the truck at speed. I know it still needs to be broken in but I don't see it getting noticably better.
That is it for now. Off roading impressions coming soon.
Regards,
Charleston
Here are some subtle differences between the GX and LX. At the time of this writing I have only 300miles on the LX.
Steering is a bit faster or more responsive on the LX than on the GX. This could be from the VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering System) or slightly lower profile tires.
The ride comfort is very similar. They are both quiet and rides like a true premium luxury truck. However, on freeway dips the GX tend to bottom out in the rear causing a jolt, on the other hand the LX doesn't seem to bottom out, it just glides through the dip.
Brake Pedal feel is a lot better on the 06 LX than on the 03 GX. The GX always had a soft pedal making it feel that you will not be able to stop in time, I tried bleeding it several times but to no avail. On the 04 + GX , Lexus changed the Master Cylinder probably to stiffen the pedal up, I haven't driven an 04 GX to give any conclusions.
I miss the dark gray interior of the GX (LX has light gray). Therefore, it might be harder to keep clean on the LX.
For some reason I prefer the swing out tail gate on the GX than on the LX. It seems that the lower half of the tail gate on the LX is always in my way when getting stuff out.
GX hands down has the power advantage over the LX. The LX just dosen't pull as hard and the transmission is constantly down shifting to keep the truck at speed. I know it still needs to be broken in but I don't see it getting noticably better.
That is it for now. Off roading impressions coming soon.
Regards,
Charleston
you will sure miss the better mpg in the GX
congrats 
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07-18-05, 11:52 AM
#12
Pole Position
My impression is just from a couple test drives....
Originally Posted by GS3Tek
Awesome choice on the LX civic
.............................especially about how the LX can absorb the dip bettter than the GX.
.............................especially about how the LX can absorb the dip bettter than the GX.
07-18-05, 11:56 AM
#13
Originally Posted by vicpai
......but for some reason I felt the GX rode much HARSHER, even on surface streets, than the LX, especially when hitting potholes. The LX just seemed to glide over them like they didn't exist, whereas the GX produced a "jolty" "KHA-WHOOP....THUNK" (if you guys know what I mean)
07-19-05, 09:00 AM
#14
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Yes, the lack of travel in the rear suspension resulting in the all too frequent compression into the bumpstops, and resultant jolt and thunk, really bothers me. I've had plenty of other solid axle trucks, with less sophisticated suspensions, that did far better. My other gripe, which also plagues the LX and other Lexi, is the John Deere inspired shiftgate. I really like to row my own gears, but Lexus is obviously trying to dissuade me from doing so.
Yet, three cheers for another rear swing-out tailgate
That makes a total of two fans.
Anxiously await an Offroad comparison.
Yet, three cheers for another rear swing-out tailgate
That makes a total of two fans.Anxiously await an Offroad comparison.
07-19-05, 01:25 PM
#15
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So... out of curiosity, what made you choose the LX over the GX? Every time I look into it, it just doesn't seem like the LX offers much more except a higher price tag. Your comparison so far seems to confirm that thought.