2001 Lexus LX 470 Amazing off-road capability, sumptuous luxury. By Mitch McCullough, Editor-in-Chief, New Car Test Drive .com

The Lexus LX 470 is one of the few vehicles that can combine the panache and comfort of a luxury car with the off-road prowess of mountain goat. Land Rover's Range Rover also comes to mind. High-end SUVs from Mercedes-Benz and BMW don't offer serious off-road capability.

The Lexus LX 470 is powered by one of the best V8s in the business and offers crisp handling, as well as a luxurious ride. The interior is elegant, well equipped, and the kind of environment you wish your house had. Better still, it is built with precision and the highest quality standards. Lexus has been around over 10 years and has rewritten the book on customer satisfaction and providing a top-notch purchasing experience.

Changes for the 2001 LX 470 include an optional DVD navigation system that includes a (truly remarkable sounding) nine-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. This package even allows you to watch DVD movies on the navigation screen when the transmission is in "P" (for Park), lest you are tempted to watch and drive at the same time. The audio portion of the movie can be played over the system while you're moving, though. The sound system also comes with a six-CD changer and can be purchased without the navigation system.

Other changes include a more sophisticated security feature for the remote keyless entry system, child safety seat anchors for the second row seat, a standard combination wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a digital compass integrated into the auto-dimming rearview mirror, and improved rear cupholders.

Only one model is available, which retails for $61,405.