Consumers, by and large, are smart.

A car company can't become a top seller with smooth talk, gimmicky features or flamboyant styling. That may help explain why Lexus and its parent company, Toyota, rack up sales even in the midst of one of the toughest markets we've seen in years.

And they will continue to sell vehicles if they make them like the 2007 Lexus GX 470 sport utility vehicle, which does the job with no fuss whatsoever.

This car, while expensive, actually is reasonably priced when you consider the level of technology and the amount of luxury features it offers.

The basic price is $46,635, which includes full-time four-wheel drive with a limited slip center differential, rear adjustable height control with auto-leveling, rollover sensing front and rear side curtain air bags, downhill assist control, hill-start assist control, bird's eye maple wood trim, and leather seats that you sink into.

The engine is so quiet that you can't hear it running. The steering is absolutely effortless. And given its four-wheel drive system and the full-length chassis it shares with Toyota's FJ Cruiser and 4Runner, two off-road champs, it's bound to be a strong candidate for off-road driving.

The GX 470 doesn't get terrific gas mileage: 15 mpg in the city and 19 on the highway with the 4.7-liter, 263-horsepower V-8.

I also think the basic design of the interior could use an update or perhaps some alterations to set it apart from what's offered in other products. And I didn't like the arrangement of the third-row seat, which splits and is anchored against the two sides of the car when not being used. I can't help but think that as time goes by, it will rattle, but maybe not. It is a Lexus, after all.

But none of that takes away from the basic excellence of the product.

The GX 470 may not spring immediately to mind when you're looking in this price range. But it's definitely worth a look if you like luxury, utility and comfort.