Overview & Reviews

Shortly after the launch of the Lexus brand in the early '90s, this luxury automaker introduced its SC coupe. The original SC was initially available with a six- (SC 300) or eight- (SC 400) cylinder engine. But even with the debut of these sporty coupes, Lexus still lacked a convertible model. That gap in the model line was filled when the Lexus SC 430 replaced that pair of SC coupes. The SC 430 luxury convertible was one of the first modern production vehicles to popularize a retractable-hardtop design.

A handsome, richly appointed interior, a smooth and sprightly V8 and top-notch build quality were the SC 430's chief attributes. The few downsides include tiny, essentially unusable rear seats and an isolated driving experience. Viewed as a two-passenger luxury car first and a sporty convertible second, the Lexus SC 430 fared reasonably well. But if you're looking for sharper handling and more aggressive performance, most of the offerings from Germany's luxury automakers will serve you better.

Most Recent Lexus SC 430
The Lexus SC 430 had a long production run lasting from 2002-'10. On paper, the SC 430 could be seen as a sports car considering its V8 power, convertible top and essentially two-seater cockpit. But in reality the SC 430 was primarily a luxury tourer that was packed with amenities. The one-touch power-folding hardtop (the SC was one of the first cars to pioneer this technology) made the car ideal for all-season use, as it provided better security and noise reduction than a traditional fabric top.

The SC 430 was long on luxury and features. There was just one trim level, and it came very well equipped with items like leather upholstery, genuine wood trim and a navigation system. Under the hood was a 4.3-liter V8 that produced 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Initially, power flowed to the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission.

There were only minor changes throughout the car's run. For 2005, Lexus retuned the suspension for a smoother ride. A new six-speed automatic transmission and adaptive headlights showed up the following year, as did updated exterior styling with new wheels and taillights. Inside, the Lexus SC 430 received a new gauge cluster, shift plate and revised trim. The V8's rated output also dropped slightly, to 288 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, though actual acceleration was unaffected.

For 2007, Lexus added driver and passenger knee airbags and a front passenger seat occupant sensor for airbag deactivation. For the SC's final model year in 2010, the navigation system was upgraded to include real-time traffic and other features, while satellite radio, an iPod interface and Bluetooth streaming audio were added to the standard features list.

In general, we found that despite the smooth V8 and somewhat sporty suspension calibrations, an involving drive and razor-sharp handling weren't a part of the SC's pedigree. Instead, the SC 430 placed plush ride comfort over sporty handling dynamics. The suspension soaked up bumps like a new sponge but the drive just wasn't very entertaining. But as a luxury convertible with a reputation for very good reliability, the SC 430 should serve you well.

User Reviews:

• 

  toy - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By ramaquois - November 28 - 10:00 am

  this is the best riding car i have owned. it is my third lexus first sc. it is the absolute worst car in any amount of snow. it gets no traction regardless of the snow control gadgits on the dash. the dealership, with tongue in cheek, stated that you shouldnt use it in any snow.

• 

  A WORK OF ART/ EYE CANDY - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By DAESTERS1 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  ITS GREAT. I PURCHASED A C4 PORSCHE AND IT HAD TIPTRONIC I WANTED TO GET SOMETHING AS CLOSE TO PERFORMANCE,LOOK AND LESS PRICE WITH THE SAME FEATURES. I TRIED THE CORVETTE 04 AND THE SC430 WAS THE CLOSEST TO PERFORMANCE.IT WASNT TAILEND HEAVY SO IF I WANT TO TAKE OFF I CAN DO SO SAFELY.IT WAS PLEASED IT ALSO HAD SPORT PACKAGE, 1/2 THE PRICE, AND NAVIGATION DEVICE.IVE DRIVEN IT 700 MILES AWAY FROM HOME AND THE DRIVE IS SMOOTH..

• 

  Fun Car - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By alpollack - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Car runs like a dream..tight body..no noises. Good control at low speeds,tight control at high speeds. Such fun.!!Car draws stares with top up or down. 21+mpg...or 18 in town.

• 

  Awesome - 2006 Lexus SC 430
  By Tom Fink - November 21 - 2:33 am

  Everything about this car has been perfect!

• 

  Worth it - if you only watch the top go down! - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Jay - November 17 - 10:11 am

  The acceleration is incredible! Watching the top go down is almost as good as sex (almost)!! Even with it being an 11 year old car - the interior is luxurious - black leather with the burled dark walnut is elegant. The exterior is beautiful (not as striking as my 1999 SC400 - but excellent). Everything work like it did the day it rolled off the showroom floor. The only downside is that it isnt exactly top down weather - so Im impatiently waiting for the weather to turn. Of course - the only drawback is the lack of up-to-date electronics. Cant download my contacts from my phone. It handles "1-touch" dialing - but you have to manually enter your top 10 phone numbers, but the Bluetooth still works well with the phone. The navigation system is okay, but needs updating (need to go on-line and find an upgrade DVD. I updated it with a wireless back-up camera - tough to see behind you without it. I get about 22 mpg and it only had 83000 miles on it when I bought it!

• 

  Great Convertible - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By parispick - November 11 - 10:00 am

  We have had absulutely no problems with this car . It is a joy to drive. The retractible hardtop is supberb. Very quiet with top down. Handles great

• 

  Lexus is Luxury! - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Gulfvet66 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  The kind of luxury driving experience you always dream of. The kind of convertible you can drive for six hours with the top down, or all day with it up. Fit and finish rivaling european cars that cost $30,000 more.

• 

  2 Years Later - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By El Torito - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought my SC430 during the early release. I now have 20,000 miles on it and have had absolutely no problems with it. I like the style, what a car for the price. I use it as a two seater, so no complaints about the back seat. I find the storage sufficient even with the top down. I would recommend a slightly tighter front suspension. The run flat tires have been great and holding up much longer than predicted. Best car for the price in its class.

• 

  Magnificent car - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By jbt - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is just a lot of fun to drive. It is smooth, comfortable. The dashboard is well laid out and convenient to use. The navigation system is outstanding. The top retracts with great style. This car is beautiful to see moving or parked.

• 

  GREAT CAR BUT.......... - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By LSD - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Love the handling and the brakes are spectacular. Car is very quiet, smooth and energetic.