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:

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  The Tires And Rims Are The Worst! - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By MERIK R. AARON - July 27 - 5:10 pm

  The car is definitely fun to drive. When the top is down, it turns heads. The hard top goes up and down like a charm. The reliability of the transmission and engine is superb. But, the tires are the absolute worst! The rims are soft metal and dent, scratch, and disfigure at every curb. One pothole and your stomach ties into knots because you know that the sensor will sound and you will need to spend between $250-$425 for one, yes ONE tire. Everyone I meet loves the car and hates the tires. Sure, you can put regular tires on the car, but where do you put the spare?? My friend just turned his in because of the tires. One curb, one pothole and I reach into my wallet.

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  Lexus SC 430 - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Lexus lover - July 21 - 2:43 am

  Best coupe convertible ever. More roomy than XLR or AMG 55 and better appointment and craftmanship than both of those. The cockpit is relaxed and functional. None of the convertibles tested would allow one to go down the highway with the top down and be able to talk without shouting and to listen to the stereo except the Lexus SC 430. We love ours and I am 62" and sit comfortably in the passenger seat. The passenger seat reclines to allow short naps on long trips. Not doable on the XLR or the MB AMG.

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  Love My Lexus - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By MoeMc - July 11 - 2:00 am

  All I can say about this car is WOW!

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  A Winner and a Benchmark for Quality - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By A new Lexus Customer - July 9 - 10:00 am

  A truly refined automobile.

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  my first lexus - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By gary L - July 4 - 10:00 am

  HAD IT FOR 4K MILES. A REAL HEAD TURNER, GOT THE INDIGO BLUE W/ECRU. NAV IS OK, BUT NOT TOTALLY ACCURATE. DEALERS SERVICE PEOPLE ARE GREAT, BOUGHT OZ RACING WHEELS FOR $1,000 AT TIRE DISCOUNTERS, ECRU IS VERY TOUGH TO KEEP CLEAN!!! ALREADY GOT 3 CHIPS IN NOSE...MAN THAT FIRST ONE WAS AGGRAVATING!,LIKE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREE DEALER CAR WASHES, BUT THEY DO A CRAPPY JOB COMPARED TO ME, SO I END UP DOING IT OVER ANYWAY (SORRY) WOULD LIKE A STIFFER SUSPENSION, MORE LIKE MY X5 BMW. OVERALL, CANT KNOCK THIS GREAT CAR, EVEN THOUGH ITS NOT A MB. GOOD DEAL FOR THE BUCK WITH ALL THE OPTIONS!

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  mid life - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Peter - July 3 - 8:00 am

  I have had my SC 430 since 2002.This car is the best blend of pure elegence and performance. While it wont out corner a 9-11, You wont feel every dead bug on the road. A car for someone who wants to be pampered. The SC 430 is more comfortable than my ES 300. The Mark Levinson sound system is better than my in home Sony system. You will love this car! One thing: it, simply stated, stinks in the snow. With the top up there is a lot of trunk space. With it down, well, thats what the "back seats" are for. It eats gas but if thats a big deal to you, you shouldnt be looking at a 300 hp vehicle.

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  Floating Heaven - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Maazoo - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I am experiencing the privilege of owning my dream car. Its amazing that so much power comes from such a quiet engine. From the superb handling to the exquisite design, I am thrilled each time I get behind the wheel. She turns heads and drops jaws! Loving it~

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  too much money - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By j Quist - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Thought this car was a must have so traded my 99 Corvette for it.This is an ideal car for a women but it sure is not a Corvette. Its a look at me type of car that should cost maybe $39,000.00 not the almost $70,000.00 I paid. The roof leaks when it goes thru the car wash,thats not good.Sometimes it just wont start,deal service is good

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  Lexus SC 430 - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Judy Konos - June 19 - 5:26 pm

  Simply put, I love my Lexus SC 430! It is drop dead gorgeous and commended by everyone, especially drivers on the road traveling beside me. The Amethyst color changes continually with the sun and shade and at nightfall. It hugs the exits from interstates as though there were no twists nor turns. It is extremely fast, comfortable, fun and most of all EXCITING. Lexus should be commended for all the time and effort that went into building his automobile.

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  MY SC430 - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By FAF - June 11 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR HAS QUIET, SMOOTH, AND RESPONSIVE POWER. IT TURNS HEADS AND COMMANDS LOOKS EVEN WHEN PARKED. COMFORT, LUXURY, AND SPORTS APPEAL ALL ROLLED INTO ONE EXCELLENT VEHICLE.