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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  17 year old with 40,000 miles - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Pete Giambalvo - January 11 - 5:57 pm

  Just purchased an '04 SC430 in Oregon with 41,000 miles on it. Where it has been for 17 years baffles me. The car looks and runs like new, just a few wear details. It replaced an '02 SC430 that was totaled. I loved the SC430 so much, I didn't want any other car.

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  Luv it all but the tires ! - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Mark - January 1 - 6:28 pm

  Walk around it, climb inside it, and then put the top down . YOURE HOOKED ! But then the run-flat tires ruin everything. Couldnt wait to get rid of them...and now its PERFECT !

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  Precision Machine - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Greg Hamilton - November 12 - 3:56 pm

  I like many others have had the muscle cars and the European Sports cars, but I can tell you that this is the absolutely the most fun car to drive ever. Top up driving is quiet and luxurious while you cruise along the road with the Mark Levinson sound system surrounding you with pure crisp top quality sound. With the top down it is an experience you will never forget. Cruising down the highway at 70 mph, listening to a sound system that is as clear with the top down as it is with it up. The ride is like floating on a cloud. I wish they still made the SC430 so that i could get a new one,,but I will hang on to my 2005 at long as i can. Best car ever{{{

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  Perfection - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Pete Birks Leicester, UK - January 16 - 4:45 pm

  Bought my sc430 two months ago. Returned from a hospital appointment to find some *****had crashed into the wing. Would you believe the insurance company are writing it off as too expensive to repair. What idiots throwing away a Picasso because the frame has a tend in it. The great news is I will soon have a payout from them and can go searching for another. Sadly here in the U.K they are a rare beast only a couple of thousand registered. Maybe I should move to California where sc430 are obviously truly appreciated

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  Lexus SC430, My Opinion - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Eddie Varnadore - December 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my SC430 in March, 2001. One of the first delivered in Marietta, Ga. I enjoy the car. Styling is great, Its a head turner. Overall I rate it an excellent automobile. Problems Ive had are as follows: Clunking sound (metal to metal) in rear of car over rough bumps.) Road noise from no-flat tires, wind noise from rear seat belts when top down. Also, car bottoms out over bumps.

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  Dealership experience poor - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Boston - December 18 - 10:00 am

  Service intake people are poorly trained. They blamed us for not contacting the sale person before we came in to have the snow tires installed. We made the appointment 2 weeks before, dropped- offed the car for 3 hours, then finally got a phone call to be told that the dealership didnt have the tires. The car also has a few loose pieces of plastics, one of them found under the seat. This reflects poor dealer preparation of the car before delivery. The dealership, just as like any others, pushed hard to sell add- ons. Paint already show minor chips on rear bumper.

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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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  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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  Lexus SC 400 Convertible - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By TrawickR - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Plenty of room for 2 passengers. Very limited luggage space. Firmest ride of any vehicle Ive ever owned. Comfortable driver seat. Not as quiet or as smooth as my Lexus LS 430. Easier entrance than most sports cars. "Run flat" tires over $300 each run about 1500 miles. No spare tire.

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  LEXUS 430 - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By LINDA BROWN - December 1 - 10:00 am

  PROS FAST AND GOOD LOOKING CONS SMALL LOW TO GROUND NO BACK SEAT TOO MUCH MONEY FOR CAR