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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  Incredible Car with roof rattles - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Chartist10 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This car is so fun and special to drive and everyone is looking at you. Ultimate in luxury. The car, however, suffers from roof liner rattles. The top, itself, is solid. The interior liner of the top, however, is an engineering disaster. The roof liner is a separate piece from the side liners, therefore, as they rub against each other, you get rattles. Believe me, this is a problem that needs to be addressed by Lexus. The "fit" lexus designers must have been absent when this liner was created. However, the car is so special that one can overlook this. Just play that incredible sound system at a resonable level and all will be well!

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  Beautiful, but if you have kids, no way! - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Alexandra - November 24 - 12:50 am

  Beautiful car. Read some reviews before I leased it, from Edmunds that stated there was plenty of room for children. I have a 2 and 3 year old and well, there just isnt any room. Just wanted to clarify that online, if you have kids, and expect them to drive in this car, youre in la la land.

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  WISH I HAD MY CORVETTE - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By TERPSMIAMI - August 8 - 2:00 am

  THE SC 430 IS A VERY SUBMISSIVE "SPORTS TOURING" AUTOMOBILE. I TRADED MY CORVETTE AND LEASED THIS CAR FOR MY SIGNIFICANT OTHER WHO IS NO LONGER WITH ME. (LESSON LEARNED) IF YOU WANT TO SPRUCE UP YOUR IMAGE GET THE SC 430. HOWEVER, IF YOU WANT TO "DRIVE" THE NEAREST THING TO A RACE CAR FOR AROUND $50,000, GET A VETTE. YOU WONT REGRET IT. THE NEW CORVETTES (C5 OR LATER) HAVE PERFORMANCE ONLY RIVALED BY CARS OVER $150,000. THE VETTE IS THE BEST SPORTS CAR VALUE AVAILABLE.

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  Great Fun - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By nssc430 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive with the top up or down, in the summer or the dead of winter with snow on the streets.

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  So much fun - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By BAdams - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Ive not regretted one penny spent for this wonderful little automobile. Its so much fun. I just hate its a year old. Seems just like yesterday when I bought it.

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  Fun Car, Great Value, Interior Rattles - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Chartist10 - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive. You feel special with the top down. Nice power, great sound, convenience of automatic roof is great. Wouldnt want to drive this car on long trips, its a bit cramped. Luxurious feel.

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  SC 430 - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By jesslvaudio - August 27 - 11:43 pm

  What can be said, other than the fact that I test drove the rest, and bought the best. Lexus quality cannot be surpassed.

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  the best - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By black cherry - August 9 - 10:00 am

  had always admired the way the car looked. and wondered if it drove as nice as it looked so when i became available i grabbed it. i usually get a new car every 6 months( im in the business0 but this ones a keeper

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  Fun Car - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Lynda Deuble - May 24 - 9:26 am

  This car has incredible brakes! It will stop on a dime! It corners well and handles well and is a dream to drive. The steering is quite sensitive compared to other cars.

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  Mixed Reviews - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Meow - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE the look of this car. I have gotten so many compliments on it. Ive always had BMWs and find this ride to be worse than the BMW. It has more horsepower than my BMWs, but it doesnt drive like a fast car. The interior is luxurious but a little tight. Stereo system rocks! Now the negatives, the seatbelts flap in the back when the top is down. The trunk never opens easily... you have to keep pushing the buttons and then you have to push the trunk down and finally it will click open. You cant put ANYTHING in it when the top is down. On the good side, there is nothing like cruising in the sunshine with the top down and tunes blaring.