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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  2002 SC430 - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By K Cooper - February 5 - 5:03 am

  Acceleration is moderate at first, then strengthens considerably. The ride is very comfortable and the car responds quickly and surely to sudden changes in direction. The hard top convertible is a real plus. Quiet as a coupe when up and very easy to get up or down. Quality is expectional. No repairs needed thru the first 35,000 miles. Maintenance costs are very high if serviced by the dealer. The summer run-flat tires that came with the car were useless in winter, wore out in about 25K miles and were expensive to replace at $300 per tire.

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  SC 430 - 2006 Lexus SC 430
  By dkempf - February 2 - 7:40 am

  Visibilty of the nose and rear end drops off when parking. There is a lack of any bumpers on doors to avoid dings. The paint quality on the exterior is not as good as it should be. I am MOST disappointed in the exterior paint. After purchase I had some zinc oxide rub off on the interior arm rests. Lexus was completely at a loss as to what to do. I am sure other people buying a Lexus convertible will also use sunscreen and have a similar problem. It is very quiet and does not beat you up when the top is down.

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  Great Car! but Expensive Repairs! - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Stunt Jay - November 14 - 4:40 am

  Runflat tires do cause a bit of hard ride. I hit a pothole without seeing it and it bent the rim very easily. Dealer wanted $600 for just the rim. I average 18 MPG as it stated I would. No big deal coming from a Tundra with 13 MPG. Convertible parts are very expensive. Overall I do enjoy driving the car alot and will probably keep it until it dies out on me. I havent had any major mechanical issues at all with the car.

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  Lexus quality slipping? - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By pgret88 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I owned a 1997 Lexus SC 400 for six years No problems except a new battery because I left the trunk open. This new 2002 SC 430 has a rattle in the passengers side. The dealer has been trying to fix it for the last year. The last effort two days ago is uncertain.

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  Avoid the run-flats - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By cameron durrant - December 17 - 2:00 am

  You will pay more to get run-flat tires. You will get scared when cornering or traveling over uneven toads with these tires. This will change to a feeling of being both terified to drive faster than 30 MPH, expscially in the wet, and annoyance that you will then have to pay even more to change these tires to something like Michelin Pilots which do hold the road. You will be irritated that Lexus chooses to ignore customers who suggest the run-flats do not hold the road. Happy driving, or happy sliding, if you have the run-flats and cant afford to pay more to change them.

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  Run flat tires - 2007 Lexus SC 430
  By Agatha - November 7 - 3:10 am

  I love driving this car but I have serious problems with tires separating from the rim. Within the last 4 months, I had to replace 3 tires at $400 each. The car does not even have 15K on it. I am an experienced driver but have never experienced such a problem. I believe that the Dunlap run flat tires are of an inferior quality and need improvement. Lexus dealer informed me that these tires are much thinner on the outer portion of the tire. Maybe that is the problem but we as consumers should not suffer from that! When one buys a $65,000 car, he or she should expect quality including the quality of the tires.

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  Like my Lexus - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By OKBBALL! - July 11 - 11:13 am

  I traded in 2001 Corvette convertible, 6 speed. The SC 430 Lexus is more comfortable, quieter, easier to drive, has a much better sound system, the fit and finish is much better and the interior is such better quality there is no comparison. These are comparisons to a 2005 Vette I test drove. The power on the SC 430 however does not compare to the Vette. I am very satisfied with the SC 430.

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  No front end - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Howard - June 20 - 10:06 pm

  The front end is non existent and you will end up replacing $400 every time you hit a pot hole. It is beautiful, great acceleration, but the tires and wheel covers will be replaced numerous times. The tires which never go flat get lousy overall mileage. It costs over $400 just to put snow tires on in the winter. That is without buying them at $400 a pop. So if you have thousands to waste because the front end was made for a show room this is a great car.

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  Not the most exciting but nice - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Michael OBrien - June 8 - 9:03 pm

  The standard fit navigation system is good but not very user friendly. Lots of nice interior features. The low driving position is not to my liking but comfortable with the top down.

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  2005 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Annie - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I have previously owned a BMW. I like this classy look of Lexus SC 430. I enjoy the hard top convertible of this car. This care gives me a quiet ride and fun to drive. It is very comfortable to ride especially on a weekend trip.