2002 Lexus SC 430 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.77/5 Average
97 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

After nearly a decade out of the sport coupe spotlight, Lexus returns with a compelling entry. Since its debut of the SC coupe in 1992, Lexus has largely been overlooked by shoppers who wanted avant-garde styling, sports car performance and luxurious appointments. And it has never before offered a convertible roof. They need look no further. The new SC 430 delivers all that in spades.

Pros:
  • Luxurious comfort and convenience features, avant-garde styling, wonderful engine performance, retractable hard-top, Lexus quality.
Cons:
  • Sparse cargo space, cramped (nearly useless) rear seats.

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 97.00
  • My fifth one - 2002 Lexus SC 430
    By -

    I just purchased an 02 SC430 and I am loving it!! Let me start by saying this is my 5th Lexus. Ive owned 2 LS400, SC400, GS300 and now this SC430. I had no problem purchasing this vehicle w/98,000 mile on it and it looks brand new. (Garage Kept) The car has had every scheduled maintenance service since the car was purchased. It drives just like the 2010 and I saved thousands.. Ive owned many other brands, but Lexus is my favorite. Now that Im hitting mid life crisis I will stay w/Lexus from here on out!!

  • Over Rated Toyota - 2002 Lexus SC 430
    By -

    I have never been so disappointed in a vehicle!!! My 2003 Lincoln LS V8 out performs the Lexus, hands down. As far as luxury features are concerned, there are non, other than a great navigation system. The seats are hard, the accelaration is fair, at best. The styling is unique but, you cant see the front, much less the rear, of the car from the drivers seat making parking a nightmare. I was considering a Vette but, went for the Lexus SC for a better ride, boy was I wrong! Handling and ride are both far less than my Lincoln. Overall, I find the car to be a real ripoff and Im about to loss $10,000.00 + just to get rid of it!

  • Close to Perfect - 2002 Lexus SC 430
    By -

    This Lexus is outstanding. My sc430 handles nice, is comfortable, and is very reliable thus far- all of what you would expect from a Lexus. The hardtop operation is stunning. The luxury appointments are breathtaking. In terms of performance, the car wont blow you away, but the sc430 is adequately powerful and fun to drive. The car also feels very safe and drives very strong in the rain and snow. I immediately changed the run flat tires to Kumo Grand Touring Platinum tires, and the new tires greatly improve the ride, traction, and handling. Even with the new tires, the ride is a bit harsher than I expected for a Lexus. Overall, this car is as close to perfect as you will come for the price.

  • Cosmo - 2002 Lexus SC 430
    By -

    This is my third Lexus automobile and I considered no other vehicles at the time I purchased my 2002 SC430. As much as I admired the Lexus SC430, the fact that it was a Lexus and that I had had two very good previous experiences with Lexus automobiles was a big factor in my decision. The only problem I have experienced with the vehicle was a faulty "window regulator", which manifested itself by a rattling sound. The problem was corrected when the dealership installed a new regulator. Otherwise, I have continued to enjoy this vehicle since taking delivery in August 2002.

  • Close to perfect - 2002 Lexus SC 430
    By -

    Thanks to all who posted their reviews previously. This is a fantastic car that will not disappoint as long as you understand it is not a pure sports car, but instead a GT touring car. I got the saddle interior, which not only looks good but actually smells like leather (unlike most japanese cars).

  • Not What I Thought - 2002 Lexus SC 430
    By -

    I must be an idiot !! My girl convinced me to buy this car. I was perfectly content with my Gorgeous 50th anniversarry Corvette. From the day I bought this so called "certified" car I have had nothing but problems. Thank god its still under warranty !! Then my dad said something very true...the SC430 is nothing more that a jazzed up Toyota!! Remember that when you buy this overpriced wanna be sports car. You would expect that they put some thought into the suspension. My Ford F-150 rides smoother than this. Today I brought it in yet again because it keeps eating batteries. Three visits and they cant figure out what the problem is - they are talking about replacing the harness now.

  • SC430...King of the Road - 2002 Lexus SC 430
    By -

    Ihave many cars including Ferrari, Rolls, Bentley...Astin Martin..did love my Rolls a lot, but the Lexus SC 430SC is all my dreams wrapped up in one car..its a convertible..its a hardtop..its most comfortable..beautiful interior...not a sleek body style,,but all in all a winner..for the money..a real buy....

  • 45 years for another metal roof convert - 2002 Lexus SC 430
    By -

    Ive always wanted a convertible. My 1957 Ford Skyliner was almost perfect. But the embarassment to an 18 year when the roof refused to close was tough. I drove my SC430 off the lot expecting it to happen here. Wrong! It never failed.The gas mileage, about 18 overall, was better than expected. I was stopped in all weather by at least one person a day asking "what is it? Its the most beautiful car I ever saw." Someone living in New England better not drive in snow or ice. Those wide 18" wheels & 300hp engine has no traction even on level ground. I dropped mine off after 24 months & 32,000 miles, happy with the experience and hoping for spring.

  • Smooth Operator - 2002 Lexus SC 430
    By -

    This is a great car on its own right. It is also the best value for the money. The closest match (2003 Mercedes SL-500) costs $40,000 more when equipped similarly!

  • Almost Perfect - 2002 Lexus SC 430
    By -

    Love this car. Fast, fun top up or down. Quiet. Bulletproof. Love the exotic wood look of the birds eye maple. Wish I could add about 100 more horsepower just for fun but then that would be a 911S, wouldnt it? Seriously if you are considering an SC430, its a great 2 seater with a lot of package room. (Dont think of the rear seats as seats, they are simply insurance lowering devices). The Mark Levinson sound system is the best Ive heard in a car. Get rid of the run-flats and put Michelin performance tires on for less road noise. The best compliment that I can give this car is that my next car may be a newer one with 6-speed automatic and satellite radio.

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