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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  Good stuff - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By JHLohnes - August 23 - 9:10 am

  The quality of the experience is in the ability to easily hold a normal volume conversation going 65 mph with the top down. Interestingly, women in particular love the design. Having owned the prior SC400, Ive gotten many comments from people I know and many I dont, about how they like the style. 75% have been women. It is a tightly engineered, refined use of power.

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  Awesome Auto: Lexus SC 430 - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Mark Murphy - August 15 - 2:00 am

  The Lexus SC 430 is a stylishly- designed hard-top convertible that meets all of the lofty expectations Lexus usually commands. It is quiet, powerful and richly-appointed (i.e. 9- speaker Mark Levinson CD/stereo, DVD navigation system, burled walnut interior), and has all of the beautiful detail so typical of the Lexus brand. However, as a high-performance (300 hp V-8) convertible, it is truly unique. Less expensive than the comparable Jaguar, Mercedes and Cadillac offerings that are its primary competitors, this car is hard to beat.

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  AMAZING - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Dave2009892 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the smoothest rides in town with amazing reliability. GET THIS CAR!!

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  goo driving - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By mansour - August 10 - 2:00 am

  blast to drive. very comfortable and slik looking. made my choice over mercedes slk AMG. this car handles like a dream.

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  Best Convertible on the Road - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Michael B. Johnson - August 8 - 6:03 am

  In the few months that I have owned the SC 430 hardly a day has passed that I have not had someone on the street make a compliment about my car. I purchased the Pebble Beach Edition and I must say that it by far is the BEST looking car on the road. The special edition black is absolutely breath taking. The car handles beautifully on the road as well. I am especially pleased with the hard top conv. I live in a climate that does not allow the top to be down all the time and I enjoy the fact that you do not notice that you are driving a conv. with the top up. The Lexus quality and the dealerships are the highest quality that I have encounter to date. Looking forward to the new SC 430 model.

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  NEAR PERFECT - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By JIM SMITH - August 4 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR IS AS PERFECT AS A CAR CAN EVER HOPE TO BE. MY ONLY COMPLAINT IS THE LOW FRONT END WHICH CAN HANG UP ON BUMPER STOPS IN PARKING LOTS. ALSO THE VINYL AREAS ON THE CAR CAN DETERIORATE WITH ORDINARY CLEANING COMPOUNDS.

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  Excellent - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By SC430 Convertible - July 30 - 5:40 am

  Have enjoyed it, but certain small things are starting to go wrong ... brake light stays on when brake is not on, tire light stays on even though I have had them filled ... small things like that keep happening that are a bit annoying.

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  Love the car - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By SCDriver - July 24 - 8:16 pm

  I traded in my 911 for this car. While I miss the responsiveness of the 911, I wont miss the hassles with ownership, repair costs, etc. The SC430 is a pleasure to dive. The build quality is outstanding. I have the top down all the time unless its raining or sunny and over 90 degrees.

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  Look Out Competitors! - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By pecos - July 16 - 10:00 am

  The best automobile I have ever owned.I have owned a 72 Pontiac GTO,78 Datsun 280Z,86 Saab 900Turbo,88 Porsche 928,97 Toyota Twin Turbo Supra and the car I currently ownn, a Lexus SC430.It is quick,quiet and responsive with the best standard audio system on the market.Priced slightly above a Mercedes SLK and substantially below an SL which comes closer to the SC.Im thrilled with my SC430 and can not see how Lexus can top this automobile.

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  lexus sc430 - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By eaglei - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I have had the car for almost two years and it handles well, excellent acceleration and seat comfort. Cup holders are a little flimsy but this is the only downside I see. Best priced car for the money in this class compared with the Mercedes and the Caddy.