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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Best car Ive owned! - 2005 Lexus SC 430
By joe - June 10 - 8:06 pmFun car, superb characteristics top down or up, quick but not lightening fast. Attracts alot of attention from everyone, so you cannot hide in this beauty. Very reliable. Best on a warm sunny day without a doubt. It is a treat to drive, even after 3 years of ownership. The best car I have owned, including LS and GS 400 models, Jags...
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The best car Ive ever owned - 2003 Lexus SC 430
By lucky boy - June 4 - 10:00 amThis is a great car, tight, reliable, posh, thoughtfully executed. Everything about it suggests quality-- the finish, looks, touch of the controls. I owned the previous model (SC 400) which was also very sexy, but harder to control--road feel, handling, and control of this car are greatly improved. Run flat tires occasionally transmit too much of uneven roads to driver. I look forward to enjoying this car for years to come.
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Not a sports car, a cruiser. - 2003 Lexus SC 430
By silver fox - May 28 - 10:00 amThe quality, reliabilty and workmanship on this car is outstanding, the interior is beutiful. The engine is quiet and powerful but it just doesnt like to rev up. It shifts into a higher gear to soon when you are accelerating. The only way to get full acceleration is to shift manually. The run flat tires are so firm that youll know the location of every manhole cover in town. We joke that you can feel it when you cross the white line. It just doesnt drive like a sports car. More for highway driving.
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My First Lexus and First Convertible - 2002 Lexus SC 430
By LexLaw - May 26 - 12:56 pmFirst off I could not have made a better choice. Mine is Indigo Blue w/ Saddle. Ive driven various high end cars in my brief life (28) and have never experienced the kind of attention I get when driving my new SC (top up or down). My first Lexus and enjoy the headache free ownership that comes with it. I was previously in a Range Rover, nothing but electrical gremlins among other things. I wanted a MB CLK initially but wisely opted not to go with a softop or its German Gremlins. I knew coming in that Id have minimal space and could care less. I dont have any kids so its just me and my Girlfriend and she loves it. The Interior along with its curb appeal are its best features.
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Lexus SC 430 - 2005 Lexus SC 430
By robert Norris - May 13 - 10:30 pmThe SC 430 is a very fine design. Construction detail is excellent in every respect. The car is very quiet, smooth, and operates as advertised. It is really fun to drive. The design of the hardtop retraction system is amazingly smooth and quick. When the top is up the car is not noisy like convertibles tend to be.
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Dream Car - 2005 Lexus SC 430
By John M - May 3 - 11:46 pmI have never had so much fun driving a car. It is smooth, comfortable and just a treat to drive. I have had trouble putting the key in the ignition a few times and will bring this to the attention of the dealer. Probably something I am doing wrong, because there is nothing else wrong about this car. I love it. Getting a combined 19.8 miles per gallon, city & Highway
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RATTLE MOBILE - 2004 Lexus SC 430
By sprete - April 30 - 7:16 pmI purchased this car brand new about 1.5 years ago. Ive had lots of annoying problems with it ever since (too many to list). Im lucky to go 2 months before having to bring it back to dealer. The car has more rattles and noises than a 79 corvette. Dealer replaced a roof hinge that was squeaking so loud that the Mark Lev sound system couldnt drown it out! They finally fixed that and the the passenger side started squeaking. The drivers seatback had to be repaired for a clicking noise-- again, once that was fixed the passenger side started acting up. Run flats are terrible! Thank God the car looks so good and the sound system is the best Ive heard otherwise Id junk this mother!
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Great Fun - 2006 Lexus SC 430
By Sergey Podrez - April 21 - 5:43 pmThis automobile is by far the best I had in my 24 yr driving experience. Very well balanced ride, of course quality wise I cant compare it to any of the above mentioned cars. Attention to every detail in a interior is uncompromising. Very powerful, torque engine and most importantly NO WIND @ 90 mph on freeways! Just love it!
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A head turner - 2002 Lexus SC 430
By Stephen Stern - April 7 - 10:00 amIve had many sports cars and GTs. this is a good compromise from the true Corvette-Boxter type and a luxury GT vehicle. Great excelleration, Avante-Gard looks and totally reliable. Quient enjoyable ride with the top up. Docile yet aggressive when you ask for it. Never a day goes by that many people comment on how good looking this car is. Its a love afair between car and driver.
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SMOOTH AS SILK - 2004 Lexus SC 430
By EGORE - April 3 - 2:00 amZERO PROBLEMS IN 2 YEARS,BEST TRANSMISSION OPERATION OF ANY CAR I DRIVEN.THE ONLY ITEMS FOR CONCERN ARE THE RUN FLAT TIRE NOISE.
