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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  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.

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  Best car Ive owned! - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By joe - June 10 - 8:06 pm

  Fun 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 am

  This 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 am

  The 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 pm

  First 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 pm

  The 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 pm

  I 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