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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  45 years for another metal roof convert - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By R Dunn - March 15 - 2:00 am

  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.

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  Smooth Operator - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By KapaluaBreeze - March 13 - 10:00 am

  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!

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  Excellent Buy! - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By G W - March 9 - 10:36 am

  Love the car. Would consider buying another SC 430 in the future, if they ever come out with a 4-wheel drive version, as told to me by the dealer sales agent.

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  2003 LEXUS 430 SC - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By rt stewart - March 8 - 2:00 am

  pOSSIBLY THE BEST CAR IVE EVER OWNED AFTER PREVIOUSLY OWNING SEVERAL MERCEDES, 2 PORSCHE 911 AND 2 CORVETTES. I ONLY HAVE ONE WORD AND THAT IS ... OPTIMUM

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  FUN to drive, but some fixes are in need - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Drlazor - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Fun to Drive. Get all kinds of good looks in this car. The problem is the car has so many little problem that it gets frustrating. 1. The Window does not meet the roof correctly. Should do an MB does and close the window after the door is closed. 2. The run flat tires SUCK. 3. The space between the tire and the rime is bad, My wife has bent the rim runnnig over simple pot holes. 4. The Tan interior does not clean very well. 5. The preformace off the line is not very good. It has to think for a few seconds before it goes. Do get me wrong I like this car alot, but for the price....

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  Your only decision will be which color. - 2006 Lexus SC 430
  By SCsc430 - March 4 - 12:43 am

  This is my first Lexus, and driving the SC 430 goes well beyond my most extreme expectations. It has the silkiest shifting transmission I have ever experienced on a car, and the ride is like floating on air. Ultra-comfortable front seats, and plenty of power help to complement the other features of this car. Test one, and compare it to the other cars in this segment. Your only choice will be which color combination to get.

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  Almost Perfect - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Jeff - March 1 - 2:53 am

  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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  SC430 - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By S HARPER - February 24 - 5:13 am

  Always draws a crowd. Drives well especially when accelerating through turns. Not really a sports car, but itll do considering cost to purchase.

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  Beautiful Sexy Car - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Ill Tell - February 14 - 11:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR!!! I have had it for two years. My ultimate dream car. Could own a maserati, SL500, whatever, I DONT WANT THEM!!! I will keep my SC forever! I would recommend a lexus to anyone, this is my summer car and the GX 470 is my winter car.

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  terrific - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By joe dennehy - February 2 - 5:06 pm

  we use the car mostly on weekends..its lot of fun and has great wow factor..mant many times weve been waved to, honked at, and given smiles and shoutouts. i would urge not getting the runflat tires..hard riding and had to wait weeks for a replacement