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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  Incredible Car with roof rattles - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Chartist10 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This car is so fun and special to drive and everyone is looking at you. Ultimate in luxury. The car, however, suffers from roof liner rattles. The top, itself, is solid. The interior liner of the top, however, is an engineering disaster. The roof liner is a separate piece from the side liners, therefore, as they rub against each other, you get rattles. Believe me, this is a problem that needs to be addressed by Lexus. The "fit" lexus designers must have been absent when this liner was created. However, the car is so special that one can overlook this. Just play that incredible sound system at a resonable level and all will be well!

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  A timeless beauty! Lexus 430 - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By psitzmary - January 20 - 2:56 am

  A dream come true! A car that is worth 65k for 33k! Looks great and rides like whipped butter. Its a 2002 & the only difference between the later models are the mileage, price, voice activated nav and the bluetooth. Save yourself thousands, get an early model with low mileage. Get a good earpiece for your cell phone & save. Its the same car though 2002 was the best one, research it! Though I must be practical and balance mileage and gas because of high gas prices for premium, its totally worth it! When gas is high, ride around town! When gas is lowered, hit the road! You will look good and feel great doing it! I LOVE my Lexus 430!

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  Purchased with 85,000 miles. - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Used 85,000 miles sc - January 12 - 5:50 pm

  Purchased this car because I was looking for reliability in a pseudo sports car. I am 50+ and I wanted to gracefully move through midlife crisis in a sporty car. I have owned three Porsches for over 25 years, and then a Mercedes. Since 02 Ive owned an Acura TLS. Reliability was one of the major considerations to purchase this car. Its too soon to tell, but for now this Lexus still runs like new.

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  Its a keeper - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By dutch - January 4 - 3:13 pm

  Yes, it does not handle like a porsche, but who cares! Top up or down you will not find a more enjoyable, relaxing cruising experience. Not a single problem in 3+ years of driving attests to the overall quality of the car. Cheaper than quite a few of the alternatives and still a car that gets approving looks and compliments just about any day that I drive it.

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  SC430 Rocks! - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Rucker - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Car is absolultely stunning in every way. My friends love the value you get and all the neat gadgets. Fuel economony is okay, but the ride is well worth going to the pump more often!

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  SC 430 - 2007 Lexus SC 430
  By Glenn - December 29 - 12:00 pm

  This car is a refined sports car which may be too tame for some, but just right for others. It does not offer the excitement of a 911, Viper or Z06, but it does have creature comforts and fit and finish which is beyond reproach. Having owned many other roadsters, I can tell this is the one Ill keep for a while to come.

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  Great Job Lexus! - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Dermas - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Great car! Quality is superb. Everything about this car is perfect!

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  Fun Luxury Convertible - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By jhawley - December 6 - 10:33 am

  I love the design, comfort and hardtop/convertibility ease. Plenty of power while not a race car.

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  03 SC 430 - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By RON36330 - November 24 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT DEALER SERVICE. CAR RECEIVED WITH NO DEFECTS OR ADJUSTMENTS REQUIRED. ALL EQUIPMENT WORKS AND NO PROBLEMS. FIT AND FININSH ARE FLAWLESS.

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  Short people want to drive it too! - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By shorty - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this car but, THERE IS NO WAY AROUND THE BLIND SPOT ON THE BACK RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR WHEN THE TOP IS UP. WHEN THE TOP IS DOWN THERE IS AN IMPROVEMENT BUT NOT GOOD ENOUGH. before YOU BUY SIT IN CAR AND CHECK OUT THE BLIND SPOT AS SEAT DOES NOT GO UP VERY FAR. LOOK AT TOP EDGE OF CAR WITH WINDOWS AND TOP DOWN AND WHILE YOU ARE SITTING IN THE DRIVERS SEAT. AT MY HEIGHT MY LINE OF SIGHT IS JUST A FRACTION OVER THE TOP OF THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. THIS IS THE BLIND SPOT I, AM TALKING ABOUT. NOT ACCEPTABLE.