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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  the best - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By black cherry - August 9 - 10:00 am

  had always admired the way the car looked. and wondered if it drove as nice as it looked so when i became available i grabbed it. i usually get a new car every 6 months( im in the business0 but this ones a keeper

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  Sports Luxury Car - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By lexus2 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  The retractable hardtop is a plus, but the main feature is the interior; Rolls quality. Not quite the handling of a Porsche, but not the rough ride either. In summary, this is one of the very few, if not only, roadsters you can drive cross country comfortably.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By SR-22 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  This car has it all. A hard top that folds into the trunk. V8 power, 5 speed automatic, killer sound system, Lux ride, strong performance, 4 seats and I get 19.5 miles per gallon around town and 22 on the road. When compared to other cars in its class it is a bargin price.

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  Total Class - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By eric - July 16 - 8:03 am

  This is simply the best car I have ever had. It rides beautifully, the levinson stereo is amazing, the new wheels are much improved, and retracting the roof is quick, simple push of a button. The interior is absolutely gorgeous.

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  my experience - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By srtinc - June 27 - 10:00 am

  great auto. Does not beat you up.

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  The Relentless Pursuit of Luxury - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By SCamp - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Relax, grin like a fool and enjoy a friend, the scenery and your favorite music for a 10 minute or a 10 day drive. Meander, wander, toddle & wave - plenty of people will likely be watching. The sc430 handling will not excite the "pure" sports car enthusiast: BMW & Audi handle better, Corvette launches faster, and so on. The sc430 can be made to go fast and corner hard, but the suspension, steering & seats are not really set up for it: This is a modern day Packard! Yes, this car *is* fast, as an artifact of excellent engineering, but that is not the main point. Luxury is. And BMW/Audi/Corvette &c cant match it.

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  Red Hot SC430 - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Eantonoff - June 24 - 2:00 am

  By far this is the best car Ive ever owned. This car rivals a F-16 with afterburners at full throttle. Since the day Ive owned it, not one day has passed without getting the attention of another driver or comment in a parking lot. But that is nothing to the feeling of hopping into it, putting the top down and the incredible Mark Levinson Stero on some really fine tunes and cruising the roads at high speeds and quick subtle turns. Like I said, this car is RED HOT !

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  Best Fun Car - 2006 Lexus SC 430
  By Orange - June 23 - 6:53 pm

  What could go wrong, its made by the most reputable and reliable car makers in the world. Forget about the bucket seats, everyone knows its a car made for 2 people and that is fine by me! We bought it for the reliability and quality of the car.

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  A Good Way to Spoil Your Wife - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By David Mac - June 11 - 1:33 pm

  This is my third Lexus and it is every bit a Lexus - which is a good thing! (Previously owned 96 ES300 and 99 LX470) My wife is short and petite, and although this is not a performance car like my 99 Vette Convertible or 97 911 Carrera S, it fits her perfectly and she likes it much better. Having a manual top in the Vette, the automatic top is great - especially as we age! And for the price, any performance shortcomings are easily forgiven. If you want to win points and spoil your wife, this is the car!

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  Rusting SC430 - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Malfarook - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought my dream car in 2003,a brand new 2004 SC430. Among other disappointments, I have rust problem. The alloy wheel is rusting out. The body also have many bubbles, under is rust. It is so disappointing. I did not expect it from a Lexus.