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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  fun to drive - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By WARREN ROBBINS - March 2 - 12:00 am

  Driving this car is an enjoyable experience. It is very comfortable, has plenty of power. Fun to drive with the top down. Ride is smooth except over bumps.

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  wonderful - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Darianne - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Feels like butter! Handles well. Fun and easy to drive. Fast.

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  BEST DANG CAR IVE OWNED! - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By myfirstlexus - February 3 - 6:06 pm

  This has to be one of the most luxurious vehicles Ive ever been in let alone owned. Fast mover, head turner and a perfect fit for a female (all the controls are really at arms reach.) I see ppl complaining about no back seat. I believe it wasnt made for ppl to sit back there, but for lower insurance premiums by technically being a 4 seater. Bentley has a new model out with the same "issue", that I can assure you they will not be addressing. Its done on purpose. Sure has more room than a SLK which has no space behind the seats.

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  dream car - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By jabber - January 31 - 10:00 am

  The SC430 should be car of the year, every year. Its a pleasure to drive and unlike other top end sports cars there are few on the road. One problem are the run flat tires. Only the dealership in orlando carry them and they are $295 each.

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  RUSTMOBILE - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By JOHNSONB - January 23 - 1:30 pm

  THIS CAR HAS HAD NUMEROUS DEFECTS SINCE PURCHASING. THE MAIN PROBLEM IS BODY RUST. I CHECKED FLORIDA LEMON LAW CASES AND FOUND MANY DISPUTES WITH THIS MODEL.TOO BAD I DIDNT DO MY RESEARCH BEFORE PURCHASING.

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  The Perfect Cocoon of Luxury - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Victoria - January 15 - 12:10 am

  The Lexus SC430 is a near perfect animal. It growls when you need it to but purrs all the time. This automobile is second to none in quality build, interior comfort and beauty, and all around elegance and class. When I drive my SC 430 (black with saddle, ooh la la) heads turn. Shes a beauty. And amazingly, shes as much fun with the top up as down. The perfect cocoon of silence and safety, the way the side of the door is higher than most cars gives you the feeling of being wrapped up in LUXURY!!! I should know. I own a $160 thousand dollar Porsche along with thirty other luxury and sport cars. This car is my daily driver because life is too short to settle for less than the best.

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  2002 SC 430 owner review - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By jayarbee - January 9 - 11:20 pm

  I was attracted to this car purely by its looks and still love it for that reason. After 27,000 miles the only failure of any part has been the gas springs for the trunk. Driving is excellent and stable at high speed. Low speed driving suffers due to relatively stiff steering (no "two-finger" driving for this car). Brakes are the best I have ever experienced. For all the good things there are things my previous car (Buick Reatta) had and did that I miss. I could get more information out of my Buick computer than the Lexus and I could drive with my elbow out the window, which is very uncomfortable in the Lexus. Rear visibility suffers in the Lexus, also.

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  An Awesome and Fun Ride - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Dan Stempkowski - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This car is guaranteed to turn heads. The convenience of a hard top convertible is something you cant imagine until you own one. The interior design....from heated seats to incredible speakers to virtually everthing around you automatic...it is a future world experience. The best of both worlds in that you enjoy the sportiness of the convertible and the luxury of leather and fully automated interior. An awesome and fun ride.

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  Designer Review - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Dennis Kluge - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I am an Interior Designer and I have been driving the SC for two years now (I was able to buy one of the very first in the country. The power is awesome, the interior is incredibly roomy (for two,tight for four). Everything just works together for a fantastic ownership experience. Oh, and the truck fits a suit bag and two duffle bags WITH THE TOP DOWN!!!!! If you drive it in winter, get the snow tires...and it handles like a dream!!!!

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  What are you idiot reviwers smoking? - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By KFranklin - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is easily the best automobile known to man.