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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  My Lexus - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Gradwell - January 24 - 10:00 am

  It is the best car i have driven. Very comfortable. Back seats are too small for use but how often do we need them? The nicest interior of any car we saw.

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  Grammy drives a Lexus SC 430 - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By grammychild - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This car has been my one splurge, and it has been worth it. I love this car, and I love seeing more women driving it. This back seat area is small, but Ive gotten my grandchildren back there easily, and my shopping bags. I love the 8 cylinder because it gives it so much pick up. I love the hardtop because I feel safer than I would with a cloth top. There is no better exterior design; the interior design is luxurious; Ive had another Lexus, and I love their reliability. Its a man magnet! I never get tired of watching the hardtop going into the trunk with a push of a button. Its a love fest!

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  A Really Unique Ride - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Melinda Massingale - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Thus far I love my new vehicle. It is comfortable and sporty looking. When playing the radio, the stereo does not seem quite as dynamite as my LS 400 that I use to have. This may be bacause it is in a smaller space with fewer speakers. The sound is good but not as good. I can tell that the paint is going to scratch really easy. I have indigo blue (or it may be that it shows up more on darker colors). Overall I love the car and I would buy it again in a heart beat. It is a smooth ride with all of the classy features.

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  Juice Mobile - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Juice21 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  My wife and just bought the Lexus SC 430. We bit the bullet. Boy are we glad. It is everything we exected. The performance is fantastic. The looks you get every day is incredible. People just stop & look & kids scream "love you car". It is so quiet with the top down. The speaker system is better than my Bose at home. The scary thing is that it is not satisfied at going 70 or 80 miles and hour. We love it!

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  Lexus 430 conv - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By siggy99 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Excellent performance vehicle. Slightly sluggish until the engine kicks, then watch out. Gas mileage better than expected (21 miles per gallon average). Sharp looking car with the top down. This vehicle gets plenty of stares.

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  Excellent price for a fantastic car - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By parvissalehi - January 24 - 10:00 am

  What can i say it is the most car for the money

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  sc430 - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By mikey15 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I love driving this car every time I get into it.

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  love the car-hate the tires - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By ctjim52@aol.com - January 24 - 10:00 am

  very nice car in all ways,but tires and wheels are a problem.run flat tires can not be fixed--very stupid,also wheels are a little week for the way the car rides.

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  DRIVING A DREAM - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By billinhbg - January 24 - 10:00 am

  My 2004 Absolutely Red SC-430 is a dream to drive. It performs with outstanding agility and finese. As a coupe it is a typical Lexus, quiet, refined and quality build. As a convertible it is an eye-catching drive to drive. Some of the best hours f my day are spent in the drivers seat of this suberb vehicle. With a red exterior and a saddle interior ot a day goes by without several people commenting on its beauty. The "envy" factor has many eying the machine from near and afar. Its quick and agile off the line and eats the vast majority of vehicles alive with its outstanding engine and drive train combination.

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  A great driving experience - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By ABCDEFG - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The SC 430 is all we have come to expect from Lexus-well designed inside and out, a comfortable (if a bit stiff) ride and perfect workmanship. The driver and passenger seats are reasonably high so the visibility and comfort are terrific for a sports car. We also own a 2003 430 LS so an added plus is that the controls are similar in the two cars. Lexus service remains without peer.