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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  SC2004 - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By J. Tait - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I love the car but I recently had a severe accident with it. The car took the hit very well It is solidly built and I think saved my life. After teh accident it ran well even though severely damaged

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  GREAT CAR - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By asubf asknda - January 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is unblievable, and is great for this price comparing the Mercedes SL and the Jaguar XK. Get it.

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  Beauty is a SC 430 Lexus - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Mina J - December 30 - 10:00 am

  It was love at first sight when I saw my Egyptian Sand Pearl Lexus. The interior is a rich saddle that looks perfect with the exterior color. I researched this car for a year before I decided to make such a major purchase. When I saw it, the money almost seemed insignificant. The ride is fabulous, the power is great, and luxury abounds. Its my retirement car. 2006, here I come!

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  Beats Mercedes - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By johndhenry - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Overall Review: This is the best car Ive owned...and currently I own two Mercedes (E3204Matic Wagon & C280). The car has an anvil like feel and the engine power never seems to end. The high- end quality of the interior and its overall fit and finish are much superior to Mercedes...which seems to have gone down hill in the past several years (lots of ill fitting plastic and visits to the mechanic). Also, my 11 month and 3 year olds car seats fit in the back seat quite well for weekend drives to the Beach.

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  One Sweet Ride - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By SexySC - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Dollar for dollar, simply the best hardtop convertible in the world. A fast, smooth,ultra-luxurious and comfortable convertible with cool distinctive retro-futuristic styling and an awesome sound system. Build quality and luxurious ambience is superb - superior to cars that cost tens of thousands more

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  Nice car - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By charlyn - November 20 - 8:30 pm

  This car does not have a very good shock absorber system. It is very rough on the road, but it gets about 26mpg, which is better than I expected on highway driving at fast speeds. The car has a lot of power.

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  "Gentlemans Dream Car" - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By gdl - November 18 - 10:00 am

  My tltle for the review comes from what the ticket taker at the ferry told me as I was driving home with it. I bought the car because it was a 4 passenger with a hard top. Lexus was the only car that fit that criteria 4seats-hardtop{not a rag top}. It wasnt until after I bought that I realized all the things that made it a "dream car" the interior comfort in just sitting in it, the stereo,tilting rear view mirrors when the car is put in reverse, quit motor, powerful motor, quiet interior as you travel with the top down at 60+ mph, GPS,and you cant averlook the comments you get about the car

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  SC430 - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By bartnfw - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Comfort and handling make the car treat to drive. The fuel economy for this level of performance is outstanding.

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  fantastic - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By pamelak - October 31 - 10:00 am

  this is a fun, fantastic car to own and drive.............................

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  A Boring Convertible - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By mickeyalso - October 12 - 10:00 am

  For a performance convertible this has to be the most boring for the dollar. Our Volvo S60R T5 is more fun, and a better value. It pales in comparison to the Z06 for a performance vehicle.