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:

• 

  My Lexus SC 430 - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By e. sebra - May 19 - 12:56 pm

  Great looking, great driving, head turning car. Good speed and sports car feel with some luxury extras. Hard top convertible mechanism is seamless and fast and once its down its REALLY fun. Not as fast as my 02 Vette, but this I can drive for more than 2 hours without having to get a massage afterwards.

• 

  A fun car to drive! - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By busy_doc - April 24 - 10:00 am

  This is an absolutely outstanding car. It is fun to drive this car. The stereo system is awesome and so is everything else with the car. If you love to drive a well priced quality covertible sports car, this is it.

• 

  Love the car - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By JPeterson - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Wanted the security of hard top but also wanted a convertible. Had a Mercedez two seater prior to this car and I liked it but the SC430 at least has room for groceries or small children in back seat. Handles well, great performance. Completely pleased with this car.

• 

  Perfect - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By The TB - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Perfect!!!! There are no problems with this car!

• 

  Beware of Snow... - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Looneytuna - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Do not attempt to drive this car with any snow or ice on the road. It has absolutely no traction even in the snow mode. I have owned Benzs with rear wheel drive and they at least held the road. Unfortunately this is a warm climate car only. The new run flat tires are horrible, living in NYC, they continue to lose air and get bubbles with the slightest bumps..

• 

  2007 SC430 Pebble beach Edition - 2007 Lexus SC 430
  By Kevin Flanagan - February 23 - 2:30 am

  Purchased this car used with only 7000 miles. This car has exceeded my expectations in all respects. The engineering, fit and finish are beyond reproach. The only concern is the run flat tires. I got the P.B. Edition and love it. I doesnt compare to Porsche, but wasnt designed to do so. A great car for me at 66 yrs.

• 

  Great Ride, Mega Fun - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By ClarkWC - February 23 - 2:00 am

  We went to the dealership looking for the suv and came away with this beauty. As soon as we test drove it we had to have it. The handling is great and the comfort level in the front 2 seats is wonderful. We have received a huge amount of compliments and an even larger amounts of looks will driving around in it and as it sits alone.

• 

  so glad I bought it - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By oakland_dad - February 13 - 9:30 am

  I bought the SC 430 used from the dealer. The car runs great, is comfortable and enjoyable and never breaks down. Tires are expensive though.

• 

  2002 SC430 - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By K Cooper - February 5 - 5:03 am

  Acceleration is moderate at first, then strengthens considerably. The ride is very comfortable and the car responds quickly and surely to sudden changes in direction. The hard top convertible is a real plus. Quiet as a coupe when up and very easy to get up or down. Quality is expectional. No repairs needed thru the first 35,000 miles. Maintenance costs are very high if serviced by the dealer. The summer run-flat tires that came with the car were useless in winter, wore out in about 25K miles and were expensive to replace at $300 per tire.

• 

  SC 430 - 2006 Lexus SC 430
  By dkempf - February 2 - 7:40 am

  Visibilty of the nose and rear end drops off when parking. There is a lack of any bumpers on doors to avoid dings. The paint quality on the exterior is not as good as it should be. I am MOST disappointed in the exterior paint. After purchase I had some zinc oxide rub off on the interior arm rests. Lexus was completely at a loss as to what to do. I am sure other people buying a Lexus convertible will also use sunscreen and have a similar problem. It is very quiet and does not beat you up when the top is down.