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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  02 SC430 - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By jdleroy - January 29 - 12:58 am

  Bought the car 1 year ago @ 12 years of age with 100K and loving. All original equipment is still functioning perfectly and car is running strong, with the exception of 3 busted speakers that I replaced.

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  headturner - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By man hoang - January 24 - 10:00 am

  after over a year that i got this sc430, i still have the same feeling every time i drive it. fascinating.thrilled.

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  My Review - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By EscaladeXS500 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I think this is one of the best convertibles out there, the backseat is a little small, but still usefull for luggage and other things, and the hard top is great for rain because you can barely even hear it, i love this car, and it definately blows the competition out of the water.

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  Exquisitely Fun & Beautiful - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By TDT - January 14 - 1:53 pm

  Weve only had the car for almost a month and have driven over 1500 miles already, 90% of it with the top down. Our two kids, ages 6 & 8, still fit in the back seat, and they absolutely love it! The quality and finish are unsurpassed. This is our first Lexus, and after driving Mercedes and BMWs, nothing beats the Lexus experience!

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  A Dream Car - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Jay - December 6 - 4:10 pm

  I bought my 2003 SC430 with 50k miles on it for $20,000. Everything is immaculate on this car, always serviced when needed. The drive does have that sport car ride to it due to the low profile RFTs. The sound system sounds amazing although it is very expensive to replace just 1 speaker at $320. The rear seats (golf bag holder) are useless for people to sit in. The trunk surprisingly does have decent space when the top is up. Being that the model is still the same as of 2010. I will upgrade some of the standard parts to the newest style.

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  Great - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By NIck - November 30 - 2:00 am

  UI love this car it is quite when yiou drive and it has a lot of cool gadgets

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  Great Car! - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Valerie - November 16 - 7:13 am

  I bought this car new in 2002 and have driven it almost 100,000 miles. Still love it. Other than the CD player becoming inexplicably inoperable recently (I spent $800 to replace it), it has never had any major problems. Lexus hasnt changed the body style at all since 2002, so with a recent paint job, the car looks brand new.

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  Best quality convertible value - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By e-bayer - November 15 - 6:33 pm

  Far better value than comparable BMW and MB convertibles. Automatic top is techno-marvel. Interior is Rolls quality. Body is beautiful and functional. Bought it one year old with 11k miles on E-bay to save $16k off sticker. Couldnt have spent 48k on better car. Highly recommend if you want ultra-reliable luxury convertible for reasonable price.

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  Great Car! but Expensive Repairs! - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Stunt Jay - November 14 - 4:40 am

  Runflat tires do cause a bit of hard ride. I hit a pothole without seeing it and it bent the rim very easily. Dealer wanted $600 for just the rim. I average 18 MPG as it stated I would. No big deal coming from a Tundra with 13 MPG. Convertible parts are very expensive. Overall I do enjoy driving the car alot and will probably keep it until it dies out on me. I havent had any major mechanical issues at all with the car.

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  Rolling Luxury - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By dpb - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This has been an outstanding automobile. The car is fun to drive, comfortable, and has plenty of power. The sound system: incredible! I get more postive comments about this car than I did with the Corvette C-5 I had owned.