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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  Like my Lexus - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By OKBBALL! - July 11 - 11:13 am

  I traded in 2001 Corvette convertible, 6 speed. The SC 430 Lexus is more comfortable, quieter, easier to drive, has a much better sound system, the fit and finish is much better and the interior is such better quality there is no comparison. These are comparisons to a 2005 Vette I test drove. The power on the SC 430 however does not compare to the Vette. I am very satisfied with the SC 430.

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  Superb - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Heathcliff - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Superb car, the best Ive ever owned. Great looking, fun to drive and its a Lexus. Beats BMW I sold to buy it by *miles*.

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  The Pebble Beach - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Joe C - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Great car and fun to drive! We picked up our Pebble Beach SC 430 from the dealer on the first weekend in October. It has plenty of power and the navigation system is fantastic. The ride is not as hard as we had heard. The suspension works well with the run flat tires. The color is awesome. The fit and finish is fantastic! The back seat works for us as luggage shelf and a place for our daughter to set on short drive. Thanks Lexus great car!!

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  No front end - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Howard - June 20 - 10:06 pm

  The front end is non existent and you will end up replacing $400 every time you hit a pot hole. It is beautiful, great acceleration, but the tires and wheel covers will be replaced numerous times. The tires which never go flat get lousy overall mileage. It costs over $400 just to put snow tires on in the winter. That is without buying them at $400 a pop. So if you have thousands to waste because the front end was made for a show room this is a great car.

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  Not the most exciting but nice - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Michael OBrien - June 8 - 9:03 pm

  The standard fit navigation system is good but not very user friendly. Lots of nice interior features. The low driving position is not to my liking but comfortable with the top down.

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  Change the runflats - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Jack Cunningham - June 2 - 1:13 pm

  Recently purchased a 2003 SC with 13k miles and have driven it 4k in 6 weeks. Initial impressions, this is the best car Ive ever owned and fun to drive. Only complaint I had was the runflat tires that came with the car. The runflats were noisy and rode very rough. Changed to Pirelli PZero Neros and WHAT A DIFFERENCE.. Quiet and smooth, like a different car. Opted for no spare and purchased a small tire pump and repair kit for $20.

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  Super Car! - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Tim - May 30 - 11:36 pm

  I drove standard shift sports cars for 17 years prior to getting my SC 430 and was thrilled with the reliability, style, acceleration capability and comfort of the SC 430. A great car that is exceptionally fun to cruise around in with the top down, and a grand road car with it up. However, there are some improvements that can be made.

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  2003 SC 430 Review - 2006 Lexus SC 430
  By TWalker795 - May 23 - 8:00 pm

  Exhilarating!!! From the moment I took the keys, my life changed. This car looks sexy & handles far better than I expected.

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  Got to Luv it - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Liza3143 - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Real fun to drive car

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  Superior Vehicle with low maintenance - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By mjnincal - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle seems molds to your body. Ground design and center of gravity stable. 0 to 60 in less than five seconds is dynamic. Quiet interior. Makes you feel like you are in a jet aircraft.