2002 Lexus SC 430 Review
Fuel Economy
18 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
This is the bragging rights car du jour, and if you're willing to sacrifice a bit of driving dynamics for the latest cool gadgetry, this is the car for you.
Pros
Luxurious comfort and convenience features, avant-garde styling, wonderful engine performance, retractable hard-top, Lexus quality.
Cons
Sparse cargo space, cramped (nearly useless) rear seats.
What's New for 2002
After nearly a decade out of the sport coupe spotlight, Lexus returns with a compelling entry. Since its debut of the SC coupe in 1992, Lexus has largely been overlooked by shoppers who wanted avant-garde styling, sports car performance and luxurious appointments. And it has never before offered a convertible roof. They need look no further. The new SC 430 delivers all that in spades.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Close to Perfect
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
Review
This Lexus is outstanding. My sc430 handles nice, is comfortable, and is very reliable thus far- all of what you would expect from a Lexus. The hardtop operation is stunning. The luxury appointments are breathtaking. In terms of performance, the car won't blow you away, but the sc430 is adequately powerful and fun to drive. The car also feels very safe and drives very strong in the rain and snow. I immediately changed the run flat tires to Kumo Grand Touring Platinum tires, and the new tires greatly improve the ride, traction, and handling. Even with the new tires, the ride is a bit harsher than I expected for a Lexus. Overall, this car is as close to perfect as you will come for the price.
Favorite Features
Hardtop operation; reliability; interior and exterior styling; handling; comfort; safety driving in poor weather.
Suggested Improvements
The suspension is too stiff and choppy. Changing runflats will increase comfort dramatically. The sc430 could use a bit more power and especially low end torque.
Nice Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
Review
I love my sc430. I bought this vehicle about six months ago with 72K miles from an independent dealership. This Lexus is not as fast as some sports cars, but the luxurious interior, unique exterior, comfortable seats, and retractable hardtop makes up for any shortcomings. I changed the runflats to grand touring "Platinum Kumo All-Season" tires. With the new tires, the traction is greatly improved and the ride quality is slightly improved. Overall, as a used vehicle this car is outstanding given the price, features, and Lexus reliability.
Favorite Features
Retractable hardtop; comfortable seats; nav; styling; interior wood; handling; safety; few blindspots.
Suggested Improvements
The OEM suspension and tires are terrible. I changed the tires, and that improves the ride substantially, but the ride quality is less than what I expected for a Lexus. A little bit more low end torque and horsepower would be nice.
2002 SC 430
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
Review
Great car, fun to drive, lots of looks. Car has 132,000 miles now. All maintenance preformed by dealer. Drives like a new one. Ave mpg 22 city 26 hwy. Great nav system, stereo.
Favorite Features
Nav system, smooth ride, powerfull motor, power top, heated seats, reliability.
Suggested Improvements
Run flat tires lasted 8 months. And very expensive. Fuzzion zri are inexpensive and lasting over 2 yrs.
Greatest head turner
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
Review
Even though several auto companies are now making hardtop convertibles, people are still amazed whenever the top goes up or down. Great fun to drive especially in sunny California. in 25 seconds the roof is down with the push of a button. Great mix of luxury and sport with the best reliability of any hardtop convertible. If you buy it with runflat tires, immediately change them out and you will find it has the most incredible ride. INCREDIBLE CAR!!
Favorite Features
Power top. Hidden doors for stereo & navigation, looks, comfort, power.
Suggested Improvements
Poor cupholders/no storage/back seat is unusable
Best car ever!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
Review
I had to drive this car in a massive rain storm while 18 wheelers were pulled over, this car hug the road and never once did i think it would lose control. This car is a head turner and also extremely reliable. I feel certain I can get a couple of hundred thousand miles on it like my other Lexus.
Favorite Features
Everything! Front, back, inside and out!
Suggested Improvements
Make a 4 door.
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