2005 Lexus SC 430 Review
Fuel Economy
18 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Though not particularly invigorating to drive, the Lexus SC 430 counters with a serene top-down experience for a price considerably less than the competition.
Pros
Long list of comfort and convenience features, beautifully finished interior, silky V8 engine, retractable hardtop, Lexus quality.
Cons
Sparse cargo space, cramped (and nearly useless) rear seats, doesn't inspire anything more than leisurely cruising.
What's New for 2005
The 2005 SC 430 receives new shock absorbers for improved ride comfort and driving performance. All-season run-flat tires are now an available option in addition to the summer-use run-flats offered previously.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Best convertable?
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
Review
I used to have a Mazda Miata back in 1990 and belonged to the Miata Club of America. Then went to a Mercedes 190 evo. loved the car but the fun factor was not there. Now this Lexus is a dream come true! Power, style, and reliability! Wow! By far the best car in the world for me. I love to just hop in and drive with no destination in mind. Looking to go from Toronto to Vancouver next summer. What other car would be as awesome?
Favorite Features
Style, performance, not bad on gas. And mostly reliability!!!
Suggested Improvements
Hmmm better back seat? Nah its a drivers car with room for one only. How about some rad new colours?
Peeble beach review
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
Review
I would like to see this sexy vehicle stay around. I cannot believe the plug is about to be pulled on this work of art. The only change I feel is necessary is the front end design. A couple minor changes could make this car very popular once again. The head lights cover too much space. I feel a change that resembles the front end of of the mercedes SL 550 would greatly improve its appeal. Do that and I'll buy another.
Favorite Features
Overall look, design and feel.
Suggested Improvements
Front end design needs some minor modification. The head lights look too bulky. They cover too much surface of the hood. I would like to see two small rounded head lights like on the mercedes coupe.
The Tires And Rims Are The Worst!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
Review
The car is definitely fun to drive. When the top is down, it turns heads. The hard top goes up and down like a charm. The reliability of the transmission and engine is superb. But, the tires are the absolute worst! The rims are soft metal and dent, scratch, and disfigure at every curb. One pothole and your stomach ties into knots because you know that the sensor will sound and you will need to spend between $250-$425 for one, yes ONE tire. Everyone I meet loves the car and hates the tires. Sure, you can put regular tires on the car, but where do you put the spare?? My friend just turned his in because of the tires. One curb, one pothole and I reach into my wallet.
Favorite Features
Hardtop convertible. Look when the top is down. Interior is beautiful. Engine and transmission work well.
Suggested Improvements
Add tiptronic paddles for effect. Would be a nice addition. Use regular tires and figure out some place for the spare. Make the rims of a much sturdier metal and use tires that raise them above the curblines. Better screen for navigation device. Hard to see in sunlight. Better gas mileage.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Awesome Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
Review
The best car I've ever owned, and I've owned 14 over the years including a corvette. Build quality and reliablity is the best of any car maker regardless of price. Beautiful looking, very fun to drive, top down is a breeze, comfortable, incredible sound system. I'm getting 25 mpg on highway. Not one problem in 2 years. Nav system is fun to use on trips. Plenty of go power, less than the vette, but as to build quality and reliability, no comparison. Rides smooth and quiet, yet screams if I step on it. This one's a keeper.
Favorite Features
Power roof, sound system, gorgeous interior, build quality. Turning radius is better than any vehicle I've had. Engine is a dream, with the top down, sounds like a sports car without being overbearing.
Suggested Improvements
More driver leg room, low profile rims that aren't so easy to scratch up, backup camera. Can always use more power.
a dream on wheels
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
Review
I have previously owned a jaguar sjs, m/benz 280sl, 350sl, 380sl. All great cars! However, the Lexus 430sc truly out performs all other cars I have ever owned or driven in this automotive category. The handling, the soft ride, the accessibility of instruments and the overall design puts this car in a class of its own. You can purchase a convertible with a retractible roof for more money, but you can't buy a better one. Lexus pays attention to detail. This car is quiet, great looking and fun, fun, fun to drive!
Favorite Features
The oh so quiet retractible roof. When in the trunk, no rattles. When on the car, no air leaks and NO OUTSDE NOISE.
Suggested Improvements
Fuel economy should be better. What about a front wheel, or all wheel drive. For those of us where the weather gets a little rough, it would be nice to be able to drive this beauty more often.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2010 Lexus SC 430
- 2009 Lexus SC 430
- 2008 Lexus SC 430
- 2007 Lexus SC 430
- 2006 Lexus SC 430
- 2005 Lexus SC 430
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