2002 Lexus SC 430 Review
2002 Lexus SC 430 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
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
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.
Edmunds 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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$305/mo for SC 430 Base
SC 430 Base
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
The new Lexus SC 430 is the first convertible ever offered by the Japanese automaker. We think it's a prizewinner right out of the gate. Based on the sporty Lexus GS 430 platform, the SC 430 promises luxurious appointments, nifty technology, precise steering and handling and ripping performance.
The automatic aluminum convertible roof stores magically into the trunk for al fresco motoring and with the roof up it's a hardtop coupe with little wind noise and superior structural rigidity. In fact, Lexus claims the SC 430 has better body stiffness than the Mercedes CLK and Jaguar XK8. The only problem with the retractable roof is that when it's lowered there's very little storage space in the trunk - a problem endemic to 2+2 coupe/convertibles. We wish Lexus would have skipped the token back seats (only a person with legs as thick as rope could fit back there) and made the trunk larger.
But this is the only problem we have with the SC 430 design. Lexus designers spent several weeks in the French Riviera and were inspired by the many high-performance luxury yachts that ply the deep blue Riviera waters. Consequently, there is a nautical resonance in the SC 430's sculpted, aerodynamic lines. It resembles the wooden speed boats of the 1930s with a classic, streamlined look that makes it different and instantly appealing.
The interior maintains the elegant, modern simplicity of the exterior. The cockpit is filled with real wood and leather. Many of the controls (e.g. the stereo) are hidden by spring loaded wooden covers, so that the console has an uncluttered feel, again much like a classic speedboat.
Lexus has equipped the SC 430 with the amenities expected of a luxury auto, including a navigation system, leather seats with driver and passenger memory functions, an astounding 240-watt, nine-speaker premium audio system and a sophisticated climate control system that automatically adjusts to provide either hot or cool air depending on outside air temperatures and the speed of the car.
The SC 430 is powered by the same 4.3-liter V8 engine that Lexus uses in the LS and GS sedans. The double overhead cam aluminum powerplant produces 300 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 320 foot-pounds of torque at 3,400. Lexus brags that the SC 430 rockets from zero-to-60 mph in 5.9 seconds, which is faster than a Porsche Boxster. The five-speed automatic transmission provides butter-smooth shifts exactly when they're needed.
The SC 430's structural rigidity, combined with front and rear double wishbone independent suspension and standard 18-inch alloy wheels with high-performance 245/40ZR18 Dunlop tires, helps provide a wonderfully smooth ride. The steering is solid and precise, creating a tangible connection to the road and the SC's four-wheel disc brakes with ABS ensure true stops.
If you get carried away in the SC 430, it's equipped with Brake Assist (a system that applies maximum braking power during emergency stops), VSC (vehicle stability control), traction control, seatbelt pretensioners and dual front and side airbags.
And it would be easy to get carried away in this wonderful new convertible.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Lexus SC 430.
5 star(95%)
4 star(2%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(0%)
120 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
'02 SC430
jdleroy, 08/23/2014
2002 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
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.
5 out of 5 stars
great car
Dave Iwinski, 03/07/2016
2002 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
I never keep a new car past 4-5 years. I have owned my 2002 SC430 14 years. I still struggle if I want a convertible again, what is better??
I have pampered it like a baby and it still looks new. If you can find a well kept one, buy it.
4.75 out of 5 stars
My fifth one
CHUBBY4323, 03/09/2010
2002 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
I just purchased an 02 SC430 and I am loving it!! Let me start by saying this is my 5th Lexus. I've owned 2 LS400, SC400, GS300 and now this SC430. I had no problem purchasing this vehicle w/98,000 mile on it and it looks brand new. (Garage Kept) The car has had every scheduled maintenance service since the car was purchased. It drives just like the 2010 and I saved thousands.. I've … owned many other brands, but Lexus is my favorite. Now that I'm hitting mid life crisis I will stay w/Lexus from here on out!!
5 out of 5 stars
SC 430 ("02")
I.G., 07/16/2010
2002 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
Ok, I've owned this "02" for only about 3 months, but only drives it for weekends only. I also own a "91" LS400 which is still running like new with a 140K plus. The SC is a all that and more from the modern exterior to the flawless interior (except for the cup holder, no biggie). Every time I drive, I'm always stopped to ask whether it's a 2010 or what? This most definitely was … ahead of its time for a "02" I'll tell anyone, once you drive a LEXUS, you wouldn't want to drive anything ELSE!
2002 SC 430 Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $61,055 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $305/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 8.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the SC 430 include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
Related Used 2002 Lexus SC 430 info
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