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Lexus SC

EPA MPG: NA
Average Retail Price
$ NA

RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

First Take
Introduced last spring as a 2002 model, this coupe-cum-convertible features an electrically operated metal roof that retracts into the trunk at the touch of a button, much like the one found on the Mercedes-Benz SLK. While nominally a 2+2, the SC430 has a tiny rear seat best suited to a pocketbook or briefcase. Power comes from a 300-horsepower version of the same refined 4.3-liter V8 found in Lexus' GS and LS sedans. Expect quiet, smooth, powerful acceleration. Handling isn't as sporty as in some competitive models, however. The list of standard features is quite comprehensive, and includes a DVD navigation system. Run-flat tires and a rear spoiler are the only available options.

2002 Sports cars & Convertibles Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Lexus vs. Other New Car Brands

Lexus vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2002 Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings

$ NA
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$4,325 - $6,500
economy-icon
EPA MPG 23 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,475 - $4,650
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,625 - $8,050
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,475 - $5,225
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    convertible
Seating
2 front, 2 rear
Drive Wheels
Rear
Engines Available
  • 4.3-liter V8 (300 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 5-speed automatic
Warranty

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2002-
Current Generation

While the configuration of the Lexus SC430 may lead you to believe it is intended to be a sports car, it isn't. A personal luxury car with a retractable hard top, the Lexus SC430 offers the attributes of a plush coupe with the potential for open-air cruising in one of the most sumptuous and refined interiors on the market. The SC430 is very well finished, with extremely soft carpets and supple leather seats. Motorized panels covering the navigation screen and radio create a nearly continuous sweep of nice-looking wood across the dash. The 4.3-liter V8 engine is smooth and refined, but the SC430 is not particularly quick. However, it does return decent overall fuel economy at 21 mpg on premium, and the six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly.

1992-2001
1992 Redesign Year

The original SC coupes were introduced for 1992. The six-cylinder SC300 cost less than the V8-powered SC400 and still delivered good performance, though at the expense of some engine smoothness. The SC300 offered a five-speed manual transmission, but the SC400 was only available with an automatic. These cars handled nimbly in our tests, and their suspensions soaked up bumps without fuss. The front seats offer fine accommodation, but the rear is tight. The trunk is also small. Both cars were dropped following the 2000 model year. Their successor, the SC430 convertible with a retractable hard top, bowed in 2002.