2002 Lexus SC 430 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Lexus' first convertible is an all-new car with a power-retractable metal roof and a small rear seat intended for occasional use, mainly by kids. The SC 430 takes its V8 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission from the LS 430 sedan. Standard features include front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes with emergency-stop power assist, traction/antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, 18-inch wheels, leather/wood cabin trim, navigation system, and premium Mark Levinson audio. Options are few: run-flat tires that eliminate the spare tire for a little extra trunk space, and a rear spoiler.

Competition

This diverse segment offers the widest price range and obviously our Best Buys are somewhere in between. We think that the Acura RL is a steal at $44,000 fully equipped. Though it is a front-drive V6 in a field of V8 rear-drive models, it has a great ride, plenty of power, and is quite luxurious. The refined Lexus LS 430 can't be beat for comfort and features at just under $55,000. Mercedes-Benz E-Class, though a bit long in the tooth, also continues to impress with its impeccable road manners and luxurious comfort.

If you are looking for something a bit more sporting, we Recommend the BMW 5-Series. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the roomy Cadillac DeVille or Lexus GS 300.

News

The SC 430 is still new on the luxury scene, so no changes of consequence should occur for the next few years. Lexus says demand is already running well ahead of projections, and has thus upped yearly SC sales from 10,000 to 12,000 starting with 2002. Even so, you'll wait in vain for special deals on this exclusive, high-end convertible coupe.

2002 Lexus SC 430 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Cargo room

Quietness	Rear-seat entry/exit

Ride/handling	Rear-seat room

Build quality

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base	Class Average
8	7.8

Takeoffs seem lazy, but SC gathers speed fast--test car did 0-60 mph in a quick 6.2 sec--and is a relaxed cruiser. Silky transmission generally responsive, but will hesitate to downshift in certain situations.

Fuel Economy

Base	Class Average
4	4.6

Our Chicago test car averaged 16.6 mpg, on par with rival Mercedes CLK430 and Jaguar XK8. California test car logged 18.5 despite performance tests. Premium fuel required.

Ride Quality

Base	Class Average
6	4

Mainly an easy rider, but 18-inch performance tires produce hard-edge jitters on patchy pavement and some wander along grooved surfaces. Optional run-flats make things stiff and lumpy. Body shows minor top-down quiver on rough roads, but is closed-coupe solid with top up.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base	Class Average
8	8.3

Agile for a luxury tourer despite slightly numb steering. Traction/antiskid system a safety plus. So are the brakes: One test SC wandered slightly in our "panic stop" routine, but distances were short, nosedive minimal.

Quietness

Base	Class Average
7	3.6

Top-up, SC matches or beats most luxury coupes for refinement, despite some low but audible wind rustle and coarse-pavement tire thrum. Top-down wind buffeting is the lowest among convertibles we've tested.

Controls

Base	Class Average
6	5.3

Navigation screen angles to suit ambient light, but can still wash out. Steering-wheel audio volume buttons a bit obscured. No problems otherwise. Retracting top smooth and quick up and down. Sumptuous, beautifully crafted cabin features real wood, soft leather, discreet brightwork.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base	Class Average
7	5.1

Comfortable 10-way power seats are low-set, hampering entry/exit and, for some drivers, visibility; they're also too flat for good lateral location in hard cornering. Ample leg room, but top-up head room just adequate for 6-footers.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base	Class Average
1	.6

Scarcely any of either on padded token "seat," which is best used for small parcels and pets.

Cargo Room

Base	Class Average
2	2.1

Almost none with the top stowed, barely enough for two on a long weekend with top up and careful packing. Optional run-flat tires delete spare tire to add 0.6 cu ft, a poor trade for their harsher ride.

Value within Class

Base	Class Average
5	4.2

Priced a bit above the CLK430 convertible but far below the ragtop XK8, the SC 430 offers a pleasing mix of performance and panache, plus the extra security and convenience of a power metal roof. Demand exceeds supply, so don't expect discounts.

Total Score

Base	Class Average
54	45.6

Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		34
Average Score		45
High Score		61

2002 Lexus SC 430 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 01/30/2002

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 2-door convertible	$61,005	$53,117	$545

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

4.3-liter dohc V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate control, interior air filter, power steering, power tilt/telescoping wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated 10-way power front seats, memory system (front seats, steering wheel, mirrors), center console, cupholders, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/automatic day/night, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, Mark Levinson AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering-wheel radio controls, digital clock, navigation system, tachometer, power-retractable steel hardtop, rear defogger, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage-door opener, remote fuel-door/decklid release.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, high-intensity-discharge headlights, fog lights, tire-pressure monitor, 245/40ZR18 tires, alloy wheels.

Optional Equipment

Appearance and Miscellaneous	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Rear spoiler
Base	$440	$352


Run-flat tires
Base	$400	$320

2002 Lexus SC 430 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Lexus SC 430 2-door convertible

Wheelbase, in.	103.2

Overall Length, in.	177.8

Overall Width, in.	72.0

Overall Height, in.	53.1

Curb Weight, lbs.	3840

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	8.8

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	19.8

Seating Capacity	4

Front Head Room, in.	37.2

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	43.6

Rear Head Room, in.	33.9

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	27.1

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	4.3 /262

Horsepower @ rpm.	300 @ 5600

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	320 @ 3400

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed automatic	18/23

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test

Lexus SC 430 2-door convertible

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	6/70,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	6/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/unlimited	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Japan

Drivewheels: rear-wheel drive

< 2002 Lexus SC 430 Photos

Also in the 2002 Lexus SC 430 Review:

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Lexus SC 430 Road Test

Lexus SC 430 Prices & Equipment

Lexus SC 430 Specs & Safety

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