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2003 Lexus SC 430 Road Test
Date Published: 11/23/08
Also in the 2003 Lexus SC 430 Review:
Our road test for the 2003 Lexus SC 430 includes a full evaluation of the
2003 Lexus SC 430 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and
handling performance for the 2003 Lexus SC 430, but also interior cabin
and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the
2003 Lexus SC 430 help you decide if a 2003 Lexus SC 430 is right for
you.
2003 Lexus SC 430 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Cargo room |
| Quietness | Rear-seat entry/exit |
| Handling | Rear-seat room |
| Build quality | |
| Interior materials | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
V8's "drive by wire" throttle makes takeoffs seem lazy, but SC gathers speed fast--test car did 0-60 mph in just 6.2 sec--and is a relaxed cruiser. Silky transmission generally responsive, but will hesitate to downshift in certain situations.
| Base | Class Average |
| 7 | 7.7 |
V8's "drive by wire" throttle makes takeoffs seem lazy, but SC gathers speed fast--test car did 0-60 mph in just 6.2 sec--and is a relaxed cruiser. Silky transmission generally responsive, but will hesitate to downshift in certain situations.
Fuel Economy
Our Chicago test car averaged 16.6 mpg. California test car averaged 18.5 despite performance tests. Premium fuel required.
| Base | Class Average |
| 4 | 4.8 |
Our Chicago test car averaged 16.6 mpg. California test car averaged 18.5 despite performance tests. Premium fuel required.
Ride Quality
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 with stiff sidewalls make ride even harder. Body shows minor top-down quiver on rough roads, but is closed-coupe solid with top up.
| Base | Class Average |
| 6 | 4.1 |
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 with stiff sidewalls make ride even harder. Body shows minor top-down quiver on rough roads, but is closed-coupe solid with top up.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Agile for a luxury tourer despite slightly numb steering. Traction/antiskid system a safety plus. One test SC wandered slightly in simulated panic stops, but distances were short, nosedive minimal.
| Base | Class Average |
| 8 | 8.6 |
Agile for a luxury tourer despite slightly numb steering. Traction/antiskid system a safety plus. One test SC wandered slightly in simulated panic stops, but distances were short, nosedive minimal.
Quietness
Top-up, SC matches or beats most luxury coupes for refinement despite some wind rustle and coarse-pavement tire thrum. Among the lowest top-down wind buffeting of any convertible we've tested.
| Base | Class Average |
| 7 | 4 |
Top-up, SC matches or beats most luxury coupes for refinement despite some wind rustle and coarse-pavement tire thrum. Among the lowest top-down wind buffeting of any convertible we've tested.
Controls
Navigation screen angles to suit ambient light, but can still wash out. Steering-wheel audio-volume buttons obscured. No problems otherwise. Top raises and lowers quickly and smoothly. Sumptuous, beautifully crafted cabin features real wood, soft leather, discreet brightwork.
| Base | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 |
Navigation screen angles to suit ambient light, but can still wash out. Steering-wheel audio-volume buttons obscured. No problems otherwise. Top raises and lowers quickly and smoothly. Sumptuous, beautifully crafted cabin features real wood, soft leather, discreet brightwork.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Seats are low-set, hampering entry/exit and, for some drivers, visibility; they're also too flat for good lateral location in fast cornering, but comfortable otherwise. Ample leg room, but top-up head room just adequate for 6-footers.
| Base | Class Average |
| 7 | 5.4 |
Seats are low-set, hampering entry/exit and, for some drivers, visibility; they're also too flat for good lateral location in fast cornering, but comfortable otherwise. Ample leg room, but top-up head room just adequate for 6-footers.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Scarcely any space or comfort on token seat, which is best used for small parcels and pets.
| Base | Class Average |
| 1 | .7 |
Scarcely any space or comfort on token seat, which is best used for small parcels and pets.
Cargo Room
Almost none with the top stowed, barely enough for two on a long weekend with top up and careful packing. Run-flat option omits the spare tire to add 0.6 cu ft, a poor trade for their harsher ride.
| Base | Class Average |
| 2 | 2.2 |
Almost none with the top stowed, barely enough for two on a long weekend with top up and careful packing. Run-flat option omits the spare tire to add 0.6 cu ft, a poor trade for their harsher ride.
Value within Class
SC 430 is a posh, pleasant semisporting convertible with the extra security and convenience of a power metal roof, plus Lexus's highly rated customer service, workmanship, and reliability. It isn't cheap, but some rivals with similar power and features cost more.
| Base | Class Average |
| 4 | 4.6 |
SC 430 is a posh, pleasant semisporting convertible with the extra security and convenience of a power metal roof, plus Lexus's highly rated customer service, workmanship, and reliability. It isn't cheap, but some rivals with similar power and features cost more.
Total Score
| Base | Class Average |
| 52 | 48.1 |
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 38 | |
| Average Score | 48 | |
| High Score | 61 |
Also in the 2003 Lexus SC 430 Review:
1.
2.
Lexus SC 430 Road Test
3.
4.
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