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2004 Lexus SC 430 Road Test
Date Published: 11/23/08
Also in the 2004 Lexus SC 430 Review:
Our road test for the 2004 Lexus SC 430 includes a full evaluation of the
2004 Lexus SC 430 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and
handling performance for the 2004 Lexus SC 430, but also interior cabin
and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the
2004 Lexus SC 430 help you decide if a 2004 Lexus SC 430 is right for
you.
2004 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 6.2 sec 0-60 mph--and is a relaxed cruiser. Silky transmission generally responsive, but sometimes hesitates to downshift.
| Base | Base w/run-flat tires | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7.7 |
V8's "drive-by-wire" throttle makes takeoffs seem lazy, but SC gathers speed fast--test car did 6.2 sec 0-60 mph--and is a relaxed cruiser. Silky transmission generally responsive, but sometimes hesitates to downshift.
Fuel Economy
Our Chicago test car averaged 16.6 mpg, on par with rival Jaguar XK8. A California test car logged 18.5 despite performance tests. Premium fuel required.
| Base | Base w/run-flat tires | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
Our Chicago test car averaged 16.6 mpg, on par with rival Jaguar XK8. A California test car logged 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 | Base w/run-flat tires | Class Average |
| 6 | 4 | 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 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. Antiskid/traction system a safety plus. Ditto brakes. One test SC wandered slightly in our "panic stop" routine, but distances were short, nosedive minimal. Run-flat tires require frequent steering correction at highway speed.
| Base | Base w/run-flat tires | Class Average |
| 8 | 7 | 8.4 |
Agile for a luxury tourer despite slightly numb steering. Antiskid/traction system a safety plus. Ditto brakes. One test SC wandered slightly in our "panic stop" routine, but distances were short, nosedive minimal. Run-flat tires require frequent steering correction at highway speed.
Quietness
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.
| Base | Base w/run-flat tires | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 4 |
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
Navigation screen angles to suit ambient light, but can still wash out. Steering-wheel audio-volume buttons a bit obscured. No problems otherwise. Retractable top smooth and quick up and down. Sumptuous, beautifully crafted cabin features real wood, soft leather, discreet brightwork.
| Base | Base w/run-flat tires | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Navigation screen angles to suit ambient light, but can still wash out. Steering-wheel audio-volume buttons a bit obscured. No problems otherwise. Retractable top smooth and quick up and down. Sumptuous, beautifully crafted cabin features real wood, soft leather, discreet brightwork.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
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 fast cornering. Ample leg room, but top-up head room just adequate for 6-footers.
| Base | Base w/run-flat tires | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
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 fast cornering. 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 | Base w/run-flat tires | Class Average |
| 1 | 1 | .6 |
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 the harsher ride.
| Base | Base w/run-flat tires | Class Average |
| 2 | 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 the 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' highly rated customer service, workmanship, and reliability. It isn't cheap, but some rivals with similar power and features cost more.
| Base | Base w/run-flat tires | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 4.6 |
SC 430 is a posh, pleasant semisporting convertible with the extra security and convenience of a power metal roof, plus Lexus' highly rated customer service, workmanship, and reliability. It isn't cheap, but some rivals with similar power and features cost more.
Total Score
| Base | Base w/run-flat tires | Class Average |
| 53 | 48 | 47.4 |
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 38 | |
| Average Score | 47 | |
| High Score | 57 |
Also in the 2004 Lexus SC 430 Review:
1.
2.
Lexus SC 430 Road Test
3.
4.
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