Lexus SC

Name: 2002 Lexus SC
Brand: Lexus

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

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

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

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

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

CR's 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.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2002 Sports Cars & Convertibles Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Lexus vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Lexus vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Lexus vs. Other New Car Brands

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2002 Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings

2002 Lexus SC

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Audi TT

$4,325 - $6,500

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 BMW 3 Series

$3,475 - $4,650

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Chevrolet Camaro

$3,625 - $8,050

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Ford Mustang

$3,475 - $5,225

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Hyundai Tiburon

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Jaguar XK

$4,250 - $6,550

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Mercedes-Benz CL

$4,625 - $5,750

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK

$4,175 - $6,975

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Mercury Cougar

$3,300 - $3,525

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse

$3,050

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Subaru Impreza WRX/STi

$ NA

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Toyota Camry Solara

$3,000 - $4,325

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Volkswagen GTI

$3,450 - $4,350

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Volvo C70

$3,150 - $3,200

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

convertible

2 front, 2 rear

Rear

4.3-liter V8 (300 hp)

5-speed automatic

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

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Model History

2002-2010

2002 Redesign Year

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.