Lexus SC

Name: 2003 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

This luxury 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 SL500. While theoretically a 2+2, the SC430 has a tiny rear seat best suited to a pocketbook or briefcase. Power comes from a 300-hp version of the same refined 4.3-liter V8 found in Lexus' GS and LS sedans. Expect quiet, smooth, and powerful acceleration. Handling is less sporty than in some competing models, however. The list of standard features is quite comprehensive, and includes DVD navigation and run-flat tires.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2003 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

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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2003 Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings

2003 Lexus SC

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Audi TT

$4,475 - $6,725

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2003 BMW 3 Series

$3,775 - $4,975

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2003 Cadillac CTS

$3,050

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2003 Dodge Viper

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Ford Mustang

$3,600 - $13,450

EPA MPG NA

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2003 Hyundai Tiburon

$2,925 - $3,000

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Jaguar XK

$4,700 - $8,150

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mercedes-Benz CL

$5,300 - $7,225

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK

$4,125 - $6,025

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse

$3,050 - $3,525

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Nissan Z

$ NA

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Porsche 911

$11,850 - $24,725

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Subaru Impreza WRX/STi

$ NA

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Toyota Camry Solara

$3,175 - $4,550

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Volkswagen GTI

$3,575 - $5,175

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Volkswagen Golf R

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Volvo C70

$3,250 - $3,400

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings

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.