EDMUNDS.COM 2004 LEXUS SC 430
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Though not particularly invigorating to drive, the Lexus SC 430 counters with a serene top-down experience for a price considerably less than the competition.
Pros
Luxurious comfort and convenience features, beautiful interior, silky V8 engine, retractable hardtop, Lexus quality.
Cons
Sparse cargo space, cramped (and nearly useless) rear seats, doesn''t inspire anything more than leisurely cruising.
What''s New for 2004
There are no significant changes to the SC 430 this year, though Lexus will offer a Pebble Beach Edition package, which includes Azure Pearl exterior paint, black bird''s eye maple interior trim, run-flat tires, a rear spoiler and a black leather golf bag.
Overview
Introduction:
Now in its third year, the SC 430 is Lexus'' first and only convertible. The SC name dates back to 1992, when the first Lexus coupe debuted. The SC 300 and SC 400 coupes were decent cars, though sales decreased alarmingly over the years as the platform aged and younger and more modern luxury coupes sprang up. Beyond that, consumers shopping competing models such as the Mercedes CLK could choose between a two-door with a solid roof or a ragtop for open-air motoring on sunny days. The SC came only with a fixed roof. After nearly a decade on the market, during which time precious few updates were made, the car was allowed to fade quietly into the sunset.The 2004 SC 430 is far from bland, though not quite as palatable to conservative tastes. A radical departure for the normally staid manufacturer, the SC 430 has been dubbed the "jewel of Lexus," and has been penned to appeal to your emotional right-brain side. Designers drew inspiration by lolling about France''s Cote d''Azur, studying the architecture and familiarizing themselves with the lifestyle. The normally reserved automaker has taken a risk here, and the SC is the most radical styling exercise ever to wear a Lexus nameplate. It''s not a vehicle for those who like to blend into the background. It is a vehicle for those looking for something luxurious, however. This car has one of the best interior designs you''ll find anywhere. It''s also comparatively inexpensive -- a Mercedes-Benz SL500 can easily cost $35,000 more. If you like the SC 430''s looks, you should give it strong consideration.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
Though available in just one body style and trim level, the SC 430 comes packed with luxurious amenities. Standard features include 18-inch wheels, a navigation system, supple leather seats with driver and passenger memory functions, an astounding 240-watt nine-speaker premium audio system, a sophisticated climate control system and either bird''s eye maple or walnut trim. With a press of a button, the aluminum-alloy roof rises from its dormant state to provide shelter from the vagaries of the environment. Once closed, the top seals tight to transform the SC 430 into a hardtop coupe possessing superior structural rigidity and little wind noise while cruising down the freeway. Options on the SC 430 include Lexus Link telematics, run-flat tires and a rear spoiler.
Powertrains and Performance:
The SC 430 is powered by the same 4.3-liter V8 engine that Lexus uses in the LS and GS sedans. It produces 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. It''s connected to a five-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels. Zero-to-60 mph acceleration comes in at around 6.5 seconds.
Safety:
Four-wheel antilock disc brakes with a panic-assist feature and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) are standard, as are seatbelt pre-tensioners and front- and side-impact airbags. The SC 430 also comes with traction control and stability control. The optional run-flat tires allow the car to be driven up to 100 miles at 55 mph without air pressure. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has crash tested the SC 430.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The interior is the highlight of the car. Beautiful to look at, the cockpit is filled with real wood and leather, and spring-loaded wooden covers can hide much of the center stack. From a more practical standpoint, however, the SC falls a little short. Owners will find that the trunk doesn''t offer much room as it holds just 8.8 cubic feet of cargo. Ordering the optional run-flat tires and ditching the spare bumps the trunk size up to 9.4 cubic feet. Keep in mind that these numbers are with the top up; with the top retracted, luggage space is very scarce. Additionally, the SC''s undersized rear seats are basically just for show rather than actual use.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The 4.3-liter V8 allows the SC to leap from nearly any speed. It climbs to redline with no discernable strain. The exhaust note is nearly imperceptible, a trait that''s either pleasing or disappointing depending on your point of view. Shifts from the five-speed automatic are always crisp, but with no manual shift mode, spirited driving takes more attention than it should. The suspension setup echoes the traits of the drivetrain, filtering out every bump and ripple in the road in an attempt to maintain civility at all times. This, in turn, results in less road feel and reduced driver confidence when pushing the SC 430 hard into the corners.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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