2005 Lexus SC 430 Review
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By Mitch McCullough

Overview

The Lexus SC 430 switches from a hardtop coupe to a convertible with the press of a button. It's a silky smooth sports car. Its smooth character extends from the four-cam V8 to the five-speed automatic to the supple suspension.

Its styling looks upscale and refined. Its interior is luxurious and comfortable, trimmed in leather and rich wood. Indeed, the Lexus SC 430 is a classy luxury car for two people dressed to the nines. Poise can be maintained while enjoying an evening on the town. It is, after all, the flagship luxury sports car from Lexus, the company that redefined luxury cars.

In spite of its luxurious overtones, the SC 430 delivers surprisingly good performance. With rear-wheel drive and a 4.3-liter V8 that puts out 300-horsepower, it can run with the Mercedes SL 500 and Jaguar XK8. It's stable at high speeds and, though soft, its suspension is well controlled on winding roads, on-ramps and off-ramps. Around town it's smooth and responsive.

Model Lineup

The Lexus SC 430 ($63,175) comes as one model that features the retractable hardtop, the 4.3-liter V8, the five-speed automatic transmission, and a long list of luxury features. It comes trimmed in buttery-soft leather with beautiful wood and chrome accents. Also standard is a navigation system (upgraded for 2005) and a Mark Levinson audio system with nine speakers.

Options include a rear spoiler ($440) and run-flat tires ($400).

Standard safety equipment includes dual frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, and traction control.