2008 Lexus SC
in Luxury Four-Seat Convertibles
Based on analysis of 35 SC reviews and test drives.
Lexus SC - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Lexus SC ranks 1 out of 2 Luxury Four-Seat Convertibles. This ranking is based on our analysis of 35 published reviews and test drives of the Lexus SC, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The SC Convertible has the unassailable build quality and long-term reliability of a Lexus, a comfortable and very quiet cabin, and a refined V8 that's perfect for quiet cruising. It has virtually no space for rear seat passengers or cargo, and its handling doesn’t encourage performance driving.
The 2008 Lexus SC is one of the most refined top-down cruisers you can buy. "It is hard to find this much luxury, power, quiet, and smoothness all together in a two-seater," comments the Boston Globe. But isn't the SC 430 a four-seater? The Globe adds, "(There is a back seat, but that's where you park the toy poodle and your Gucci bag, not human beings.) And the trunk is useless if you want to travel top down and also carry luggage." The SC430 is distinctive in appearance -- reviewers either like it instantly or they don't like it and are unable to shake that perception. It offers a sumptuous interior of leathers and woods. But it gets about as much power out of its V8 engine -- at 288 horsepower -- as many competitors do out of smaller powerplants…and this one gets only 16/23 mpg.
The 2008 SC carries over largely unchanged from 2007. One engine (the aforementioned 4.3-liter V8) is offered, and it's exceptionally quiet, but reviewers are a bit disappointed by its lack of power relative to its huge size. Most equipment is standard, with only a few options available, including run flat tires and a spoiler to change the look. A Pebble Beach Edition is available, which has larger wheels and exterior and interior colors not otherwise available.
- "The leather-and-wood interior is impeccably done. The ride is smooth, the handling is crisp enough. The 4.3-liter V-8 is whisper-quiet, and nicely matched to the five-speed automatic transmission. And with the retractable top, you have the joys of a convertible without the hazards of a cloth roof," but, "A little more soul would be nice." -- Orlando Sentinel
- "It sounds like a sports car, and in many ways behaves like one. So is it? Maybe it's a sports car trimmed in mink. But for the right person, in the right mood, and with the correct size wallet, the SC 430 is a perfect car." -- Boston Globe
- "The Lexus SC 430 attracts attention wherever it goes. Its richly rounded styling is upscale and refined. Its interior, freshened for 2006, is luxurious and comfortable, trimmed in leather and a choice of rich woods. .. It's stable at high speeds and offers excellent control on winding roads and freeway on-ramps. And it's easy to live with around town, with a smooth, relatively soft suspension." -- New Car Test Drive
- "The SC is now the oldest model in the Lexus product line, so expect a replacement in a year or two. It's likely the new car will have hybrid power, sharper-edged styling as well as some serious sporting potential." -- Road and Track
SC Performance - 7.0 (Good)
The 2008 SC 430 is powered by a huge 4.3-liter V8 engine, sending power through a six-speed automatic transmission. It's perhaps the quietest large engine on the road, and power comes on smoothly. But reviewers are often surprised that it isn't quicker -- its 288 horsepower don't match output from smaller engines offered by some rivals at this price point. A full Lexus SC Performance Review is coming soon. continue
SC Exterior - NA
The 2008 Lexus SC convertible has a distinctive shape that evokes quick responses from most writers -- but rarely the same response from any two. Some find it lovely, others say it's out-of-proportion. It featured the first retractable hardtop in this class, and most agree that it functions well. New Car Test Drive says it "switches from luxury hardtop coupe to open roadster with the press of a button. A full Lexus SC Exterior Review is coming soon. continue
SC Interior - 7.6 (Good)
Lexus is particularly known for its rich interiors, and the SC 430 doesn't disappoint in that regard. No hard plastics here. The Boston Globe notes, "even the little panels that open and close over its inner storage areas are made of wood. Knock (or touch) wood and it obeys like an electronic switch given a command." However, even in a class where back seats are not day-to-day usable and trunk space is small, the SC is notable for almost completely lacking both. A full Lexus SC Interior Review is coming soon. continue
SC Safety - NA
Neither the federal government nor the insurance industry has crash tested the 2008 Lexus SC. A full suite of safety equipment is standard. A full Lexus SC Safety Review is coming soon. continue
SC Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)
The 2008 Lexus SC reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The SC 430 comes with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. A full Lexus SC Reliability Review is coming soon. continue