• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability

Lexus SC - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Lexus SC ranks 8 out of 9 Super Luxury Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 45 published reviews and test drives of the Lexus SC, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Auto writers report that the 2010 Lexus SC 430 makes an outstanding grant tourer, but rivals trump when it comes to real sports performance.

The SC has changed very little since its debut in 2002.Hailed for its sleek power-retractable convertible hardtop and luxurious interior accommodations, reviewers assert that the SC makes a stylish and cool cruiser, but not a dynamic sports performer. "Dynamically, it's soft, vague, and jiggly compared with the latest machinery, and a bit pricey," explains Car and Driver. "It is a boulevard cruiser for dawdling sun-seekers."

If you're shopping in the class of super luxury sports cars and willing to sacrifice sports performance for a great overall-value, the 2010 Lexus SC is the car for you. Every other vehicle it competes with starts at nearly $10K more. If, however, you can't do without superior sports performance, check out the Mercedes-Benz SL. Available with two engine options, a 382-horsepower V8 and 510-horsepower V12, the SL is as powerful as it is luxurious. Just keep in mind that power doesn't come cheap. If you're not willing to drop the nearly $100,000 needed to buy a base-model SL, consider shopping in the luxury sports car class instead. There you can find such outstanding sports performers as the Porsche Boxster and Mercedes-Benz SLK. While neither is as luxurious as the SC or its class rivals, both are available with drop-top hard-tops.

For 2010, the SC receives a host of electronic upgrades to its already-impressive list of convenience features.

• "SC 430 is a posh, pleasant, semi-sport convertible with the extra security and convenience of a power metal roof, plus Lexus' highly rated customer service, workmanship, and reliability.  ...  It isn't cheap, but some rivals with similar power and features cost even more." -- Consumer Guide
• "Like other grand-touring roadsters, the Lexus SC 430 hardtop convertible comes stocked with a V-8 engine and plenty of top-shelf accoutrements." -- Cars.com
• "Still one of the most evocatively styled vehicles in the entire Lexus portfolio, this V-8-powered, rear-wheel-drive 2+2 boasts the ability to transform itself from coupe to convertible at the push of a button." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Its hardtop convertible design makes it seem like more of a sports car than it really is. It actually is more of a touring vehicle although not made for family usage. The rear seats are very cramped and cargo space is minimal." -- Carseek
• "The...Lexus SC 430 is a comfortable and luxurious convertible that excels at leisurely weekend drives but lacks the sporting athleticism of the competition." -- Edmunds

SC Performance - 6.8 (Mediocre)

According to test drivers, the SC makes a good choice for a grand tourer -- but not necessarily a sports car. Car and Driver explains, "Better suited to slow trawling of the avenues of South Beach than serious driving, the SC430 shakes and rattles over bumps and rolls in the twisties." Read More

SC Exterior - 7.2 (Good)

Though auto writers are split over whether the SC looks good or not, most concede that its power-retractable hardtop is cool. "The SC 430 features a hardtop that retracts in less than 25 seconds. Created with a low roofline and sleek profile, the design was subjected to wind testing to ensure it met Lexus' standards for noise, vibration and harshness," writes Cars.com. Read More

SC Interior - 6.8 (Mediocre)

Reviewers admire the SC's luxurious interior finish. According to Consumer Guide, its "[s]umptuous, beautifully crafted cabin features real wood trim, soft leather, and discreet brightwork." Still, critics take issue with its limited passenger room and lack of cargo space. For 2010, the SC receives some impressive electronic upgrades. Read More

SC Safety - NA

Though the SC has not been crash tested, it features a long list of assuring safety equipment -- including front, side and knee airbags for front passengers. However, visibility issues from the driver's seat have been reported. Read More

SC Reliability - NA

The 2010 SC features a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. Critics note Lexus' strong reputation for building reliabile vehicles. Read More