What year did the Lexus SC 430 come out?

The Lexus SC 430 arrived as a 2002 model year, with its public debut in 2001 and sales beginning in early 2002.

Release timeline

The following milestones mark when the model was shown to the public, launched for sale, and phased out of production.

• 2001: Lexus publicly unveiled the SC 430, signaling the direction of the two-seat luxury convertible for the brand.


• 2002: The SC 430 entered production and was released as a 2002 model year, with sales beginning in early 2002 in the United States and other markets.


• 2010: Production ended, marking the final model year for the SC 430 before Lexus shifted focus to other models.

These milestones define the SC 430’s lifecycle from concept to discontinuation over roughly a decade.

Model years and key specifications

Here is a concise overview of its official model years and the core mechanical setup that defined the car.

• Official model years: 2002 through 2010. The SC 430 was built on a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive platform and used a 4.3-liter V8 engine producing around 288 horsepower.


• Body and configuration: A two-seat convertible with a retractable hardtop, designed for luxury open-air driving during the 2000s.

Despite its unique blend of refinement and power, the SC 430 was eventually succeeded by newer Lexus designs and rarely had a direct replacement for the two-seat convertible segment.

Context and significance

In the broader context of Lexus’ lineup, the SC 430 stood out as the brand’s flagship convertible during its run, combining luxury interiors with a performance-oriented V8 and a capable retractable roof. It reflected Lexus’ approach to blending comfort, technology, and drivability in a grand tourer package.

Summary: The Lexus SC 430 came out as a 2002 model year, following a public reveal in 2001, and remained in production until 2010. It represents a notable chapter in Lexus’ history of convertible luxury cars.

Why did Lexus stop making the SC430?

In July 2008, Edmunds InsideLine had reported that Lexus had cancelled the next generation SC due to slowing sales.

Is the Lexus SC430 expensive to repair?

The estimated cost to maintain and repair a Lexus SC430 ranges from $105 to $5917, with an average of $457.

Is the Lexus SC430 rare?

The car is relatively rare. Almost 50% were year models 2002 and 2003.

What year did they make the Lexus SC 430?

The Lexus SC430 was produced from 2001 to 2010, with the final models being sold in 2010. The first model year was 2002 in the US, but production began in 2001 for the first year's models.
 
This video reviews the Lexus SC430 and discusses its features: 1mHigh Peak AutosYouTube · Apr 21, 2022

• Initial production: The first SC430s were manufactured in 2001 for the 2002 model year in North America, while a 2001 model year was also available in other markets. 
• Final model year: The production run for the SC430 concluded in 2010. 
• Facelift: The car received a mild refresh in 2006, which included cosmetic changes and a six-speed automatic transmission, a notable upgrade from the earlier five-speed. 

You can watch this video to learn more about the Lexus SC430: 1mMiguel's GarageYouTube · Nov 17, 2024