The end of an era, here is a look at a nine year production run, what has changed, and how it was rated. I am sure there is a lot missed, feel free to add.

What's New for 2003
Other than the Lexus Link emergency and concierge service becoming available, there are no changes for the SC 430.

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.

What's New for 2005
The 2005 SC 430 receives new shock absorbers for improved ride comfort and driving performance. All-season run-flat tires are now an available option in addition to the summer-use run-flats offered previously.

What's New for 2006
For 2006, the Lexus SC 430 receives a new six-speed automatic transmission and adaptive front headlamps. Updated exterior styling includes a new front fascia, wheels and taillamps. Inside, the SC gets a new gauge cluster, shift plate and revised trim.

What's New for 2007
Driver and passenger knee airbags are standard this year, and the front passenger seat now has an occupant detection sensor for airbag deactivation.

What's New for 2008
Now entering its seventh year, this generation of the Lexus SC 430 sees just a few detail changes for 2008. Among them are redesigned and illuminated scuff plates, a black license plate accent and new wheels for the Pebble Beach edition.

What's New for 2009
The 2009 Lexus SC 430 remains unchanged from the previous year except for the addition of turn signals integrated into the side mirrors.

What's New for 2010
The 2010 Lexus SC 430 gets fresh 18-inch alloy wheels, puddle lamps in the exterior mirrors, and an updated navigation/audio interface with a tweaked display, real-time traffic and weather, satellite radio, iPod/USB connectivity and Bluetooth audio.

Fastest SC430 2002 0-60 5.7 seconds
Slowest SC430 2007 0-60 6.3 Seconds
Current SC430 2010 0-60 6 Seconds
Price 2002 $61,055 Adjusted for inflation $72,391 http://www.westegg.com/inflation/infl.cgi
Price 2010 $68,405

EDUMONDS 2002-2010

Noted Production Changes

2002-2004 Leather Sourced from Spain
2005-2010 Leather Sourced from China
Autowerk

2001- October 2004 Production Dates hand assembled 71hours to produce
October 2004-2010 Robotic Assembly 26 hours to produce
Harbour Reports Automotive Productivity





Reliability History - Lexus SC



Consumer Reports
Most Reliable by Consumer Survey 2002
Least Reliable by Consumer Survey 2006
JDPOWER.COM

 

Kaiser,
Excellent Post!

Question; Where did you get the 0 to 60 info?
I thought the 2002-2005 had identical drivetrains and the 2006-2010 were the same. I also thought the 2006+ was a few tenths quicker due to the new 6 speed?

Blessings,
Brian

 

Thanks Brian,
I pulled everything up through LEXIS NEXIS, which referenced Edmunds for the top of my post. I know a few here have posted that 10th of seconds is significant, I think it is not. The differences were probably any number of variables from driver, fuel, track, temp etc. My opinion, all the SCs are pretty much the same. Performance, fuel economy, reliability, all seem too close to be a determinant in which year you buy. Perhaps we have an applied mathematics major on the board who could figure it out, that's not me...

 

Kaiser-AWESOME Post!

In 2005 they offered bluetooth for all SC's as well and in 2009 delete the tape deck.

2006 Lexus kills the absolute red and pine colors-a good call? I don't think so . 2006 was the last year for the indigo ink pearl, although has anyone really ever seen a 2006 version? I have never!

Longest running single color code for the SC? Might surprise you...Twilight Amethyst Pearl!!! Ran from 2002-2008. Although again, has anyone ever seen 2006+ of these?

One of the most underappreciated updates IMO on the 2006 (most think tranny, head lights and tail lights, right???) is the illuminated gauge cluster during the day! Thank God! Wish I could do a guage cluster switch out on my 2005.

Some other astonishing facts about the SC: 2001 AND 2002 sales reported 14,000 and nearly 15k units. 2009 sales reported 720 units. Wow!!! Can't get much lower!

2002 was the only year the SC increased sales from previous year. Interesting...you would think Lexus would have udpated the SC more significantly in 2004 not 2006, then maybe in 2006 they could have done some powerplant and tech advances? MMMMMM

These are some of my favorite Lexus research sites:

http://www.toyotareference.com/

http://www.lexus.com/cpo/model_library/SC/2005.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus_SC

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2...05/460606.html

 

Wow. Great post, KaiserSea1.

Dealer had told me they had quit hand-built production in 2003. Glad to have that info updated and confirmed.

 

I have a 2006 indigo ink pearl. It is a hard color to find. Tom

 

I read somewhere they increased the brake size in 05, not sure if thats true or not.

 

from what Ive heard, lexus understates the 0-60 times. This is just a rumour as far as I know though.

When I turn VSC off, power-ON, and use the shifter in my '06, I'm pretty sure I make it to 60mph faster than 5.8. With a little bit of red-lining I can make it to 100KPH using only the first 2 gears.

 

Great post, wow that's a lot of info to digest !

 

scrdstr-- That statement is true. They increased the rotor size for 2005+. It IS different from the 2002-2004 brakes. I ordered drilled and slotted rotors for my 2005 SC and they MADE SURE that it was a 2005 because aesthetically the cars look the same (02-05), but the brakes ARE different. (mainly that the 2005 brakes are larger)

 

They are in the same size, just the part number is updated.

 

I kinda wish they kept the absolute red but the matador red color they offered as a 'replacement red' is soooooo nice. It looks completely aggressive and less like a "chick car" red. Apologies to guys with the absolute red. I actually love both reds and wish I had it. IMO I think red convertibles with great wheels is the ultimate sports car.

 

oooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhh nooooooooooooooo playa you said the chick car statement...here comes the backlash tidalwave! LOL

I still miss my absolutely red, Alexa. She was as FINE and as PRETTY as Beyonce

 

^^^Haha. That statement is not MY opinion! lol. I personally love the red, but other ppl (including my father, who is rather conservative) says the 'chick car' statement. I disagree with it, but you've got those "comments" out there. No disrespect to anyone that it may have offended. My apologies!

 

Where is the audio information showing track# etc. on the 2009+ Sc 430's.
The radio doesn't have an LCD readout like my 2006.