Lexus SC (01-09) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Lexus is better known for luxury and refinement rather than keen handling sports cars. That's evident in the SC. It may be a two-seater convertible but it's more at home cruising along rather than being hustled down twisting roads. On paper it seems a good proposition with a 280bhp V8 engine and a 0-62mph time of 6.2 seconds, but in everyday driving it feels cumbersome, not helped by the ponderous automatic gearbox. That said, there's not denying the superb build quality, plus Lexus reliability comes as standard. It's also very well equipped while the metal-folding roof folds away neatly and is more secure a fabric hood. However, it feels dated alongside it's main alternatives and is expensive to run.
2.5 out of 5

Other Lexus reviews

3 out of 5

Performance

The SC is only available with one engine - a 4.3-litre that boasts 282bhp. As you'd expect from Lexus, it's a smooth and refined V8, rather than a raucous engine. 0-62mph comes up in a swift 6.2 seconds and the car builds speed effortlessly. Excellent engine insulation means it’s whisper-quiet at speed, but for all the figures on paper, it lacks character on the open road and never sounds as enjoyable as you'd hope. Early cars came with a five-speed sequential automatic gearbox which was a little slow-witted - especially when it came to changing down. This was later replaced by an improved six-speed transmission which is smoother, but still not as slick as similar gearboxes in rival cars.

2 out of 5

Handling

The SC was designed for the US and that's most evident in the handling. It's great for lazily cruising along with the top down, but ask it to tackle corners or tight bends and it readily loses its composure. Early cars were especially softly sprung which meant lots of bodyroll in corners and pitching and diving under acceleration and braking. Later models have a revised set-up which is slightly better, but still feels very soft.

  • Moving Exterior Lexus SC (01-09)

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