2010 Lexus SC 430

Review

When the Lexus SC debuted in 1991, its lackluster design cost it quite a few sales and even more respect. Now, Lexus is about to unveil the third generation of the luxury convertible with the 2010 Lexus SC, and drivers can expect vast improvements. The design is sporty while still luxurious, and the technology and performance of the vehicle make it one of the most competitive in its segment. Read our review to find out what's new on the SC for 2010.

Specifications

An overview of the 2010 Lexus SC's specifications and features follows.

• Price: $67,505 (MSRP)
• Fuel economy: 23 mpg highway, 16 mpg city
• Engine: 4.3-liter V8, six-speed automatic producing 288 horsepower
• Standard features: navigation system, power-retractable convertible hardtop, nine-speaker Mark Levinson audio

The Good

The 2010 Lexus SC is an excellent vehicle for leisurely touring and sun soaking. The sleekly designed SC is sure to get a few looks, and as with almost any Lexus, you can be sure you'll ride in comfort. The push-button hardtop retractable roof makes the SC more versatile than other convertibles, as it can change from a hardtop to a drop top in about 25 seconds. The SC also comes with everything you'd expect from a Lexus vehicle: safety, reliability, and unparalleled customer service.

The Bad

Although the 2010 Lexus SC is indisputably an outstanding touring vehicle, its performance is not quite up to par for the luxury sports car segment. For this reason, U.S. News ranked the SC next to last on its list of nine super luxury sports cars. Drivers have called the SC's performance vague and soft compared to that of its rivals. Some complain of jiggles and rattles when the car is driven at anything but a leisurely pace. If you're looking for passenger and cargo space, the SC will also disappoint you. The two seats in the rear are too small to be useful, and the car has almost no cargo space because of the space consumed by the retractable roof.

The Bottom Line

If you're willing to forgo a bit of sport performance for a touring vehicle that is a fairly good overall value, the 2010 Lexus SC is a good choice. The SC sells for about $10,000 less than the base models of most of its competitors. The fit and finish of the vehicle are superb, and the list of standard features is very impressive. On the other hand, if you want serious performance and don't mind spending the cash, you're better of with a Mercedes SL or a Porsche 911.