In 1995, the Lexus SC 300 underwent several revisions. The 300 got the same 16-inch tires that had come standard on the more upscale SC 400. The grille, tail lamps, and alloy wheels were also new. The new SCs also included some less visible structural changes to meet new side-impact standards. Compared to other Lexus models the SCs are quite rare (782 SC 300s made this year). Used-car shoppers looking for this Lexus may have a particularly difficult time, since most owners are not willing to part with them.
The SC's power plant is a 3.0 liter straight six. The 225 horsepower and 210 lb-ft were sufficient for this tightly constructed coupe, and it made 0 to 60 in 6.8 seconds. Earlier steering glitches (1992 model) may be one of the only blemishes on the SC's otherwise pristine reputation, but those problems were addressed by now. The steering responsiveness was frequently listed as a top feature.
Drivers continued their ovation for the overall fit and finish of the SC. The coupe was found to be the ideal fusion between Lexus luxury and sports car performance. Little features are easy to take for granted after a while, like a telescoping steering wheel that movers out of the way upon entry and exit. There is much appreciation for reliability among SC drivers. As many reach 150,000 miles, they still report no significant complications. All that is offered as criticism is its less than economical gas mileage (18/23).
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.
There's very little not to like about an SC400. The rear legroom is very small. I would save the backseat for your friends that owe you money. The car has decent trunk space and gets great mileage for a V8 engine. Feb 05, 2015
by Anonymous
May 05, 2014
What I like about this car is that it is a true 4 seater, an adult can sit in the back seat easily so for a family of 4 this car can work.
I bought it for the stick shift, I enjoy the feeling of going through the gears.
I was thinking about modifying this car since it is a popular car to put turbo on but I really did not feel the need to after driving this for a few years. May 05, 2014
by Josh K
Apr 11, 2012
The Lexus sc400 is a very fast, very well handling sports car with plenty of power
to back up its sleek look. It is a luxury car so naturally its rather expensive . Over
all I love driving it and wouldn't want to give it up minus the gas mileage.Apr 11, 2012
User rating:
by G.A. M
Feb 05, 2015
There's very little not to like about an SC400. The rear legroom is very small. I would save the backseat for your friends that owe you money. The car has decent trunk space and gets great mileage for a V8 engine. Feb 05, 2015
by Anonymous
May 05, 2014
What I like about this car is that it is a true 4 seater, an adult can sit in the back seat easily so for a family of 4 this car can work.
I bought it for the stick shift, I enjoy the feeling of going through the gears.
I was thinking about modifying this car since it is a popular car to put turbo on but I really did not feel the need to after driving this for a few years. May 05, 2014
by Josh K
Apr 11, 2012
The Lexus sc400 is a very fast, very well handling sports car with plenty of power
to back up its sleek look. It is a luxury car so naturally its rather expensive . Over
all I love driving it and wouldn't want to give it up minus the gas mileage.Apr 11, 2012
by jevon g
Nov 22, 2011
i love this car they have many after market parts to modify to ur own taste and the performance is great for a stock vehicle of the 90's.it hurt to let my toy go but in need of something bigger need moooooorre room.Nov 22, 2011
by Robert C
Jan 12, 2010
there is nothing i can find fault with only the fact not much for after market pieces have to custom make everything unbelievably fast with some unmentionable modifacation hard car to drift with but its possable with a little persuasionJan 12, 2010
by Felix C
Nov 10, 2009
One of the best and most timeless cars ever built.
Lexus did a superior job on the design and quality. I
must admit the weight does hinder its performance;
it's subpar from a standstill, but it really shines when
you're already rolling on the freeway (i.e. overtaking
another vehicle).Nov 10, 2009
by Carlie B
Aug 22, 2009
Our SC300 was purchased as a Christmas gift for my wife. It was used, but in excellent condition. many people draw a connection between the Lexus SC300 and the Toyota Supra. While they're similar in many ways, the SC300 is heavier and is designed for more comfort. The 2JZGE engine is very reliable and even with out a turbocharger provides a lot of power. This car does require 93 octane fuel (or better), and it uses more fuel than it seems it should. There have been a few problems with the car, like needing the ECU replaced, one of the dash needles has died making it hard to tell how much fuel is in the car, and the trunk release solenoid has quit.
My only complaint about the car is that it has too many computers and electronic gadgets. This makes it hard to diagnose problems.Aug 22, 2009
by Glen C
Jun 20, 2009
The timeless design, the quality of build and the wonderful assembly of this car make it an instant classic. Reliable, fun to drive and very affordable. I highly recommend to those fortunate enough to find one. It's a real winner.Jun 20, 2009
by Anonymous
Mar 13, 2009
It's just beautiful. Steering feels like driving a cloud. Suspension is perfectly tuned. Handling is awesome at high speeds, it just loves taking curvy roads at 60+ mph.
Wish it had more power however. Can't compare with a modern sports car in acceleration.
Also mine has a 4 speed auto transmission which is a bit sluggish and unresponsive in first and second gear.
Overall an awesome value, and just super high quality build. This is a pimp car.Mar 13, 2009
by Tommy N
Jan 04, 2009
this car is amazing, its my so called show car if i can ever get it up and running. i wish that i had taken a lot better car of it. first thing first is the body and a major motor rebuild with some extrasJan 04, 2009
by Vaughn A
Sep 16, 2008
I must say it took a while but after some modifications and a few after market parts this bad boy is ready for the track. it beats the crap out of your everyday preludes and mustangs easy. it runs down the all wheel drive SUBARU STI, and MITSUBISHI EVO and with Sep 16, 2008
by Alex H
Jun 12, 2008
The car is amazing, it is underestimated and ignored far too much. This car could be
one of the most outrageous cars i have ever driven. They are quite cheap to come
across and they are fairly common. Parts are a little expensive but used parts are
easy to come by, not a good family car due to the two door sports car design.Jun 12, 2008
by Jake K
May 21, 2008
Lovely rwd car to drift in , If it wasnt for taming this car in the rain and winter with bald tires i probably wouldnt have been as good of a driver as i am today.May 21, 2008
by Glenn L
Apr 23, 2008
It's 13 years old and it still turns heads. I'd rather have an old Lexus than a new Kia. No mechanical problems other than a siezed idler pulley bearing. Has oabout 135k on the clock. I plan to keep this car until forced to get a larger Lexus, probably a pre-owned LS430.Apr 23, 2008
by Grant E
Apr 02, 2008
The car is overall an amazing work of art, The body lines are like nothing on the road today, The car is older, yet still looks like a modern sports car.
Engine is Tight and has great response and amazingly gets decent MPG even with its 4L v8
With a a little less the $2000.00 us dollars invested this car has turned into a luxery sports car that rivals models that are 5X its price
I bought this car for a little over $5000.00 us dollars Spent about 1500.00 on tein SS coilovers with the EDFC controller for dampering force, along with $300.00 worth of polyurethane bushings. Then a set of Supra TRD big brake kit.
The handling is INSANE! i can easily take off ramps and on ramps at around 90mph, it carves the corners like nothing iv ever driven, Has 280HP behind it to bake it up. Its a quick snappy little number that will throw you back and wishing for more. you Turn it on and it will return the favor. Not to mention you are riding VIP style in the full leather interior with all the motorized goodies you can get.
Mod list"
-Supra big brake kit (front and rear)
-Tein SS coil-overs
-EDFC controller and dampers
-Lextreme polyurethane bushings all around
-Jic-magic upper and lower control arms
-Custom strait exhaust with Maserati Muffler and split strait magnaflow tips
-Black out tail lights and running lightsApr 02, 2008
by Budry D
Mar 21, 2008
well built car. reliable as are most toyotas. Mar 21, 2008
by Mikey F
Mar 09, 2008
The car is fast and has alot of class, full of options.Mar 09, 2008
by Patrick R
Feb 25, 2008
Great car, but it sucks the gas. I struggled to get over 20mpg with the thing. That, combined with premium gas only, and a huge tank made fillups expensive as hell. Other than that the only grief that I have is the auto transmission. If it was a 5 speed car, there is a good possibility that I would not have the Prelude nowFeb 25, 2008
by Michael F
Feb 02, 2008
loved it still wish i lept it nd done the swap Feb 02, 2008
by Joe S
Dec 23, 2007
I love this car. It's the perfect mix of elegance, style, speed and PRICE. These cars can be had for a very good price these days and I suggest buying/driving one. The 2JZ-GE inline six in this car is silky smooth. Although not the fastest car on the road today, it is easily one of the most refined and RELIABLE cars sill on the road today.Dec 23, 2007
My car is a '95 Lexus SC300 with automatic transmission. I have about 196,000 miles on it. The car just started lurching when I put it in reverse or drive after starting the car. I can also feel the gear changes more while my speed progresses. Why?
When I drove over 60 mph, a weird humming noise started but went away as soon as I put my foot on the gas and started happening again when I took my foot off the gas.