Used 1997 Lexus SC 300 Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 SC 300, so we've included reviews for other years of the SC 300 since its last redesign.
Title: the best of the best
lsz5343, 04/24/2011
1995 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Review: I am the original owner of a jade green, 5 speed, in mint condition, 1995 SC300 with 105k miles that I love more then any car I have ever owned. I still feel proud when I get behind the wheel and take it for a spin. Heads roll when I stop at a light and the car gets the royal look over..some folks have me roll down my window to ask what year and model it is...it still drives and feels like the day I bought it and except for the A/C going out a few years ago, and a leaking rack and pinion that had to be replaced, it has been the least expensive car to own I have ever had. I will keep this car for as long as parts are still available.
Excellent Drive
Kevin Towe, 04/09/2006
1997 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This is a great car. I have all the regular maintenance done at the dealership which is expensive but I have never experienced ANY issues. Of all the cars I have previously owned, this is the first car that I truly enjoy driving. I would recommend this as a used car for anyone purchasing. I will only buy Lexus going forward based on my experience with this car.
Beautiful Sports Coupe
Aadil, 11/04/2006
1995 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This Lexus is an excellent sports car. It handles beautifully, has plenty of power, and just looks stellar! I have gotten quite a few compliments from strangers about this car. It also definitely turns heads.
Dream on wheels
microdzz, 12/18/2006
1997 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
EXTERIOR: Racy yet classy design. This car can go anywhere and feel right at home, be it a business meeting, a wedding reception or a day at the park with buddies. INTERIOR: The leather seats are extremely comfortable. Front passenger room is more than adequate. Ergonomics are great with the exception of the cup holders. Of course rear passenger room is not the forte of any sport coupe, however, a large 6'3" 220lb. teenager fits back there (to my surprise). Performance/reliability: Where this car absolutely excels. Have had no repair issues. A regularly maintained SC 300 might run forever. Incredible on the curves, heart pounding passing power, top end close to 150 mph (not recommended).
Own one, you'll understand
dnamartel, 08/09/2002
1994 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I’ve got the 5-speed manual version that made C&D's 10 Best List for three consecutive yrs. This car would have to rank as one of the best luxury sports coupes made in the mid-90's. It is a magnificent blend of luxury and sports. The car feels molded to you as the leather seats, steering column provide incredible adjustments. The 225 HP engine emits a wonderful sound when you get into it. Zero to 60 in 6.8 seconds. Tight, reliable and beautiful. An impressive luxury interior and a reputation for long term reliability. There are only a few hundred 5-speed manuals. Don't buy the SC300 w/o a 5 speed, get the 400.
SC300 5-speed = Class and Performance
Unixwizard, 04/11/2005
1995 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Ultimate combination of sport car and luxury car. The 5-speed and its exact effortless steering make this a dream car. It goes where your point it and it gives perfect feedback to the driver on road condition. Amenities are complete and the class factor means you don't have anything to prove to anyone. This car is basically a Supra NA in a tux. This isn't just Lexus' idea of a sports car, its a sport car built and backed by Lexus. You aren't getting mine and there are only 781 others. Keep looking.
Bring back this SC body style
SS, 04/06/2008
1995 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have 356,000 on this car. I've never had any major problems with this car. Waited to purchase the new SC series but was disappointed with the size... very tiny made for a Lady. So I kept my car and because of size now looking to buy something else. But I love this SC300 so much!
My SC 300
Steve in Atlanta, 08/21/2003
1996 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My car has over 110,000 miles, and I still smile every time I see it. Looks great, interior is very sharp, and it runs smooth and is well built. I had a 4-Runner previously, and based upon these 2 experiences will stick with Toyota.
A masterpeice
thunderofzion, 09/19/2003
1996 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought the SC3000 new and have driven it over 123,000 since purchase in 1996. The car is a marvel; I have never had to replace anything on the car but a strut which started leak at 123,000 miles. Still running on original clutch and brake pads. It is simply impossible to built a better looking or more reliable vehicle.
Best deal on the road!
JLK, 11/08/2005
1997 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Best looking and driving used 2 door sport coupe for the money. Comfortable. Seats 4 or 5 if needed. Still feels like a $40,000 car at a third of the price. Quality and luxury.
SC 300
Pete, 06/03/2007
1997 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great looking car and built solid. Don't see many of these around and so it's a pleasure to have something different.
A Winner!
D. Phelan, 06/30/2007
1995 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I purchased this SC 300 new on July 1, 1994. It has been a perfect car. I often considered buying a new car of the past 13 years, but then I ask myself "Why?" I now pay an annual license fee of only $88 and have no monthly payments and the car runs like new. It has classic styling and will never look dated.
Clean and beautiful
Beverly G Hickman, 03/09/2004
1997 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car is clean well kept and driven by me, the owner, for the last 6 years. It is black and beautiful. It drives and rides like a dream.
Best GT period
SC300, 09/30/2002
1994 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
True Grand Tourer. The car drives and handles very sporty, while maintaing a luxary feel, but not isolated like a Benz. All the comforts you could want in a capable high speed cruiser. True GT car. The manual transmission cars are rare, but a must when choosing a SC300. Worth waiting for. I searched 5 months before my dealer located a 5speed SC300. Definitely worth it.
SC Dream Car
SC Coupe, 02/08/2003
1995 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I now have 140k on my coupe, and it has been virtually trouble free. I had to replace the power steering unit. It has been a pleasure to drive every day. It is comfortable, and I feel safe in the car. It corners well, and it quick off the line.
Great Car
samill4, 09/22/2004
1995 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my '95 Lexus this year and it has been a great car. I'm sure I could get some better performance out of it with a little tune-up work but I'd rather leave it alone. Comfortable, reliable, powerful, great handler. Overall great car.
Classic
drewp, 04/07/2003
1995 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have just under 110K miles on it and am still in love with it. Overall, no major problems (although did blow a head-gasket). Also am experiencing degrading fuel economy - getting less than 18mpg lately. Overall: Great car, great vibes, great drive.
Simply Handsome and True
Florencio, 09/11/2008
1996 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
In 2008, this 96 model still looks great and in my opinion, will remain a classic. Good power and feels solid. Love it!
What a Car
BRokohl, 10/21/2002
1996 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought the '96 SC 300 in August of '99 as a certified pre-owned car from the dealership. I saved a bundle from what I would pay for a brand new SC, but paid a little more than what I would have off the street from an individual. Still, as a package, it is the best car value I have ever had. I will not likely buy any other car again. Its performance, handling, reliability, comfort and value are second to none. I have had friends and co-workers who have owned BMWs and Mercedes, and they complained often of problems with reliability and value. Not with my Lexus certified pre-owned. What a car!!
Beautiful
Alias123, 01/04/2003
1996 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Every time I look at my SC300 I think to myself: What a beautiful machine. Exterior and interior look fantastic. I only paid $15,000 in 12/2002 for a SC300 with 75K miles having a $50,000+ sticker price. Looks and drives like new.
Car for Life
Mike, 01/17/2019
1996 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Had this car since it was new in 1996. Has 41000. babied miles. Still looks very modern and in style. Great engine and drive.
- Safety
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Luxury and Sport
drrobert, 06/14/2002
1997 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Luxury. Perfomance. Both coexisting happily in the Lexus SC 300 Coupe. Drive for hours on the interstate and it will seem like minutes. The car goes wherever you point it and requires barely one finger to steer. Steering by telepathy, I call it. Drive over the roughest terrain and the car stays on course. No road condition upsets this car, such as bumps in mid- corner. And its quiet. Cant even tell the engine is running except for the beautiful sound of the exhaust.
Sleek and sophisticated
lewis harrison, 02/03/2007
1996 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
The best thing about this car is that it is built by Toyota. The next thing is that it is about the best looking since the XKE Jag. The next best thing is that it says Lexus.
SC300 5speed
luxcar, 09/30/2002
1994 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellant car. Luxary and Sporty, needs nothing. Absolute best if you buy the 5 speed manuak car.
Great, reliable, and unique car.
Ashley Bray, 01/08/2017
1997 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned my 1997 SC300 for a year now, and I do not regret buying this car one bit! Starts right up every time! I haven't had one issue besides wear and tear. Wear and tear: blinker light and a seized caliper, so even for a 19 year old car, its very well put together. I do regular maintenance and baby it. I recommend buying a SC with low miles or well taken care of, it will be worth it. Update 1/08/17** 88k had the check engine light come on and was only a O2 sensor so it was a easy fix. Still going strong
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Best Grand Touring car of the 90's JDM era
Raf, 12/15/2022
1997 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Black leather, comfortable ride, 230HP, plenty of leg room for two with great visibility throughout the cockpit. Climate controls, mine with touchscreen making it 2022 fresh. Plenty of sound to get the driver excited to rev without the need for an aftermarket exhaust yet very quiet when you are cruising. The car loves long distance marathons as the comfort is beyond measure. Think two by two personal coupe. There is nothing more luxurious than having that space all to yourself. Be an executive, get a car made of steel for protection, space for stretching out the legs, and smooth driving pleasure!
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Toyota Knows How To Build Them!
sc300, 12/06/2009
1995 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with over 150,000 miles and it drove and handled beautifully! I was always complemented on the look of the vehicle, and the handling was amazing. My window regulator had to be replaced, the trunk shocks stopped working and were hard to find and the retractable radio antenna was too loud, but other than that it was reliable and had plenty of power! I no longer own it, it was involved in an accident. It's hard to find a 14 yr old car that comes close to retaining the handling or the luxury of the sc.