1998 Lexus SC 300 Review
1998 Lexus SC 300 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Attractive, premium sports coupe is well put together.
Cons
- High price. Loss of manual transmission this year.
What’s new
An engine immobilizer, depowered airbags and a sophisticated five-speed automatic transmission are standard this year as well. The SC 300 loses its five-speed manual transmission.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.03 per gallon for regular unleaded in Arizona.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Arizona
$262/mo for SC 300 Base
SC 300 Base
vs
$193/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
When Lexus decided to expand its lineup into the sport luxury coupe class, it did things a bit differently. First, a smallish, sexy body was penned that didn't look much like the mini chrome-barges that usually populate the personal luxury segment. Next, a smooth inline six-cylinder engine was implanted in the SC300 -- driving the rear wheels and giving the cars excellent acceleration. Then, a cozy interior with first-rate ergonomics and traditional Lexus opulence was created, making the cars more like a 2+2 than a coupe capable of carrying four in comfort. It's a much different car from those being offered by Cadillac, Lincoln and even Acura.
Once the car was introduced to the public, the automotive press elevated the SC Coupe to Rolling Stones status, proclaiming it another of a string of Lexus-engineered miracles. They were right to do so; however, the past three years have seen improvements by the competition, and the escalating yen has vaulted the SC's price to the top of the heap.
1998 brings some improvements to the SC 300 in the form of a more sophisticated engine. The inline-six cylinder motor under the hood of the SC 300 gets variable valve timing this year.
Yes, this Lexus is an outstanding example of modern carmaking art, and it offers a fantastic blend of style, luxury, performance and reliability. However, the Cadillac Eldorado Touring Coupe, with its brilliant Northstar V8, full load of accessories and interior room for four full-size adults, starts to look pretty good, especially with its $53,500 base sticker.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Lexus SC 300.
5 star(96%)
4 star(4%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
28 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Title: the best of the best
lsz5343, 04/24/2011
1995 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
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.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Love this Car
LexSC300, 12/30/2003
1998 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
Great Ride, Plenty Powerful, Very
Refined, Great Service, Wonderful
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent Drive
Kevin Towe, 04/09/2006
1997 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
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.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Beautiful Sports Coupe
Aadil, 11/04/2006
1995 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 Lexus SC 300, so we've included reviews for other years of the SC 300 since its last redesign.
1998 SC 300 Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $262/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 9.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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