1999 Lexus SC 300 Review
1999 Lexus SC 300 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- An attractive coupe with Lexus quality and refinement.
Cons
- While not as luxurious, the BMW M3 offers far superior performance for less money.
What’s new
The SC 300 gets minor enhancements this year including new perforated leather inserts, larger brakes, daytime running lights and a new three-spoke steering wheel similar to the GS sport sedans.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$227/mo for SC 300 Base
SC 300 Base
vs
$181/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 stylish, 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 driving the rear wheels and giving the car excellent acceleration. Then, a cozy interior with first-rate ergonomics and traditional Lexus opulence was created, making the car more like a 2+2 capable of carrying four in comfort.
Once the car was introduced to the public, the automotive press elevated the SC to Rolling Stones status, proclaiming it another in a string of Lexus-engineered miracles. They were right to do so; however, the past few years have seen improvements by the competition.
Recent improvements to the SC 300 have restored some of its former glory and kept it in the hunt for serious (and affluent) coupe buyers. The SC 300 is powered by a 3.0-liter inline six, which also uses VVTi to produce 225 horsepower. The car offers impressive acceleration with top speeds in excess of 140 mph.
The SC 300 now comes with the same brake package as found on the SC 400 and both vehicles can be ordered with the optional Lexus TRAC electronic traction control system. This system uses a combination of throttle and brake control to keep the car from sliding and comes packaged with thermostatically heated seats.
The SC 300 coupe is attractive and comes with the standard array of Lexus luxury and safety items. However, for the price, it seems a better deal might be made on something like a Cadillac Eldorado or BMW M3.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Lexus SC 300.
5 star(100%)
4 star(0%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
31 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
4.88 out of 5 stars
Best Car I've Ever Owned!
Renard, 02/28/2002
1999 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
During a period of "unemployment", I decided to try my hand at selling cars. I was sold on the quality and vowed that I would one day own one. I got back into my previous career field and bought not one - but TWO Lexus (Lexi ??). My SC 300 is without a doubt the most luxurious car I've ever owned. It drives like a dream and hasn't been in the shop for anything other than recommended … scheduled maintenance. The styling is distinctive and it is a pleasure to drive!!
4.88 out of 5 stars
WHAT A GREAT CAR
checkelmann, 05/30/2012
1999 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
I have had this car for almost 14 years and it has 250,000 miles on it.
I love it and so many people have stopped me for years to see if they could buy it.
Of course, I said "no".
If only Lexus would make a car similar to this SC, I would buy it in a flash.
The sports car that they came up with to replace it is too small and too expensive.
The IS in my opinion is no comparison at all. … This car has "class" and is a dream to drive.
I hate giving it up.
I am looking hard now to find something that I absolutely love and it is hard.
Most of the cars all look alike.
I am considering the Audi S5...it is closest in look and seems to have what I like.
I would rather drive the Lexus though!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1999 Lexus SC 300, so we've included reviews for other years of the SC 300 since its last redesign.
1999 SC 300 Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $227/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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