1998 Lexus SC 400 Review
1998 Lexus SC 400 Review

Used SC 400 for sale
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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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Lexus SC 400 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 $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$197/mo for SC 400 Base
SC 400 Base
vs
$170/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 creamy V8 was implanted in the SC 400 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 than a coupe capable of carrying four in comfort. Much different from the Cadillac, Lincoln and even Acura entries.
Once the car was introduced to the public, the automotive press elevated the SC 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 400 in the form of a more sophisticated engine. The SC 400 now comes with a four-liter four-cam V8 that features variable valve timing technology. The first-ever application of variable valve timing on an eight-cylinder engine. The SC also receives a five-speed automatic transmission that further improves acceleration.
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 400.
5 star(94%)
4 star(6%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
47 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Best car I've ever owned
95lexus000, 09/28/2010
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
I purchased my 1995 Lexus sc400 a few months ago and I have never driven or owned a car that I liked more than this one. It is over 16 years old and has 130,000 miles on it but somehow it drives like new. I can tell that it will go at least 250k before anything goes wrong. I am the 2nd owner, the first owner always took it to Lexus for the scheduled maintenance. It was built in … Japan, has a smooth ride and lots of power. It is extremely fun to drive and I can honestly say that the next car I buy will be a Lexus sc400, probably 1995 to 1999 model. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anybody. I average 21 mpg!
5 out of 5 stars
Every superlative fits
jdimicco1, 07/22/2011
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
I acquired this "renaissance red" beauty last year with only 58,000 miles on it. A truly incredible machine - supremely comfortable with superb performance! This car purrs along without straining at all at 80+ mph, and it's handling is absoluteley stunning - I've never enjoyed highway entrance and exit ramps so much! The original stereo (Nakamichi) was probably great when new (except for … the notorious skipping problem with the 12-disc CD changer in the trunk) but speakers were shot when I got the car - I replaced with an Alpine system. Now I'm ready to keep this sweet machine until I die...or can't find premium fuel for her any more. If you can find one, BUY IT!
4.88 out of 5 stars
First Impressions.
Skip, 02/19/2007
1997 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
Wow. Just got mine 2 weeks ago. Amazing car. Can't wait to mod the exhaust. Torque converter is next. It's a little slow off a start. Once you hit 10 mph the car absolutely rockets to 42 mph. The shift is a little slow. The ride at 82K is great. The comfort is awesome too.
5 out of 5 stars
What A Ride!
Darryl Wimberley, 09/09/2017
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
I was very lucky to have a fast-talking Canadian talk me into buying a '95 SC 400 that, when I first saw it, was on blocks in his shop and being cannibalized for parts. "Buy it," he told me. "You won't regret it. I'll thrown in a timing chain." With the usual replacement of belts and brakes, and a heftier mod with electric fan and alternator, I have a car that is quiet in traffic, … smooth as silk in acceleration, and a joy to ride. Let me give a shout-out to Rising Sun Japanese Auto on S. Lamar in Austin for their attention to detail and for helping me keep a really special ride in great shape. Best of fortunes to all you gear-heads reading.... I'm gonna go straighten me out some asphalt!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 Lexus SC 400, so we've included reviews for other years of the SC 400 since its last redesign.
1998 SC 400 Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $197/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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