1999 Lexus SC 400 Review
Price Estimate: $914 - $1,483
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 400 gets minor enhancements this year including new perforated leather inserts, daytime running lights and a new three-spoke steering wheel similar to the GS series sport sedans.
For sale near Grand Rapids, MI
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 creamy V8 engine was installed each 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 have restored some of its former glory and kept it in the hunt for serious (and affluent) coupe buyers. The SC 400 now comes with a 4.0-liter V8 that features variable valve timing (VVTi) technology and 290 horsepower. Both models offer impressive acceleration with top speeds in excess of 140 mph.
The SC 400 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 400 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.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Michigan
$212/mo for SC 400 Base
SC 400 Base
vs
$171/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
See Edmunds pricing data
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Lexus SC 400 Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Best car I've ever owned
5 out of 5 stars95lexus000, 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!
I'm in love!
4.88 out of 5 starsjoemadre, 01/23/2012
1999 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
This is my third Lexus and I've not been let down by any of them.
The SC 400 is the best car I've ever owned due to its fit and finish coupled with stellar reliability.
The greatest luxury of all is knowing you can depend on your car and it delivers.
The look is timeless, the engine bulletproof, and the comfort/performance slaps the competition like a flaccid weenie.
1999 SC400
4.88 out of 5 starsLarry Muirhead, 04/02/2006
1999 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
This car is a well built machine. Drives like the day it drove out of the dealership. No rattles/ pure, silky performance.
Every superlative fits
5 out of 5 starsjdimicco1, 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!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1999 Lexus SC 400, so we've included reviews for other years of the SC 400 since its last redesign.
1999 SC 400 Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $212/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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