1992 Lexus SC 300 | Retro Review

[@325xitgrocgetter]

My neighbor has a 1993 SC300....and still daily drives it. He's put some money in it to keep it going over the years but it still looks very sharp....dark green with a tan interior.

[@ethanmellein]

love that colorway

[@dohc1067]

I went to a mechanic who specialized in Toyota and Lexus vehicles. He had one just like this with around 224k miles. It was a smooth riding beast for sure and when you switch it to Sport mode, in line 6 to v8 power in an instant. Lol 😆, it felt like it.

[@peatyxxjxxx1494]

One of the few cars from the 90’s you still see on the road today. Living in the Bay Area California I probably see one a day.

[@Jame6999]

Is it stick shift?

[@WidowedAudiophile]

@@Jame6999 yes

[@MJorgy5]

I always wanted one of these. They're still some on the roads and they don't look obsolete. The 90's was a sweetheart era for cars and trucks.

[@palebeachbum]

Automotive design hit a peak in the early 90s for me. So many beautiful cars. Clean, elegant designs. The best we get now is angry-looking cars with gaping "mouths".

[@spukersonmerlosk1661]

@@palebeachbum We got the Toyota Supra MK5 A90 in that case.

[@plap.]

Except for ugly huge 1st gen air bag steering wheels

[@DM-hw4cr]

For Japenese cars and trucks.

[@nanorodri2894]

And motorcycle to... golden era💎

[@acelacrocker2958]

I always thought the Lexus SC 3/400 and Lincoln Mark VIII were the sleekest cars of the 90's. I still want both in my garage.

[@woe5442]

Get them while you can man. They’re going up in price

[@lurkerfromthebay]

I have and 91 LS400 and 97 Town Car and all I can say is do it

[@MegaRetr]

It’s amazing you can still see these things driving around today

[@Thindoublechin]

My grandfather had one of these in black with a tan interior. He called it his Lexus supra. He passed last year but his sc300 lives on in my garage.

[@cedricmiller4370]

My condolences 🙏 your grand father definitely had good taste and jazzy style because those Lexus coupes we're definitely the luxury cousin of the supra

[@PANTYEATR1]

I remember seeing these in Japan as the "Soarer". I saw my first one up close in the US. My friend's dad had a 99 SC400 V8 with some kind of purple-mystic factory paint and the gold package. I've been wanting one ever since.

[@Maplecook]

I had the exact same experience when I lived in Japan, in the 90s!

[@Yormsane]

This was the best of old-school 90s Lexus. Rock-solid build, easy-going nature, good for 300,000+ miles if properly maintained.

[@courtneyprimo8056]

My friend has 680,000 miles on his gs300 sedan and its the same motor

[@vicviper4538]

Old school Lexus was badass

[@onlysilv]

@@courtneyprimo8056 thank you for sharing! 02 GS300 w/147k!!!

[@AlanForde-CheyneMS]

@@courtneyprimo8056 I have a 95 gs with ONLY 290k lol

[@courtneyprimo8056]

@@AlanForde-CheyneMS yeah man,they last a very long time

[@toyotafather]

A design so understated and humble, people have been referring to this car as underrated for decades now.

[@jdubskiwright2380]

It really was ahead of its time in style and performance im pretty sure this 3.0 straight six is either the 2jz or the motor that became the 2jz

[@mescko]

@@jdubskiwright2380 2jz-ge.

[@jdubskiwright2380]

@@mescko I'm well aware, there's also the TT version with twin turbos on it. The 2jz gte or something like that.. there both awesome motors either way,. Few difference's of course for the turbo version cause it's under boost.. both can make crazy power and do it reliably...

[@TJ-di1lb]

I had a SC400 back in the late 90s. I miss that car. was a lot of fun to drive.

[@DESTRAKON]

Rides like a cloud

[@Jorge-Tamacas]

I think it's a good looking car, oftenly fogotten by many people. Same engine of the base Supra it's a good thing. Manual transmission, another good thing. As I have said before, I like these retroviews

[@Coedai_76]

I have a 94 SC300 in Baltic blue. Still running strong to this day! Only wish it were a manual!

[@incyphe]

that interior looks amazing after 30 years. So luxurious, futuristic, and posh. My all time favorite.

[@phillipmitchell5879]

I had a '95 for 7 yrs., now have a '98. You can feel the boost in torque of 10 foot-pounds, coupled w/ the 5-spd. AT. Only c. 5% of SC300's had manual. I always loved this car & still do. Only 52K mi. on the odo, it looks & feels almost new at 24 yrs. old. Wonderful combo of sport & luxury. Can be called a 'GT' or 'personal luxury' coupe. The lighter engine allows for a bit better handling than the SC400 & both engines are jewels in their own right. I like the inherent smoothness of an inline-6 (vs. a V-6). (I see that BMW & M-B have returned to the inline-6 from the popular V-6's.) The 4.0L V-8 in the SC 400 is also a work of art. Both engines are 'over-engineered' & can take much more HP, if desired. I like mine as it is. Mr. Davis consistently dos a great job in his reviews.

[@renypayne11]

I wish I didn't sell my Sc300, I sold it a few months before the pandemic. I wanted to get something more college friendly, then college went online. Just saw it on marketplace a few months ago and it sold for double the price.

[@renypayne11]

@@dr.jiIIaIicecooper2587 One issue was that I started to go out alot and it didn't have the space. It also took alot of time for parts to come in, since I couldn't pick some up from a local store. For example when I needed taillights it was surprisingly hard to get some because I had a 97. It also needed alot of work and I couldn't set aside enough time to make it right. Finally, my insurance was 500 a month just for liability. Edit: Forgot to mention that, I went with a Cadillac Ats 3.6 since it was way cheaper than a similar is350. Also, I was gonna get an ls430 as a surprise birthday present from a family friend, but my sc300 was sold before I knew.

[@MrRobbieG88]

Toyota with the MR2, Supra and Lexus SC's got ahead of the whole motor industry by decades, those cars are still great 30 years later.

[@mescko]

I love my '89 MR2 S/C.

[@arieljones4595]

I had this car in the green over tan with the 5 speed manual. It was a Supra NA in a business suit. Classy but it moved when needed. What a great car. Built like a vault. Beautiful lines. I miss it.

[@JEdmund81]

Would love to have this car today! Would be a great 90s car to enjoy.

[@palebeachbum]

Such a beautiful car then and still to this day. I wish Lexus, and luxury brands in general, would get back to making dignified, elegant-looking cars like this. I don't want a car with a face that looks like an angry large-mouth bass.

[@tombiondi9969]

OMG, no kidding. The Lexus grills are beyond hideous.

[@TJC450]

$37,500 adjusted for inflation is $79,161.89 in 2022.

[@jamalraja9157]

Sheesh, thanks for mentioning that.

[@madness198648]

Love these cars

[@TheRealHungryJoe]

A beautiful timeless design in my opinion. Just noticed that the rear lights are bit Porsche 968 from some angles?

[@jmin8400]

And? This was designed first and launched 1 year before that.

[@TheRealHungryJoe]

@@jmin8400 *replying to a comment 5 months later* And?

[@jmin8400]

@@TheRealHungryJoe Anyone can comment on anything whenever, that's still publicly accessible. I'm free to disagree, even if you are dead or incapacitated. It's a leading comment, which can be deemed as credible to an ignoramus and observed as suggesting Lexus (Toyota) was somehow derivative of Porsche. I've seen it too many times, which funny enough is probably more than half of your upvotes. Even if you simply just see similarities versus unoriginality. Too many idiots jump to copycat claims versus deducing mere coincidence. Simply making a statement of fact against your comment. The 968 was designed in 1989, while the Lexus was completed in 1988. The lights aren't a bit 968, so since the other came first. As someone who designs cars and trucks for a Big 3 automaker, I often take issue with inaccurate suppositions that give misleading impressions on car design and engineering. The average person on KZbin who does not design cars like I do, make comments like yours or worse.

[@TheRealHungryJoe]

@@jmin8400triggered much? I didn’t even read your essay.

[@mescko]

You're right, hadn't thought of that.

[@the406seadonkey6]

Nice! Fresh one today! Nice to see they're still actively uploading these gems! Thanks!

[@chronocars6542]

I had a sc400 for 3 months and totaled it, my favorite moment with it is when I parked it next to a LFA.

[@bobbob-lt9zh]

Great car. Picked up a 94’ 5 Speed 2 years ago and the seller had over 100 messages from people by the time I showed up. A rare find these days since Supras are unobtanium at this point

[@Jame6999]

How much did you pay?

[@bobbob-lt9zh]

@@Jame6999 5900. 155k miles bone stock

[@f2john]

30 years on and it still looks great. IMO on of the best looking cars Lexus ever put out and if taken care of will run forever and a day.

[@jeffrobodine8579]

The V-6 ended up being more reliable than V-8 in the long term.

[@robertc5200]

Bryan Adams Cuts Like a Knife 🎵

[@michaelsilveira3495]

I have a 2000 GS 300 with the 2jZ one of the nicest cars that I’ve ever owned and recently purchased a 93 SC 400. I am in love with this car. I’ve done a lot of work to it but it’s a one owner car. I know the history and it drives with 140,000 miles as nice as the day it was purchased, love toyota.

[@travisseabrooks2739]

Lol I got a 2000 gs300 platinum edition

[@michaelsilveira3495]

@@travisseabrooks2739 magnificent cars, simple enough that you can work on them yet refined enough that they last for eons

[@shinobusensui9395]

I don't see any of these on the road anymore, especially the 400s. We are approaching sad times, certain cars are starting to fade into history. If you still have one of these cars, take as many pictures and videos!!!

[@CACressida]

Not rare at all. It’s almost like there’s one on every neighborhood block in California.

[@kgisabeast]

More rare up in the Midwest because many teens bought them when they were cheap and trashed them or wiped out in the snow with the RWD

[@mr2percent976]

I got a 400 in Chicago as my daily driver :)

[@cedricmiller4370]

It's rare here on the east coast in 2023 you barely see the Lexus SC300 on the highway

[@ruzzelladrian907]

This is like the Kia Stinger and Genesis G70 of its time with its platform sharing.

[@bikes7777]

Sc400 and 300 are both Lexus products, so no big deal.

[@FELIPE8226M]

Looks modern for a 1992, I’ve always like these

[@landyachtfan79]

I thought this & the SC400 were the most beautiful cars in the world back then, & my feelings have NOT changed in 30 years. I'm very glad to see the '80's/early '90's RR's again.

[@brianoconner4206]

They look good, but the most beautiful never. There are so many cars from the 90s that look better than it

[@spukersonmerlosk1661]

@@brianoconner4206 Yes...the Dodge Viper GTS Coupe for example.

[@tinystar3010]

He did say "I thought this was the most beautiful" not "This is the most beautiful" He only said that was his opinion.

[@Wasabi9111]

Still think the car looks amazing. Simple and elegant.

[@DEVILTAZ35]

I think the BMW 640I can give it a run for it's money in looks. I just saw a beautiful black one on the road this morning. My favourite BMW by far.

[@matthewbowen5841]

John liking the amount of info from a gauge cluster with no oil pressure and voltage gauges? Was 1992 the turning point?

[@kirkjohnson1035]

“20 miles for every gallon of gas” -when you’ve procrastinated on an essay and need to get the word count up

[@michaelsimko7694]

They styling of the SC300/SC400 was amazing for its time. It had a serious luxury sports car look that had speed and performance written all over it. Its aerodynamics were outstanding.

[@dannyc8617]

Toyota Soarer. I wish you could still get a car like this. Manual, no infotainment, and good performance.

[@tinhinnh]

no infotainment really? its a “deal breaker” for some these days 😂

[@StarEquipment1]

@@tinhinnh "Infotainment" is gimmicky, ugly, and cheap. It's a way for manufacturers to skimp by using a tacky screen instead of real buttons, knobs, switches, that give tactile feedback and are much safer.

[@courtneyprimo8056]

It was actually called the Toyota chaser,same platform and soarer had a 1jz engine,this is a 2jz ge,i personally like the Toyota chaser better than the Soarer

[@alexmasraum7596]

if i could go back in time and order a 97 sc300 5 speed in 1ao platinum metallic with a black interior...well that would be sweet

[@technocatdance]

instead of financing a brand new car over a term of 5 - 7 years at $400 per month it seems like such a better deal to get something like one of these which even today is still a good car

[@mr2percent976]

I have a 1992 sc400 143k miles and I’ve been tempted to give up on it because it’s given me a few problems and just resort to getting a newer car but honestly these comments are giving me life lol

[@cedricmiller4370]

Bingo correct with the way everything is overpriced with inflation I'd rather find a classic like that Lexus in mint condition instead of being bothered with payments on the these new vehicles a modern day Honda Accord or Toyota Camry even a Mazda is $500 a month plus even with good credit score that's ridiculous they charging high amounts of money on midsize cars now you used to be able to buy new premium cars for that monthly price back in the 90s

[@DESTRAKON]

I got one back in highschool and it's been my daily since, these things are tanks

[@Maplecook]

As an SC400 owner, I will never stop hating Toyota for not giving my car a manual trans.

[@dimaslopez-dejesus2371]

John Davis preview test Lexus SC400 with the V8 in 1991.

[@ramoncarter6585]

I love love love this car had some as hot wheels back in the day ... my favorite Lexus coupe haven't seen one of these since don't know admire this car loved both the (SC 300 and SC 400) they were some beautiful cars. I appreciate Motor Week doing review of the SC weird was thinking other day if Motor Week do a review of Lexus SC got my wish.

[@ravipeiris4388]

Even by 2022 standards, it's styling is striking. Makes me wonder 🤔 if Lexus has a crystal ball 🔮 to the future as they seem to know how to anticipate future styling trends.

[@MarkMeadows90]

I love the looks of the Z30 SC series. I wish the 5 speed manual was available on the SC400. I'm sure it could be easily swapped from the SC300.

[@scoobiedude]

5speed would have been great. The CD009 out the 350 is a popular swap

[@mescko]

It has been done, it's an expensive proposition though.

[@MultiRokusho]

I bought one of these a few months ago. Very comfortable and decent speed.

[@davidaubin3902]

4:51 John: BUT WE FOUND IT (the door) TO BE AN UNEXPECTEDLY SHORT SWING! LOL

[@Seven8the0]

I got a 95 sc400 in the garage with 170000 km I hope it gets more attention in the future , they are very good cars . So good my wife and little brother both drove lexus they last very long with good maintance

[@tamomo100]

You can sell this car back to the market and will out sell some of the luxury brand out there! Legendary JZ engine for the SC300 and indestructible 1UZ engine for the SC400! You would not make a mistake with either one!🙌👌😍 Love old Lexus cars!

[@air-headedaviator1805]

Crazy how they went from this design to the SC430

[@mr2percent976]

I know right. They completely ruined the classic design

[@Balkanmotorsports]

Oh man I miss the 90’s

[@carwrtr1]

Do NOT MODIFY THIS CAR; this is just fine the way it is. You do NOT a need a manual transmission on this car, either! This is a touring car that was “Built in the Pursuit of Perfection.” Please don’t put a decklid spoiler on it, either. This car is a work of art.

[@mescko]

To each their own. I've never tried looking for one of these since so few have the manual and any you find will carry a huge premium.

[@oz6708]

They can look much nicer when modified

[@beb1527]

They sold a 5 speed ES 300 and this in 1992. I’ll take 1 of each please.

[@fitfogey]

Always loved this car.

[@smithjohn2416]

It's nice seeing this car in its original state, and not clapped out by some teenager. Definitely a interesting, but stunning design. Seeing these in person might throw you off, they are not a small coupe.

[@PhuPham-vj4gd]

I had the same color 93 sc400. The v8 was really smooth.

[@jisungchoi7511]

I had this in the 90's. Since then I drove 350Z, VW R32 and FX45. This was the best car I ever drove.

[@dmer-zy3rb]

350z and r32 might be fun - but the sc is a serious everyday car unlike them.

[@jisungchoi7511]

@@dmer-zy3rb 100%. Also looks a lot more mature and luxurious.

[@boxer4engine]

If we could only turn back time…some real JDM gems from the 90s

[@BoyPagcu]

Toyota's Soaring Coupe.

[@Spheredalai]

i love the toyota version, soarer, it's awesome and somewhat underrated

[@nacl2858]

they’re literally the exact same car

[@NicholasBlake84]

and it's going to be a homeboy's dream out here in Oakland CA with 24" RIMS and flea market aftermarket speakers.

[@AstroTheFurry]

My friend has a Lexus SC300. He installed new exhausts, and damn, it sounds good.

[@britbritcritict2512]

Dam 33 thousand bucks in that time was like 60 thousand bucka now thats alot of money

[@The101Point1]

1:23 The Almighty 2JZ

[@fitnesswithsteve]

I can’t believe this car is 30 years old

[@DEVILTAZ35]

Great Retro review. These were sweet cars.

[@GalenlevyPhoto]

Very nice car for todays standards.

[@ajhl9898]

The later twin turbo version of this car were really nice to drive...super comfortable and quite fast, actually prefer it to the Jaguar xk8.

[@Prodriver33]

That’s the 1jz in the soarer, that engine never came to the American market.

[@spukersonmerlosk1661]

@@Prodriver33 And????

[@courtneyprimo8056]

@@Prodriver33 actually it was the 2jz GTE twin turbo version,and it did make it to America but it was called the Toyota aristo,only way it made it to America was through Canada boarder and im here in Brooklyn so i know,NY is next door to Canada

[@endisfrosty]

@@courtneyprimo8056 The Toyota Aristo isn't a later version of this car.

[@courtneyprimo8056]

@@endisfrosty what are you talking about man

[@Altavilla22Mike]

I got my driver's license the year these SC models were first released. At the time I was driving an 8 year old Honda Prelude (bought used as first car while in HS) and I thought these cars were the most awesome and fastest cars ever at the time lol. I cant say the design aged all that well, but better then most others at least. The wheel designs were a real letdown to the car's sportiness.

[@rushnerd]

I know this car is literally the "cut down MKIV Supra" But in the year here they are reviewing it, it's hard to see how the MKIII Supra is anything but luxury compared to this.

[@rootsmanuva82]

In a perfect world, you’d still be able to buy one of these brand new for about $15K. You’d trade some modern technology, power and safety for classic design and bulletproof engineering.

[@bhyphen8234]

@@dr.jiIIaIicecooper2587 have you ever seen the lexus LC500? That thing is stunning and has every bit and more luxury and bulletproof build

[@mescko]

@@bhyphen8234 No manual, no sale. Shame, it's a pretty car for sure.

[@nsxt290]

Wow, a manual. Nice lexus still looks good today

[@joshuac4772]

Non turbo Supra in a heavy tuxedo. Took inspiration from gm on this one. Pay attention GM this is how you badge engineer properly

[@carwrtr1]

This is a Lexus that I would own in a heartbeat. The SC300 is a fine road car that’s fun to drive and has a timeless look. This is NOT a sports car, but a touring car that you take for a long drive and enjoy. I would NOT want a manual transmission on this car (or any car), for this is a car that you put in drive and go. I can say I’ve had the chance to drive one, and was glad that it was an automatic. Leave the decklid spoiler off, too. SC300 was probably one of the best cars as a coupe I’ve driven, and while Lexus IS the “luxury division of Toyota,” it does NOT feel like a Toyota. I’d gladly have one of these…

[@mescko]

You'd have a much easier time finding one then, that's for sure. I refuse to own a slushbox. None in my fleet.

[@iansanderson]

they really dump that clutch on the 0-60 run!

[@wyattthomas6407]

I have a manual one, I'm holding onto that thing because I know its a unicorn!

[@mescko]

Lucky you!

[@douglasb.1203]

God the early 90's rocked.

[@freedomstar3814]

The quality of the plastic and leather is better than many cars made today some 30 years later !

[@mediocreman2]

The plastic quality is good but it looks so cheap. Not sure if I could own that car having to see that interior all the time.

[@courtneyprimo8056]

@@mediocreman2 bmw is worse than Lexus on every level,Quality,reliability lol 😆,i hope your comment was a joke and i hate the new Lexus that they have,those older ones are REAL,the engine,Leather etc

[@HenrySchecker]

$39,000 in 1992 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $82,328.36 today

[@seikocitizenwatches]

Lexus is the only brand I would buy over Toyota. Toyota and Lexus are like fine wine, it gets better with age 😃

[@HKPCRGF]

Always loves your review ~

[@StarEquipment1]

Refreshing to see a stock one of these.

[@hientrinh1843]

I had 94 SC 400 79,000 miles, I drove around the block once every two month

[@patrickmichael3384]

These SC’s remind me of the Japanese market a Toyota Soarer (which is that country’s Lexus SC) Tom Selleck got out of twice in 1992’s Mr. Baseball.

[@FirebirdDude]

Upload the 1984 Trans Am review please!!

[@Zherka-t9b]

The most timeless sexy design in any Lexus vehicle…except the LX470

[@upbeattvraw-hiphop8242]

Comparing a 90s classic to yet another modern, mundane SUV? 🤮

[@cookinsdabest]

The rich man's Supra

[@dmer-zy3rb]

the sc300 was barely any more expensive than the turbo surpra (but obviously slower) regardless the sc propably was the everyday car to get from the two.

[@zillsburyy1]

everything LEXUS is great!!!!

[@Macho_Man_Randy_Savage]

04:51 i thought jeffrey dahmer was in prison by '92 😂

[@DTON209]

I own a 5 speed 1995 currently in the process of getting a turbo

[@spencermunson6044]

There’s a clean 2000 for sale in my area I want to be irresponsible and buy it

[@hank1556]

I want an SC400 so badly. Fairly cheap and stupid reliable. Then manual swap it

[@PhillyDee215]

Love my Lexus LS400😎

[@fitfogey]

Lucky dog.

[@PhillyDee215]

@@fitfogeyyes I would say im lucky or maybe I just made one of the smartest decisions of my life😵

I didn't know this car came with a manual transmission 😳 Ps. In 1992, I was daily driving a Nissan 240SX...lived in Danbury CT & worked in Purchase NY.

[@1MADZ]

My mom has a pristine pearl white one..... I used to Rip it when she let me drive it from time to time.

[@cedricmiller4370]

So these are fast? Do you think her Lexus would keep up with your Z?

[@aquaticko]

Can you imagine a luxury car with 15" wheels these days? Things have gotten so out of hand. Also, the fact that an inline-6 is inherently smoother than a V8--paired with what is, to my ears, a much more sophisticated and invigorating sound--makes me so bothered that V8s have been the standard for luxury cars for so long.

[@bradleyborrowman2115]

I had a 2000 model. I miss it so much 😢

[@cedricmiller4370]

I can't imagine how much you miss your Lexus SC 300 it's something about the old school Lexus cars they remind me of the movies from the,90s back when having a Lexus with rims was a big deal and hoping out of it with a Nike track suit and a gold necklace with sunglasses was basically being seen as the flyest guy in the town or neighborhood!!! Those who couldn't afford the Lexus but had a decent budget would buy closest thing to it the 1995 Camry

[@rookietoprobuildz]

First car I ever test drove. Loved the experience!

[@scottalston8670]

Best looking Lexus

[@campaignslayer]

That was super fun to watch

[@des9655]

I was "racing" a SC 400 in my 1995 Mercedes E420 .. I had him until 130mph.. when the limiter kicked in.. my MB.. he pulled away..

[@des9655]

@@dr.jiIIaIicecooper2587 actually it was very reliable! Even with 135k on it. I now have a 1993 190e baby Benz.. with 132k .. unfortunately the other was a total loss when my neighbor crashed in to it