The Car With An Identity Crisis: Why The Toyota Soarer Doesn't Make Much Sense

[@Nuthing_but_the_Truth]

This maybe the first time I have heard someone say they didn't like the looks because of the lack of angles. This design is timeless and still holds up today.

[@TLCHobbies]

I just bought a factory stock manual SC300. I never really liked the design. But a Turbo Supra would have more than triple the cost of what I paid for mines.

[@Nuthing_but_the_Truth]

@@TLCHobbies the pre-97 doesn't look as timeless as the 97+ ones. Change a few items, and you get the great look pf the 97+.

[@TLCHobbies]

@@Nuthing_but_the_Truth Yea, I'd say the front bumper is what makes the pre 1997 models look ugly.

[@AnitaHanjaaab]

Absolutely. I'm on the market right now to get one imported to the US. I LOVE this vehicle.

[@Brendonbosy]

this guy is a moron when it comes to understanding period context. Hes comparing it to 2020s styling which is now this retro futuristic aggressive boxy look. What goes around comes around

[@Jam3sA]

Personally, I like the styling. It's certainly preferable to the excessive edges in modern designs or SUV-blobs.

[@s2korpionic]

I gotta disagree, it looks pretty good in my eyes. Also that dash still looks good to me. Not overdesigned, so it would look fine even 5 decades from now.

[@Kacpa2]

Especially facelift tailights with clear-ish pink turn indicators

[@venom5809]

The Lexus SC400 was drop dead gorgeous back when it came out. My father had one with the Nakamichi stereo. I still remember when we first went to test drive it, my father turned the key again while it was on already because it was so quiet. My father's was green. Lexus was very defined as the luxury brand with separate dealerships at that time in America. To this day that is one of my favorite cars.

[@MyKeeP81]

i had a cherry red 94 sc 400 with chrome wheels and the nakamichi. it wa sso dope, but was a little swirley in wet weather. i totaled it drunk after 15 months lol oops. got a black 98 gs 400 fully loaded a few years later. loved that car until i sold it 5 years later to move to nyc. both great cars

[@vonbon954]

Alas the SC's were the poverty pack spec. The Soarer UZZ32 came with Active Suspension (no springs, no air) and integrated 4WS and pulled more or equal G's in a skidpan than the contemporary Ferrari F40...

[@negativeindustrial]

I’ve got a Twin-Turbo 1JZ swapped SC300 in refinished in midnight purple. I can’t fill it up without at least one person telling me how beautiful it is.

[@Bob-ll4xu]

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

[@Storm.Z.4u]

Do you seriously think it was designed as opposed to just drawn on a beermat during a boozy lunch.

[@Bob-ll4xu]

Probably needed a whole napkin given the size of the thing! 😄

[@Beer_Dad1975]

@@Storm.Z.4u Actually they prototyped the Soarer extensively - you can find several different designed before they settled on the final one if you google. Many of the curves in the bodywork were beyond the capability of standard manufacturing techniques at the time and they had to come up with new tooling to deal with it.

[@Storm.Z.4u]

@@Beer_Dad1975 "Beyond capability" Get real, it's not revolutionary in any degree, just ugly.

[@Beer_Dad1975]

@@Storm.Z.4u That's your subjective opinion of how it looks. I think Subarus are hideous, but some people think they are sexy. Everyone has different standards. Regardless of how you think it looks, the fact is they did a lot of new stuff with the panel work on the Soarer.

[@ruirodrigues9122]

Borrowed a V8 version once in first year of university for a week. Felt like a king driving it. What a machine

[@jrbuch]

I used to have a V8 Soarer, and now a 6 speed V160 swapped late model Soarer with the 1JZ VVTi engine (Which has certainly seen a price rise). Mine makes 550whp, so moves along nicely.

[@3UZFE]

I know you :p

[@robertcardon5402]

As a European it may not make sense, but it makes perfect sense for north America. It was designed to be a luxury car that also had the grunt to pass tractor trailers on two lane roads and get up to speed quickly on freeway on ramps.

[@reddevil6585]

The acceleration on the 3.0 6 cylinder is nothing crazy it’s really basic but it was the 90s I guess. In usa we don’t get versions of luxury cars like bmw with diesel engine I had the gs300 which has the same engine I believe Sc400 would have been nice though

[@jonathansentzas9324]

The 1jz wasn’t the flagship, it was actually in the base model cars (jzz30). The top models had the 1uz v8s (uzz30,31,32) and later on in production the naturally aspirated 2jz was put into the base model cars with a few more luxury features to bridge the gap (jzz31).

[@marvinsamuels1237]

I loved these in the 90’s! Was on my ‘list’ along with the Mazda/Eunos Cosmo of the same era. I just had (and still do) a thing for the blandly styled Japanese coupes and saloons; I actually liked the overall styling of the Soarer, the frameless doors of the 2nd gen Subaru Legacy, the fact that the 94’ Mazda 323F had frameless doors, a low fastback style and a 2.0 V6. I love 80’s and 90’s Japanese cars.

[@pussinboots1145]

I had a mazda 323 v6 SE for 15 years.I sold it 4 years ago and wish i hadn't.

[@marvinsamuels1237]

@@pussinboots1145 it’s always the way. I’m sure you really enjoyed it while you had it. I had a 2002 MR2 Roadster for 4 years from 2002 and I still wish I’d not sold it for something more practical.

[@ftw1540]

I think the styling is cool. Always thought they had nice lines, shows how terrible my eye for style must be lol

[@vonbon954]

We have been running the UZZ31 air suspension Soarer as a daily since 1997. And yes everything works.

[@joe718gt4]

I had a 92 SC400 in college... one of the sweetest cars I ever owned.

[@toenee]

Me right now! 92 SC400 in college. Love it

[@finbarmartin9761]

"Lexus" itself was derived from a list of 219 possible names, including such gems as "Alexis", "Calibre" and "Vector". Toyota loved "Alexis", but Joan Collins and her masterful portrayal of the scheming Alexis Carrington in the 1980s' soap hit Dynasty convinced them to soften it to "Lexus". That's just as well, because naming the new brand after a villain would have been a shame, given how the LS 400 turned out to be such a hero.Project manager Jim French sketched on his notepad, changing Alexis to Lexis, and then Lexus

[@energymc22]

Interesting. I remember reading at the time that it was eventually chosen as, like the commenter above said, it sounds like it has luxury connotations and sounds derived from Latin

[@Bob-ll4xu]

According to fictional character Alan Partridge the plural of Lexus is Lexi. Dont think Lexus agree though😜

[@emmetnolan1873]

It’s an acronym, stands for Luxury Exports to the United States.

[@finbarmartin9761]

@@emmetnolan1873 ALEXIS > LEXIS > LEXUS When Toyota executives decided to create a new luxury division of vehicles in the early 80s, they tasked their advertising unit, Team One with the job. Then, as good advertising units do, Team One turned to NY-based image consultants Lippincott & Marguilies for their expert suggestions. Among the over 200 name options that came back up the pipe was one Toyota was willing to work with: Alexis. It was simple and modern-fitting in nearly perfectly with its competition, the newly formed Acura and Infiniti of Honda and Nissan, respectively-, beating out other potentials like Verone, Chaparel, Calibre, and Vectre. It was good, but the decision makers weren’t quite satisfied. It sounded too much like a person’s name because, of course, it was. So they chopped the “A,” capitalized the “L,” swapped the “i” for a “u,” and just like that, Lexus was born

[@reyeslexus]

Let me help the old people who refuses to do research. The brand Lexus combines the Latin “luxus” and the French “luxe” as symbols of elegance and sumptuousness, together with the Greek “lexicon” meaning language. Many people believe Lexus stands for “Luxury Export To The United States”, or a similar variation - fitting as Lexus was first released to the USA market in 1989.

[@robertseely4469]

James, I owned a "95 Lexus SC400 with the same hard to describe exterior color, with tan interior. I owned it for 8- years and it always put a smile on my face whenever I started it up. I also seldom turned on the radio due to the wonderful purr the dual exhaust made. It was, for me here in the US, a great GT car. Lovely to see a video about its Euro cousin! Thank you.

[@AaronSmith-kr5yf]

Well if he hates the styling, I love it. That's how you know its a good design IMO. Styling was one of the main reasons I bought my USDM Lexus SC300. Everybody raved that Lexus(and Toyota) had the special sauce back in the 90's, after owning a couple big floaty 90's Cadillacs I was curious. I didn't want the staid looking LS400, single, who cares about the back seat, I have a Toyota pickup to haul crap with as well. Well I had my 1992 SC300(5 speed manual!) for 7 years and 40,000 miles, longer than I've owned any other car and it was my daily driver most of the time. Loved the smooth feel, the smell of the beautiful leather interior, the 5 speed made it fun to rag on a crooked road. It made me feel special, despite it being 20 years old. The condition and way it held up was 2nd to none, the pearl white paint is by far the best factory paint on any car I ever owned, even at 20 years old. That quality feel, the carefree ownership knowing that it was reliable despite being old and wasn't going to bankrupt me if something went wrong was also part of the appeal.

[@3UZFE]

In total agreement with you there, if you get the car and appreciate them they are very special and its hard to find alternatives that tick various boxes in the same way.

[@andrewo8356]

I need to disagree with your comments about the looks. In my opinion, the soarers are sexy, especially when lowered with a nice set of rims. Bullet cars Australia do bolt on superchargers for the V8’s. Also the earlier model v8’s have thick rods and can handle up to 800-1000hp. A lot of people have started turbo charging the v8’s and they are putting out phenomenal power.

[@charles-h9e]

I had one at around 19ish, ~14-15 years ago Purchased from my uncle for £1,300 - Toyota 1JZ-GTE Auto. Delivered Pizza in it for Domino's while at university.. (18-22mpg), then was my first mile muncher when working in the midlands, sold to a mate for £800 just before a few annoying MOT failures include rear shocks which I helped it with for guilt. Velour interior, great except for the auto-lock and not un-lock which lead to a friend ripping the passenger door handle to pieces one day leading to a window down self-open or letting my Loved the dash, though did get confused on my first drive wondering if I had off the dial high or low, stopped and figured out it was spot on in the middle... Door hinges were a pain for me, beautiful piece of engineering but mine started sagging scratching the door and needed a replacement, at the time there was a decent breaker supply for a fairly cheap resolution. Had a turbo oil leak from one of the turbo drains, which my local Lexus dealer was rudely uninterested in helping with, while the "not quite so local" (15 mile bike ride...) Toyota dealer helped kindly. Another one was some young kid said I had a coolant leak during a pizza delivery, which turned out to be a hose for turbo coolant feed which I limped home and borrowed my mums Civic for the rest of the night and found a random section of hose from a Honda/Nissan parts store in the garage. Todays prices to me, just like old 90s-ish era S13/14/ 200SX Nissans blow my mind compared to where they were when I wish I could've got some in the low thousands are still a bit too strong...

[@charles-h9e]

Mine also had a hilarious little turbo-timer fitted that I set to alarm at high-boost to encourage fuel efficient driving - giving a space-ship/aircraft apeing beeping when getting on boost embedded some fun memories. Probably the "best" all around car until my current Jag XF SV8. Other memories include moving out of my part-time mechanic'ing job/workshop arrangement and having to move a handful of engine blocks, heads and gearboxes and appreciating the massive boot...

[@freestyleskyline]

The 97+ is an absolute timeless body styling. Calling that car ugly or bland is BLASPHEMY

[@rjhandley556]

What a thing! I disagree on the looks I think it’s gorgeous. Great reviews again Jay and thank you

[@BrianCorish]

The UZZ32 was the one to have. The first car with active suspension and four wheel steering. Despite the size of the thing it could carry some amazing pace down a twisty road.

[@michaelbrew6457]

agreed

[@ulisesavila2879]

Prelude 3g had 4ws in 1988

[@kekethetoad]

I want one to turbo

[@socalguy829]

amazing car for the period. but buying one now would be a nightmare, as all the electrical suspension/4WS will be failing and impossible to repair. UZZ30 much better

[@3UZFE]

As an owner of a restored UZZ32, can agree with this statement, amazing handling car, uncanny really!

[@LilleyAdam]

The mirror cleaner is FANTASTIC. Defogged my mirrors every morning, had it on my 94 Scepter (Camry).

[@freestyleskyline]

Just so you know, that is not a griffin that is a winged lion. Griffins have eagle heads with beaks

[@Beer_Dad1975]

Owned two of these back in the day, one V8 and one inline 6 - I personally like the looks (would help if the owner polished the headlights here though) - but I often disagree with Jay on subjective things. They were never badged as Lexus in Japan - every one you see with Lexus badges have been fitted after they were exported. As someone who owned one when it was still fairly new, they are without a doubt one of the great grand touring coupes of the 90's - super comfortable and compliant. Sadly they have almost all been neglected badly at some point, and so you'll probably not find one worth owning - and that's the problem with this car - the crashing will be due to all the bushings being trashed, or possibly having been replaced with sub-standard after market bushings - at the time I got rid of my second one it was starting to get this way - I decided it wasn't worth the thousands of dollars it would have needed to properly replace all the suspension and subframe bushings, so I passed it on.

[@jtreut]

@Beer_Dad - Thanks for your thoughtful comment. You make a smart point about the condition of the car affecting the review. Clearly, a poorly maintained car will have rattles. Perhaps our man Jay will have the opportunity to drive a version in top shape and provide a proper comparison.

[@Beer_Dad1975]

@@jtreut Don't get me wrong I appreciate the review, not meaning to hate on Jay for all his hard work - ultimately he has to review what he's presented with. I think unfortunately for the Soarer, finding a really good one would be exceptionally difficult - they all got to a point where you could buy them for next to nothing, and were therefore being bought by young guys with limited resources - but the cost of parts was still high, and so they got more and more worn out - also those young guys mostly wanted to make them louder and faster, and weren't so worried about the vague steering or dangerous bump-steer in the corers caused by all the flogged out suspension components. I do know a guy who has a UZZ32 (the fully active suspension version they only built around 800 of) and he's spent a fortune repairing it to better than new condition - but he's probably spent five or more times what the car will ever be worth doing it (& he's a decent mechanic too so most of the work he's done himself) - purely because he loves it, not because he thinks it'll ever be worth anything. I don't think they'll ever get even a fraction of the cult status of the Supra or the Skyline - they've missed the bus there I think.

[@stephenautopsy6246]

Lmao currently doin a full polly bushing swap on my sc400.

[@Beer_Dad1975]

@@stephenautopsy6246 Each to their own I guess - I've come across a few that have had that done over the years - only one that made sense was a twin turbo 1UZ-FE that was built purely for touring race series (amazing bit of engineering on the turbo setup on that car) - the rest were just road cars and it ruined the ride and they still handled like what they are, big heavy GT's.

[@saadcringe]

as an SC owner in the US i envy that you guys got the cool 80s dash, defrost mirrors, and all 4 brake lights turning on when u brake we only get 2. i hate it here

[@GS-zc4sk]

Yeah that Dash looks sweet

[@Pagani-oy2bc]

As someone who owns a 94 black on black 1JZ-GTE Soarer. I can confirm that's its absolutely amazing. Also it looks seamless and smooth, like a GT car. It's quick from factory with the 1JZ, has comfy suspension, interior is Lexus quality, and it is a Toyota at the end of the day. It's been super reliable and if something does break it's cheap it fix. Also there are tons of aftermarket parts for the car. It's the perfect GT sleeper.

[@torpedo6738]

what is your Fuel consumption?

[@Pagani-oy2bc]

@@torpedo6738 hehe, bad.

[@wads80z]

I think the mad thing is that a car this advanced was on sale - and for years a direct competitor to - a car as creaky and out of date as the Jaguar XJS!!!

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

and I'd still have the XJS ;)

[@TypeVertigo]

These cars were seriously heavy for the time (and still are in absolute terms). Japanese tuner Car Make T&E was notable for attempting to make the Soarer more agile and lightweight for competition purposes, resorting to things such as carbon fiber doors. They've raced a few in the past too. Nice video James.

[@greggraham2642]

I've loved the SC300/SC400/Soarer design ever since it came out. They were everywhere in Las Vegas in 1990s. There was nothing that looked like it and it was a stunner with that long, low, sleek styling. Car magazines gushed over it. The 1997-2000 cars are the better looking cars to me but I still think the early cars look great. Car and Driver had it on their Ten Best list for a number of years and Jeremy Clarkson loved it when he drove the V8 Soarer. I've been restoring a 1998 SC300 and using it as a daily driver. Great car to drive and a lot of fun. I can even put 4 adults in it. The 2JZ sounds great and pulls nicely. Not as fast as the v8 cars but still fun. I refreshed the suspension with new shocks and control arms, upgraded the sway bars, put 18" Motegi wheels on it, changed the timing belt, sealed up the engine, restored the interior and made other repairs and at 310,000 miles on the clock, it just drives and handles fantastic. I think the 4-speed auto (Aisin A340E) is really good. Mine down shifts crisply when I give it the gas and smoothly upshifts when just lazily cruising around town. Changing the transmission fluid and keeping it in sport mode probably helps quite a bit. These things are classic Japanese and to me, that's a great thing all the way around.

[@cullenduncan9054]

This guy says there not a single good angle to it lmao. Strong opinion. I think they’re sharp af when lowered and on the right wheels, the body line is what makes the car. Very 90s, maybe he doesn’t like rounded designs with body lines.

[@greggraham2642]

@@cullenduncan9054 Right on! When he made the comment on the round lines, I immediately thought of the Jaguar XKE, which is all round lines and one of the most beautiful cars ever designed. What would he say about that car?

[@3UZFE]

@@greggraham2642 Agree with your comments. With a little care and restoration these are excellent cars. I changed one of mine to run a 3UZ-FE a number of years back.

[@markygti138]

A friend of mine had a heavily modified one of these back in the day. Fastest thing I’ve ever been in. 190+ on one of our trips to Mexico

[@deaks25]

I remember as a teenager a neighbour having a Soarer, although I'm sure it had Lexus badges on but I might have misremembered, and it was the "Supra Engine" 2JZ and I did think it was really cool. I always liked the looks, probably best described as "unapologetic 90's". This and the Mitsubishi 3000GT/GTO were the two I idolised as a teenager.

[@orson8642]

Jesus the options on this car are crazy for its years, I have a bare bones 92 lexus sc400, all tho bare bones it's my baby and the exterior and interior are in amazing condition for it being a 30 year old car

[@paulbunyan9436]

My silver Lexus SC430 is lowered on BC coilovers, with big, fat wheels and tires plus a custom exhaust. People stop, stare and take pictures. Everyone who has ever owned one, now regrets selling it.

[@johnscarsandstuff]

Over fifteen years ago a work colleague owned two 4.0-litre Soarers in succession and he was kind enough to let me drive them both. The first was an earlier car and my abiding impression was that there was a definite and noticeable step change in the speed-related power assistance for the steering, which felt heavier above about 20mph (if memory serves correctly). That was on its original wheels and tyres, the car later received a slightly larger, wider set of wheels and tyres and the car seemed generally better. The second car rode on the same set of wheels and I was able to borrow it for a much longer, solo drive. I'm not sure what exactly Toyota changed under the skin, but the car seemed subtly better all round, but Toyota felt the need to deface the front end with a bit of unnecessary chrome tinsel on the radiator grille. As I had the car to myself I was able to experiment with the different modes for the automatic transmission and air suspension; to my mind both were better in the more sporting settings. The one demerit for the transmission was that you could knock the selector out of drive and into neutral. When driving quickly I prefer to use the selector to change gear when I want and it would have been nice to have a positive stop between the D and N positions. For a big car it felt as though it could be driven quite quickly (at least by my standards) and had plenty of poke to overtake. It was also nice and relaxing for longer journeys. It was definitely a car with much to admire and remains a long-standing favourite of mine. I certainly think it was a better car than the X100 generation Jaguar XK8. I even like the Toyota's sober, understated appearance, coming from a time before Lexus went off in a strange and uncomfortable design direction.

[@SharpblueCreative]

My friend Rory has a Soarer in white - and he loves it. I don’t know what engine it has but it runs fantastic- I’ve been in it a load of times and it’s dead quiet inside and floats along. He has had it fully restored and his was a Japanese import. It’s the Toyota version - he loves it - described it a lounge on wheels.

[@raould860]

My name is Rory and I have a pear white '97 sc400!

[@h7pubg]

we definitely differ, because I love the 90’s softness, hate the excessively sharp angles everywhere these days

[@DjDolHaus86]

The gentlemen's agreement was never enforced, the sales brochure would say 276ps but the engine might have actually been making significantly more. Dyno's weren't as accessible in the 90's so the only people who would have seen the actual output figures wouldn't have been the kind of people to go and rat the manufacturers out to the press

[@chiwi9887]

After owning a 1uz converted hilux and now owning a bone stock 1jztt soarer I can 100% say the 1jz has more poke. The 1uz has great response and initial torque as soon as you hit the gas pedal but the 1jz just sings when it's in boost, no stopping it. 1jz is also much easier to work on imo

[@cylturbskie]

Of course the 1j would be more pokey, having forced induction always gives you the feel of "power" even if its just your average little 1.6 turbo diesel.

[@cylturbskie]

I think they were outputting 300-310 if not closer to 320bhp in rare occasions.

[@lazarushernandez5827]

They could simply tell you it made 276HP @ 5000 RPM even if made 300HP @ 6200 RPM...

[@C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13]

According to the Lexus marketing people: The brand Lexus combines the Latin “luxus” and the French “luxe” as symbols of elegance and sumptuousness, together with the Greek “lexicon” meaning language. Many people believe Lexus stands for “Luxury Export To The United States”, or a similar variation - fitting as Lexus was first released to the USA market in 1989. However, this theory has been discredited by the Japanese Lexus advertising division Team One. According to Team One interviews, the brand name has no specific meaning and simply denotes a luxurious and technological image.

[@MySteamChannel]

I have a black UZ31 V8 & love it...I have thrown away the airbags & otherwise, it's standard..Not the fastest car but it will keep pace with an old 350 chev ... so comfortable. Not parting with it ever. Cheers from Australia.

[@gavinr9107]

The chassis of the UZ/JZ Soarer is very similar to the A80 Supra. They are reasonably priced compared to the A80 Supra. Definitely worth considering if you want 90's JDM nostalgia on a budget.

[@michaelbrew6457]

I have have one of the top spec uzz32 soarer the active hydro pneumatic coupled with the four wheel steer does give it a sportier ride and good handling compare to the other models but a manual paired with the v8 would make it a lot more fun which is a shame but nothing that can't be swapped.

[@3UZFE]

Same here, my UZZ32 that's fully restored is a real gem to drive on the open roads of New Zealand, nothing like is clapped out UZZ31 the guy in the video drove thats for sure.

[@michaelbrew6457]

@@3UZFE yeah trying to sort mine out needs abit of work

[@550r]

How the name Lexus appeared is kinda interesting and well documented. The original brand name chosen was actually Alexis. But then Toyota execs got worried about the association with a Joan Collins villain character in the Dallas TV show with the same first name. So then they changed it to just Lexis. Problem solved, until they then got sued by the company that ran Lexis Nexis legal publishing company. There was actually a massive legal battle which Toyota basically gave up just before launch and ultimately went with the slightly changed Lexus.

[@lazarushernandez5827]

Joan Collins was on Dynasty, which actually competed with Dallas back in the day.

[@way2deep100]

I bought a V8 in the UK back in about '97 for which I traded in a UK spec 1993 Nissan 300ZX - a mistake in hindsight. The same shape as the Toyota Soarer was marketed as the Lexus SC in the US, which is what really led to most of the 'grey' imports to the UK being re-badged as Lexux SC300 or SC400. I agree with much of what's been said here but only by today's standards. Back in the 90s, but for the typical Toyota parts bin switchgear, the Soarer would have been up there with the Mercedes and Jaguars of the day. That 4-litre was sooooo smooth and let's not forget the gadgets!!! Mine was a 1991 and came with a touch screen infotainment system which operated the radio/cassette/CD; the climate control and the navigation (sadly limited to Japan mapping). We were yet to see aftermarket navigation here. There were companies that did a roaring trade in interfaces that allowed the screen to accommodate PAL(UK) TV tuners, gaming consoles and I still have the JVC video tape player I had mounted in the boot (intended for caravans and motorhomes, I guess). These were features that stopped friends in their tracks in the mid-90s. Yes, the ride was soft on its air suspension but as an experiment I tried the AZEV alloy wheels (18", I think) that I had taken back off the 300ZX and, to my surprise, they fit! I don't know whether the handling "improved" but I was convinced of it at the time. I had owned an Opel Monza GSE, so I had already done the digital dashboard thing even if the Soarer's 3D effect was cooler but the Soarer's memory seats, mirrors and. for goodness' sake, steering wheel were too much gadget for me to pass by. Open the driver's door and the seat would slide back and the steering wheel would lift to await my return. Little did I realise that my red 300ZX Twin Turbo V6, especially in its 2+2 UK spec and unmodified, would become much more sought after.

[@3UZFE]

All the switch gear is unique to these cars, no other model uses the same switches. They maybe a similar design style in some aspects but the Soarer is more unique than any other Toyota model of the time.

[@way2deep100]

@@3UZFE Granted. I guess I was referring to the way they label everything, which to my mind cheapens the appearance. Like they spell out "UP", "DOWN", "L", "R". "SEEK", "VOL", "POWER", "TUNE", "NEXT", "PREV", "FRONT", "REAR", "AUTO", "OFF" etc in a way true prestige brands rarely seem to need to when a symbol or the very location of the switch makes the function obvious. My girlfriend at the time drove a Corolla, which wasn't so different from that point of view even down to the font.

[@nostalgic_pokemon_memories]

I have a 1996 Lexus sc300 with factory 5 speed manual. I LOVE THE CAR!

[@raould860]

Not a griffith...it's a flying lion

[@alexanderstefanov6474]

I remember sitting in one, a lexus sc400 at earls court in the mid 1990s, it had a touch screen colour CRT infotainment display and I thought it was the most fantastic car ever

[@ManilvaRS]

In the mid 2000s my mates dad who used to buy and sell cars ended up with a lightly modified white JDM Lexus "Soarer" and i dont think he knew what he'd actually bought. It looked amazing slightly lowered and on a set of wheels, the aftermarket exhaust also made it sound beastly. The 1JZ was modified but we had no idea to what extent, there was a screen in it with all japanese writing, and all i know was when we turned everything to max it would shift like a bullet from a gun, like mental fast! I remember we raced a Focus ST (which were new out at the time) from a set of lights and we destroyed it, then let him catch up and roll raced it and just left it for dust. It was sold on a short while later but always had a soft spot for them since then.

[@mollyb347]

Just found this post & it makes interesting viewing. I’ve owed an uz30 for 24 years now, & I still love it as much as the day I bought it. I think it’s a beautiful car, despite its lack of edges! I’ve now decided to keep her, so hopefully she’ll be mine till the day I die. 🖤

[@gab80y]

These cars were bargains 15 years ago now they are non-existent. I think the front headlights looks like a Lexus LX470 (LandCruiser 100) styling.

[@scubarubanzaii]

I was never a fan of these until a buddy got one and I drove it I then got one for $900 USD with the 1UZ. I love these so much now.

[@thisiszaphod]

The engine is not unburstable. I had an early LS400 which was a keeper, that lasted 11 months with light right foot, wafty treatment. One of the coolant hose suffered very sudden, catastrophic delamination, and within seconds, before knowing what had gone on, bang went the lump. The whole family were gutted, as was I.

[@kevinsugrue]

I'm able to confirm Lexus was an acronym at Toyota, standing for Luxury Export US. I worked with Toyota and Lexus in the 1990's.

[@KeenanStyles]

I love the ZZ30, I have an A80 Supra but just find the ZZ30 to be more attractive especially the kouki variant. I’ve been looking for a V8 model but they are basically nonexistent here in Japan.

[@brianwhedon8442]

There are there, its just really hard to find. It looks like most of the importers shipped them over to Australia or Canada, and the remaining ones are being funneled to the USA. You will only find the UZZ30/31/32s in the 1991-1996 model years. The good engine kouki VVTI V8s were only for the USA.

[@christopherpearce7368]

Road & Track reported that the design was developed by filling balloons with plaster and using a lamp to project shadows onto a wall.

[@aidinmclaurin9867]

While I think all versions of the Soarer are handsome, the series III facelift (1996-2000) made it look SO much better. More pronounced rear bumper, larger spoiler, more aggressive front bumper with fog lights, etc.

[@jonnywalker3208]

We had the twin turbo back in 2004, never drove a v8 one (was actually slower!) But that supra engined lexus was absolutely bliss! God I loved it, also people had NO idea (unless they were part of the gran turismo generation) knew what it was sooooo it was fun wiping the floor the most cars who fancied their chances with what they thought was an average saloon car.

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

A friend of mine had one. Definitely need to replace the headunit with something thats got reversing camera and Android Auto/Carplay. Nice video. Keep up the good work.

[@jayjuggrnaut]

Phenomenal car that I wish I'd purchased 10 years ago. I'm a new Lexus LX470 owner and have come to the startling realization that Lexus has stopped making many of the OEM parts for their vehicles that are 20+ years old AND the aftermarket is not as robust as I assumed it would be.

[@galant310]

Youre driving a 30 yr old car and want to judge it as a brand new car. When thess cars were new it was the smoothest thing. The bushings and air suspensions on the one youre testing are probably worn

[@dibaz1]

Boom 💥 This post should be highlighted! 👍👏🤩🇺🇸

[@STRmw2]

Someone near my old high school had one of these riced out but in the last 10 or so years since leaving school I’ve driven past and seen it modified into a fully custom car with DB9 taillights and a completely new custom looking body

[@LHRSBN]

Jay, with this and many cars of its era, if you want a slightly sportier experience then put the gear lever in “2” instead of normal “D” in town driving, and/or switch off the Overdrive - as per the Owner’s Manual. I used to have a fantastically smooth and reliable 1992 Lexus LS400 V8. NB: The servicing at the Lexus main dealers were a joy, and not that expensive.

[@everyonelovesnoah]

as a mint 92 sc400 golden pearl owner this guy is roasting my favorite unique craftsmanship's. i love my car and will forever love the bubble look the Sc gives. everything from the V8 engine to the beautiful door hinges to the 12 disk cd player in the trunk I love it 😄😄👍👍

[@lmartinmiami82]

Got 1 sc300 and 1 sc400, the +98 models, awesome cars love them 😍

[@ESuccessMasters]

I had one of those exact one in Black. Beautiful car and wonderful to drive

[@EastsideBodega_]

Ahh man I miss this car. In America called a Lexus SC. Mine was a SC300 & the “Rare” manual transmission. Enjoyed my time with it

[@ChrisHib01]

Thought I'd revisit this some time later as I own a modified jz one and your judgement with the coil overs is spot on. I've had a massively modified r32 skyline, and a jzx110 set up for drifting, and now of course my jz soarer with coil overs and a lot of nice chassis modifications to make it an enjoyable car to drive on the road and it sits perfectly between my heavily modified r32 and drifty jzx110 and the steering is lively and weighted aswell- my steering wheel is quite thin rimmed and leather bound, so it really does add to that overall sensation of piloting a lovely motor down the road.

[@BkSMedia]

Those are my local backroads! I hope you enjoyed driving them as much as I do Jay. Great review of the Soarer. I have a Lexus IS myself, which I feel has that same conflicts of not knowing whether it wants to be luxurious or sporty.

[@nigelclark313]

Which roads are they? From where to where please? I'd love to have a drive on them

[@matthewf8454]

I'm always up here In my mk1 mx5

[@furwerkstudio2057]

I heard of the Soarer through a famous Japanese urban legend, a car bring sold cheap, DIRT cheap, due to being haunted. Kind of interesting car really.

[@3UZFE]

Criticism of looks are subjective so his opinion there is irrelevant, has he looked at other cars available in 1991? The Z30 Soarer was and still is a break through design that aged so well, much better than the Mazda Cosmo, it's closest rival from Japan. His criticism of the ride quality on a 30 year old car is so misleading as well, is an old car and most Soarers don't have all the bushes and links replaced to a like new feel, it's also running larger than stock wheels so depending on the tyre quality will make the car ride / feel harsher than it was designed for on the stock 15-16" wheels. Having replaced every single bush in one of my Soarers the difference to one with worn 30 year old bushes (inc subframe/diff) is night and day. The bush replacement also reduces rattles, which can further be eliminated by just taking things apart and tightening screws / replacing felt trim to stop rattles - what car without maintenance wont rattle? The stock air suspension was never sporty and would be totally shot after these years so he's actually driving a car with failed shocks, not a fair reference point at all. He did make some fairly accurate comments here and there but seemed to come at the car from a negative modern day bias from someone that just doesn't appreciate the car for what it is, his loss. Fortunately there is a large fan base that love these cars for their unique combination of style, quality an features.

[@dibaz1]

You just took every word out of my mouth!!!! 👏👍🙏🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@Ballterra]

I remember in the 90’s there where quite a few imported here 🇦🇺 didn’t yearn for one then .. but.. since owning a LS 430 .. I could live with a Soarer would have to change that exhaust though 😁

[@moldy_water9828]

This soarer specifically is riding on is300 wheels which came out in the early 2000’s. I feel that if this car were lower with coil overs (my sc400 has coil overs) it would feel a lot more sporty with the wheel setup

[@Dirtyvegas1971]

I have owned 2 of them a 1992 and a 1996. The best car ever even better than my sc430

[@tylerbell3913]

Such a great car, the electro-multi vision ones talked to you in Japanese when you got in. Though I would say you couldn't judge it in its current state. most of the interior looks like it has been taken apart to run cables etc add to that a loose Nintendo in the glove box will probably cause some non Toyota rattles. Also the air suspension and air controller are designed for 60 series tyres at around 32psi so when you put hard "low profile" tyres on it I would say the elderly micro processor is out of its depth.

[@ThreeFiddy1701]

Brilliant! I personally have 'Soared' through many a fast open road with utter comfort in my 1JZ example years back!

[@silversonic99]

This looks way better in person in my opinion. Saw a silver one in orlando and did a double take when I saw it was a toyota

[@jorgenunesdasilva4965]

I used to have one, Lexus sc300 with the 2jz-ge engine, its a super robust machine, Upgraded to bilstein shocks and eibach springs and it transformed the cornering ability, the new owner did a swap to manual transmission and its has a lot better accelaration, the old auto box was Just slow and sluggish.

[@charliewilson3528]

Good looking car. Stylish Reliable, and goes up in value.

[@OctavChelaru]

1jz was actually the sports version, uzz32 was the top version with a v8 and active suspension. Quite heavy but the suspension is something else (ex owner).

[@Kacpa2]

My 1990 Celica had sn ientical footswitch for the slidong pit passenger seat

[@Livepluschannel]

Stumbled across this video and having owned a Soarer (JZZ30) bit disappointed with the review. Styling wise it was ahead of its time and still stands up well today, over 30 years since its introduction. I had a 1991 JZZ30 with the 1JZGTE and 4 speed auto. I got it stock standard in 2004 and it ran like crap, but it was cheap as $6k AUD. After replacement of electrics namely, ECU (would throw up errors that didn't exist), Ignitor and coilpacks it ran like a dream, especially the coil packs (was dropping cylinders and going into limp mode), that really fixed it. I modified it over time with GT30 turbo, bigger injectors, cams, power fc (required a seperate computer to control transmission), built auto and it made over 500hp on the standard internals and run low 11 sec quarters and 0-100kmh in under 4 seconds. I had some nice deep dish rims and tein height adjustable coilovers on it which set it apart. There is other fixes I needed to do with the climate control display and the dash which were all available online even in 2004. Once you get one of these running like new, they are dream to drive. Unfortunately or fortunately as time would tell, I sold it just as GFC was kicking in. I still miss that car, maybe one day I'll buy one again.

[@3UZFE]

It would be a good time to get another one, although prices have become rather silly.

[@adriles]

Definitely makes me look back fondly on my uzz32, zig-zagging it up the road for fun with zero body roll. Seeing it's digital dash again was great and you captured it well.

[@3UZFE]

The UZZ32 was a tremendously good handling car, as an owner I know how well they go. This blokes driving a UZZ31 on worn airbag struts is wrong to complain when hes driving the softest model on 30 year old shock absorbers (unless they were replaced with new genuine Toyota airbag struts but I highly doubt that) Further more the various bushes, and subframe bushes need to be replaced in these cars as at this age they're hard and worn, contributing to making the car ride rougher than it should. I drive my restored UZZ32 on rough New Zealand roads and it's terrific, no complains on the ride quality and very nimble active suspension handling characteristics.

[@jjs3287]

Always wanted one of these, loved the name, "Skyline" was also another great name for a car.

[@Medge2sc]

My dad had a gs300 sport in 1993 with those dreamy tte rear wheels , I wanted him to get one of these but looking back the gs aged better

[@thedetailingdoctor5746]

Oh the snes in the glovebox just makes this car 😮

[@TisDoppel]

I actually love the headlight arrangement, reminds me of a mythical sea monster

[@barnestim]

The 'flagship' wasn't, in fact the 1JZ-GTE powered car (Model: JZZ30), that was the more sports orientated model (and one that I owned). The flagship/highest spec was the UZZ32 powered by the 1UZ V8 and equipped with 'Active' hydraulic suspension. Lesser models include the UZZ31 (V8, air suspension) and UZZ30 (V8, coils). Later the JZZ31 was released using the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE. Fun fact, the Soarer/SC400 was the first toyota model to be designed in CAD and this allowed use of the complex curves and shapes (including the headlights).

[@vonbon954]

And...the Ferrari F40 pulled less or equal steady state G's on skidpan than the then contemporary Toyota Soarer UZZ32, which is the Soarer with the Active Suspension (not the air suspension, that is the UZZ31) and the integrated 4 wheel steering. Oh, and at the time the Soarer was running its 1992 225mm section road tyres, as against whatever the F40 came with.

[@3UZFE]

UZZ32 was good for 0.96g turns on the 300ft skid pad test, amazing compared to so many cars, even those today. Put some wide modern tyres on, I think 1g+ isnt unrealistic.

[@hubertmantz1516]

Great video on a car I’ve always wanted to know about! Thanks 😊

[@jo05dk]

If i were the kind of person who could afford having an older japanese toy, it would be a Soarer. I have noticed how good value they are compared to more or less everything else from that corner of the world, over the last years. ..and i rather like them, when styled correctly. Think they can be made to look great. ..but sadly i'm not the kind of person who can afford such a thing.

[@TheBasher-_-]

This guys crazy lol. These cars were sexy asf. Especially with the V8 oof!!

[@allanredford6070]

the car is mre impressive and better-styled than the reviewer ;-)...30 years ahead of most brands.

[@freestyleskyline]

Honestly, I've never heard anyone say an SC or sore is noisy, bumpy or creaky. It might just be the age behind the vehicle, but I've had like 30 of them, that V8 is so quiet. Quiet you don't even hear it idling and you could be on the bumpiest road and barely feel a thing people would fall asleep in the backseat

[@McGrory_The_Second]

I met jay about a week after he filmed this… as I arrived to his meet in my blueish green, grey interior, V8, air suspension, pre facelift auto soarer (exact same spec as the one in the video) and we had a right laugh about how weird the car is 😂😂

[@adamw2911]

It had a market in the USA and Japan but definitely not the UK. However I owned an imported 95 TT and have to say it was a brilliant car.

[@MarkGelderland]

I always liked the design, and still do.

[@cwang6951]

Always loved it, think it still looking amazing.

[@3UZFE]

A beautiful design for sure, especially when you seen an immaculate example with clear lights, OE front lip on tasteful wheels.

[@donaldmackay4837]

I agree. The design has stood the test of time cf the bland blobs we’re surrounded by today

[@barryphillips7327]

I am sure these use the quad cam 4ltr V8 ( which are very well made ) plus these have TOYOTA BUILD QUALITY ( personally i rate Toyota BEST BUILT cars in the World ) it reminds me in many ways of a 928 Porsche. By the 90s the Japanese were on top of Rust,

[@atrothe]

i owned the soarer GT which was a twin turbo 2.5 litre 6 cylinder that went like a rocket. far more powerful than the V8 in the lexus. It is exactly the same platform as the Supra.

[@aurorajones8481]

Thats interesting your thoughts on this car. The SC. To me this car was a space ship when I first saw it. It was amazing. Ive never sat in, rode, or driven in one. So i cant say anything on that but i was 13 when this thing came out and wow i was in love w/ it. Black w/ the gold package.

[@aurorajones8481]

I just bought a 22 LC500... So i did get my space ship. I get the same vibe.

[@3UZFE]

If you drive a restored one with good tyres and coil suspension they are a fun comfortable car to drive, clearly the one in the video had age related issues with its worn air suspension, which wasnt even sporty new.

[@vibingwithvinyl]

2:44 That has nothing on the Saab 9-5 cup holder.

[@cafe405]

It's beautiful, you madman.