2000LexusSCLexus SC2000 Lexus SC 400CoupeCoupeRWDJapanThe 2000 Lexus SC 300 and SC 400 are unchanged except for paint selection; Cinnabar Pearl replaces Baroque Red Metallic.Ultra-smooth engines, eye-bulging brakes, top-grade interior materials, quiet ride. Cramped rear seat, buoyant ride quality, high price.Way back in the day (early '90s, actually), the then-new Lexus SC 300 and SC 400 were a huge hit with both the public and the automotive press. They offered features and pricing that no other car could match. But like an aging rock band, the SC Coupes still have the same moves and songs as they did when they were new. This has opened opportunities for younger stars (like the Mercedes Benz CLK430) to steal their fan base. When Lexus came out with the SC Coupes, 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. Aggressive and lacking a traditional grille, the SC looked like nothing else. But that basic shape remains today, and it has grown a bit tired. There's nothing wrong with the goodies under the hood, however. The SC 300 is powered by a 3.0-liter inline six that generates 225 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 220 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. The SC 400 uses the same V8 that is found in the Lexus LS 400. It puts out 290 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 300 foot-pounds of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. Both engines are super-smooth and feature a variable valve timing system (Toyota calls its system VVT-i). This system optimizes valve overlap throughout the engine's speed range and in operating conditions, eliminating the traditional compromise between low-end torque and high-rpm horsepower. Both SC engines use an electronic throttle control system (ETCS). The inline six features a four-speed automatic transmission and the V8 has a five-speed automatic. Both interiors are exceptionally quiet. Special materials are used to filter out noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) to give the SC Coupes a serenely quiet ride. Heat and UV-reducing light-green tinted glass helps keep the interior cool on bright days and also helps reduce premature aging of interior materials. Those luxurious interior materials include sumptuous perforated leather seat inserts and trim (optional on the SC 300), wood and leather shift knob, plus elegant wood trim around the center console, doors and instrument panel. There's also amenities such as automatic climate control, 10-way power front seats, and a Lexus/Pioneer audio system. A premium 280-watt Lexus/Nakamichi unit is optional. While the SC 300 and 400 are both good cars, the truth is that the SC Coupe platform is a 9-year-old design that simply can't compete in today's market. For the money, you'll find better personal-luxury coupes elsewhere. BMW 3-SeriesCadillac EldoradoMercedes-Benz CLK-ClassVolvo C70450,000670,0004Unlimited6Unlimited6.2 sec.128 ft.0.8484 litersV8290 hp @ 6000 rpm300 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm192.5 in.70.9 in.53.2 in.3655 lbs.105.9 in.38.3 in.36.1 in.56 in.52.7 in.55.1 in.39.2 in.44.1 in.27.2 in.9.3 cu.ft.StandardStandardNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableOptionalStandardRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested20.6 gal.18 mpg / 25 mpg371 mi. / 515 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$48,338$56,3057.35%$495N/A2% of the Base MSRPSC 300 (4A): 3.0L I6 DOHC SMPI 24-valve engine with variable valve timing (requires premium unleaded fuel); 4-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; 600 amp battery; 80 amp alternator; driver's selectable multi-mode transmission, transmission oil cooler; rear-wheel drive, 4.27 axle ratio; dual stainless steel exhaust with chrome tip; front independent double-wishbone suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, rear independent double-wishbone suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs; rack-and-pinion power steering with vehicle-speed-sensing assist; 4-wheel antilock disc brakes; 20.6 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; front and rear body-colored bumpers; rocker panel extensions; monotone clearcoat paint; projector beam halogen fully auto headlamps with daytime running lights, delay-off feature; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights; driver's and passenger's power remote body-colored heated folding outsidemirrors; 16" x 6.5" silver alloy wheels; P225/55VR16 performance BSW tires; full-size steel spare wheel; air conditioning with climate control; premium AM/FM stereo radio, speed sensitive volume, seek-scan feature, cassette player, trunk-mounted 6-disc CD changer, 7 premium speakers, amplifier, auto equalizer, theft deterrent, and power retractable diversity antenna; cruise control; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, remote keyless entry, power remote hatch/trunk release, power remote fuel door release; cell phone pre-wiring, 1 power accessory outlet, driver's foot rest, retained accessory power, smokers' package; instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, in-dash clock, exterior temp, trip computer, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, battery, low oil level, low coolant, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, bulb failure, door ajar; driver's and passenger's front airbags; ignition disable, panic alarm, security system; tinted windows,power front windows with driver's 1-touch down function; variable intermittent front windshield wipers, sun visor strip, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 4, front bucket seats with adjustable tilt headrests, center armrest with storage, driver's and passenger's seats include 6-way power adjustment, power 2-way lumbar support, easy entry; rear bench seat with fixed headrests; height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners; premium cloth seats, cloth door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering with carpeted floor mats, carpet trim on lower door panel, genuine wood trim on instrument panel, leather/wood gearshift knob; interior lights include dome light with fade, front reading lights, 2 door curb lights, illuminated entry; leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment; dual illuminated vanity mirrors, driver's side auxiliary visor; auto-dimming day/night rearview mirror; audio media storage, full floor console, locking glovebox with light, front cupholder, 2 seatback storage pockets, driver's and passenger's door bins, first aid kit; carpeted cargo floor, carpeted trunk lid, cargo light; chrome grille, chrome side window moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and body-colored door handles.
SC 400 (5A) (in addition to or instead of SC 300 (5A) equipment): 4.0L V8 DOHC SMPI 32-valve engine with variable valve timing (requires premium unleaded fuel); 5-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; 750 amp battery; 3.27 axle ratio; sun visor strip, rear window defroster; leather seats, leather door trim insert; driver's seat memory includes 2 settings for exterior mirrors, steering wheel and leather-wrapped steering wheel with power tilt and telescopic adjustment.