Does the SC400 handle well?
In short: yes—it's a confident, refined handler for a grand tourer, delivering steady highway stability and comfortable cornering, but it's not a razor‑sharp sport coupe. With proper tires and regular maintenance, it remains a capable and rewarding driver on everyday roads and long-distance trips.
The Lexus SC400, produced from 1992 to 1998, was designed around a rear‑wheel‑drive platform with a front‑engine V8. Its handling philosophy emphasizes refinement, balance, and long‑distance comfort rather than extreme agility. This article examines how that approach translates to real-world driving, what to expect in varying conditions, and how to maintain the car so its handling stays confident today.
Design choices that influence handling
The SC400’s handling is shaped by its weight, layout, suspension, and steering feel. It aims for a planted, stable ride over winding roads, with a focus on comfort and predictable behavior at speed rather than razor-edged responsiveness.
Chassis and suspension
The SC400 uses an independent suspension setup with components tuned for a smooth, cushioned ride and steady highway tracking. Its relatively heavy curb weight and longer wheelbase promote composure at speed and a calm feel through corners, though this comes at the expense of nimbleness in tight, sportier maneuvers.
Steering and tires
The steering is weighted to convey a sense of solidity at highway speeds, with reasonable precision and gradual feedback. When paired with grippy tires, the car communicates grip levels clearly and returns predictable responses as you push through sweeps; worn or lower‑grade tires can dull the chassis’ quickness and increase grip variability.
Behavior in everyday conditions
On day‑to‑day roads, the SC400 excels in highway cruising and long‑distance stability, with limited body motion and a calm reflex to input. In tighter corners, the car tends to understeer before it reaches a firm limit, and the handling trend favors steady, progressive inputs over aggressive, track‑style cornering.
Key handling strengths
- High‑speed stability and confident lane tracking
- Very smooth, controlled ride quality
- Predictable steering feel with gradual feedback
- Balanced chassis that suits grand tourer duties
These attributes make the SC400 comfortable and reassuring in long trips and everyday driving, though they also mean the car isn’t tuned for razor‑sharp cornering or sprint‑car pace through apexes.
Expert and owner perspectives
Professional reviewers consistently praised the SC400 for its refined ride, quiet cabin, and confident high‑speed stability. Critics noted that, while capable, the car isn’t a substitute for lighter, purpose‑built sports coupes. Owners often cite reliability, comfort over long distances, and a sense of luxury that doesn’t demand aggressive driving to feel composed. With age, however, suspension components and tires can wear, and this can gradually affect steering response and grip.
Limitations for performance‑minded drivers
- Heavier weight can blunt agility compared with lighter sport coupes
- Limited cornering reflex and quicker transitions on very tight corners
- Understeer can become noticeable near the limit
- Age‑related wear in suspension and steering components can affect handling if not maintained
Despite these limitations, well‑maintained SC400s with quality tires offer reliably confident handling for their GT role and era.
Maintenance and upgrades to keep handling sharp
For today’s roads, keeping handling at its best hinges on upkeep and sensible tire choices. Regular attention to suspension components, alignment, and tire condition helps preserve the SC400’s intended balance and stability.
- Use high‑quality, adequately rated tires with even tread wear
- Keep a precise wheel alignment and inspect suspension bushings, ball joints, and sway bars
- Check the steering rack and associated linkages for play or wear; address any vagueness promptly
With attentive maintenance and appropriate tires, the SC400 maintains its characteristic highway confidence and comfortable handling profile for daily driving and longer trips.
Summary
The SC400 delivers a refined, stable handling package that suits its grand‑tourer mission: comfort, predictability, and steady performance on highways and open roads. It isn’t a lightweight, nimble sport coupe, but with proper maintenance, a good set of tires, and respectful driving, it remains a capable and enjoyable handler for both everyday use and enjoyable back‑road drives.
How much is maintenance on a SC400?
The annual maintenance cost of a Lexus SC400 is $457.
Is the SC400 fun to drive?
From the Archive: Beautifully styled, eminently refined, and great to drive, Lexus's first big coupe made a bold statement for Toyota's nascent luxury brand.
Is the Lexus LS 400 fast?
Yes, the LS 400 is fast enough to be considered a performance luxury car, but its speed depends on the model year, with later models being quicker. The original models were fast for their time, with a top speed of around 155155155 mph, while later models with more horsepower (like the 2000 model) could do 0−600 minus 600−60 mph in 6.46.46.4 seconds.
This video demonstrates the acceleration of a 1995 Lexus LS400: 53sDM Car ReviewsYouTube · Mar 23, 2024
Early models (1989-1994)
- Horsepower: Approximately 250250250 horsepower.
- 0−600 minus 600−60 mph: Around 7.87.87.8 seconds.
- Top speed: Approximately 155155155 mph.
Later models (1998-2000)
- Horsepower: Around 290290290 horsepower.
- 0−600 minus 600−60 mph: As quick as 6.46.46.4 seconds.
- Top speed: Over 155155155 mph.
What makes it fast?
- Engine: The LS 400 uses a 4.04.04.0-liter V8 engine that provides strong acceleration and is known for being smooth and reliable.
- Aerodynamics: The car has a low drag coefficient, which allows it to achieve high speeds with less effort.
- Weight: It has a relatively light curb weight for a luxury car, which helps with acceleration.
Overall, the Lexus LS 400 is a fast car for its time and still feels quick today. While not a sports car, its acceleration is sufficient for merging with traffic or passing other vehicles on the highway.
How many miles does a SC400 last?
With proper maintenance these cars will easily go 300,000 miles or more with little trouble.
