12 BEST TOYOTA SUPRA MODELS, RANKED

While Toyotas aren't exactly the most highly valued in the world of automobiles, it may surprise you to know the love that people have for the Supra. Known overall to be a reliable, long-lasting, and sleek-looking sports car, the Supra was a major hit in the '80s and '90s. With the fifth-generation Supra finally ending a hiatus of almost two decades, it's a good idea to examine how far they've come over the years.

Without further ado, here's a list of the 12 best Toyota Supra models. Not surprisingly, this list largely goes in chronological order of their release.

Updated July 2023: Whether you're a fun-seeking enthusiast, a Toyota aficionado, or a gearhead who's interested in learning anything new about cars, you'll be happy to know we've updated the content of this list with more information regarding the best Toyota Supra models ever made.

1978 Toyota Celica Supra

Reasons To Buy: The First-Ever Supra

Let's kick off with the car that started it all. In 1978, Toyota wanted the Celica to compete with the legendary Datsun Z-car, so it took the Celica liftback and elongated the front panels to accommodate a larger engine than the standard Celica. The result was the first-generation Celica Supra.

The first-generation Celica Supra had a 2.0-liter inline-six engine dishing out 110 hp paired with a five-speed manual, giving it great highway cruising performance. The Celica Supra also had more equipment than the Celica, including rear disc brakes and an eight-track player.

Specs And Features

1982 Toyota Celica Supra

Reasons To Buy: First Supra With Pop-Up Headlights

The 1982 model kicked off the second-generation Celica Supra, bringing with it upgrades that earned the Supra its high-performance reputation. The iconic pop-up headlights also made their debut with the introduction of this car.

With a good 145 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque from its 2.8-liter DOHC inline-six engine, drivers reflected that the 1982 Supra is a great mix of power and reliability. Also contributing to the experience is a four-speed automatic transmission that sends output to the rear wheels.

Other impressive amenities in this vehicle include a leather-wrapped, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, power sunroof, velour seat upholstery, automatic air conditioning, cruise control, digital instrument panel, as well as 14-inch aluminum alloy wheels. In fact, this is an almost perfect car.

The one downside it has is that it didn't quite live up to the sports car expectations that it was being marketed to meet. However, if you're in the mood for a fun, nostalgic, reliable ride, the 1982 Celica Supra is for you.

Specs And Features

1985 Toyota Celica Supra

Reasons To Buy: Updated Design, Smooth Power

Next up is the snazzy 1985 Celica. Toyota redesigned the Celica Supra in 1985 and also increased its power output to 161 hp and torque to 169 lb-ft of torque, which, at the time, was pretty good. The engine also received a new EGR system, as well as a redesigned Throttle Position Sensor (TPS). These upgrades meant the 1985 Celica Supra could launch to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds and cover the quarter mile in 16.1 seconds at 85 mph. In addition to the more robust engine, the 1985 Toyota Celica Supra also sports a redesigned sunshade for a smoother look.

Offering both a performance type and a luxury type, the '85 Celica Supra gave you options depending on your needs. The performance type came with beautifully designed, super adjustable seats for sporting pleasure, and the luxury type offered a digitized dash. Even in this modern age, consumers still appreciate the '85 Supra due to its nostalgic feel.

Specs And Features

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1986.5 Toyota Supra

Reasons To Buy: First Standalone Supra Model

In February 1986, the Supra cut its ties with the Celica and became a standalone model to mark the beginning of the third-generation model. This slick, sporty car received several styling upgrades and a power bump courtesy of a 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine making 200 hp. The third-gen Supra retained the sportier rear-wheel-drive layout, while the Celica switched to the more economical front-wheel-drive layout.

Toyota used the Supra to showcase some of its most advanced technologies, including an electronically controlled independent suspension known as the Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension (TEMS) and a removable sports-roof panel.

Specs And Features

1987 Toyota Supra Turbo

Reasons To Buy: Turbocharged Fun

The third-generation Supra offered great performance, but it still wasn't powerful enough to really compete against the top '80s sports cars. So in 1987, Toyota introduced a turbocharged version dubbed the Supra Turbo.

Thanks to the addition of a turbocharger, the Supra Turbo's 3.0-liter inline-six engine made 232 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque, making it a joy to drive. Other cool features in the 1987 Supra Turbo included an integrated rear spoiler and an engine oil cooler.

Specs And Features

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1988 Toyota Supra Turbo A

Reasons To Buy: A Rare Collectible, Race-Sourced Technologies

If you're into rare Japanese cars, then the 1988 Toyota Supra Turbo A is definitely worth looking into. Only 500 of these were ever made, and they were all on the Japanese market. Designed specifically to partake in touring car championships, this car holds an impressive 265 horsepower, more than any other Supra that existed before it.

This vehicle is highly coveted for its racing power, and its price tag will certainly match its rarity. Owners have loved its style, acceleration, and reaction time. Although it's more than difficult to get your hands on a Supra Turbo A, they've definitely earned a spot on this list.

Specs And Features

1989 Toyota Supra

Reasons To Buy: Updated Design, Comfortable Interior

With the 1989 Supra, we see some cosmetic changes. Specifically, Toyota redesigned the headlights, bumper, and side trims. On the interior, the largest improvement by far is the seats. In the years before, drivers often complained of small, uncomfortable seats, but the problem was less severe with this model.

The car still maintains 200 horsepower. Overall, owners have said that the 1989 Supra is a perfect commuter car, yet still retains the style and power that is so coveted in this model series. Sadly, the downside of rust persists in this generation. However, with proper maintenance and care, owners can avoid this issue.

Specs And Features

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1993 Toyota Supra

Reasons To Buy: Most Iconic Supra Design, 2JZ Engine

Consumers in 1993 received a huge (but pleasant) surprise when the Supra was completely redesigned. The company decided to ditch the old classic style and replace it with a round, modern body. Somewhat sadly (depending on your preferences), the iconic pop-up headlights also left the stage, making way for more conventional ones.

In addition to an all-new exterior, the Supra also got a power boost, with its new horsepower being 220, thanks to a 3.0-liter inline-six engine which it shares with its more luxurious cousins, the Lexus SC300 and GS300. Owners are so pleased with the change that many still hold on to this aged vehicle even today, saying that its design is timeless. Looking at the well-rounded and sleek machine, we can't help but agree.

Specs And Features

1993 Toyota Supra Turbo

Reasons To Buy: Incredible Performance, Customizability, Iconic Movie Role

What's better than a totally redesigned Supra? Why, a totally redesigned Supra in Turbo mode, of course! This upgrade boosts the car's horsepower to a solid 320 (that power is thanks to a 3.0-liter, 24-valve, inline-six), with a six-speed manual transmission. Just to add bling to its popularity, this vehicle made its debut starring in the popular Fast & Furious movie franchise, which made it one of the greatest film cars.

However, consumers wanted the car for more than its movie-star fame. The vehicle is also described as being easy to modify, extremely comfortable, and well-designed. The only downside seems to be the price, both for the car and for its insurance.

Specs And Features

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1997 Toyota Supra Turbo

Reasons To Buy: Limited-Edition 15th Anniversary Model, Collectible

To celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of the Supra's introduction, Toyota decided to release a beautiful limited edition model, equipped with an amazing stereo. Owners can show up to parties in style with the fantastic sound system, as well as the limited-edition badges found on the vehicle's exterior.

Being a Supra Turbo, this car has a whopping 320 horses under the hood, but owners usually modify the engine to hold much more in order to match the Fast & Furious theme. The car's style is also aging in the best way possible, holding its shine long after its release. Even in 2023, the '97 Supra is an eye-catching beauty.

Specs And Features

2020 Toyota GR Supra

Reasons To Buy: The First 21st Century Supra, Sports-Car-Worthy Performance

After a two-decade hiatus, Toyota decided to revive the Supra nameplate in 2020. The 2020 GR Supra was jointly developed with German luxury automaker BMW and featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder making 335 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque (upgraded to 382 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque in 2021), with the engine affixed to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. As one would expect, acceleration is outstanding, with the sprint from 0 to 60 mph requiring only 4.2 seconds.

Along with the impressive performance, the fifth Supra generation also features a high-definition LCD panel that handles most of the controls, a USB port, Bluetooth, a 10-speaker sound system, 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, adaptive suspension dampers, as well as a perfectly balanced 50:50 weight distribution.

The car's design molds the heart-warming classic designs into new, modern technology and safety features to create the ultimate speed machine. As standard, you get a wide range of advanced driver assistance systems such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning with steering assist, pedestrian detection, a rearview camera, forward automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and automatic high-beam headlights. Overall, there's little doubt about the 2020 Toyota GR Supra's comfort, style, and power. Owners will surely love the futuristic designs mixed in with the nostalgic style.

Specs And Features

2023 Toyota GR Supra 3.0

Reasons To Buy: The Return Of The Stick Shift

As soon as Toyota introduced the fifth-gen Supra in 2020, calls for a manual-transmission model flooded the automaker's PR desk. For many gearheads, something just didn't seem right about such an iconic nameplate being only available with an automatic.

Thankfully, Toyota heeded everyone's call to save the manuals and unveiled a stick-shift Supra in 2023. The manual Supra is available as a no-cost option on the top-of-the-range 3.0 and 3.0 Premium versions and comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six cranking out 382 hp. The Supra is now one of the few new cars with manual transmissions, which further adds to its appeal.

Specs And Features

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