Overview
The fourth-generation Toyota Supra, produced from 1993 to 1998 for the North American market, represents a high point in Japanese sports car engineering. Developed under the direction of chief engineer Isao Tsuzuki, the A80 chassis moved away from the angular, boxy design of its predecessor toward a more aerodynamic, organic aesthetic. This design shift focused on weight reduction and improved handling, utilizing aluminum for the hood, targa top, and front crossmember to achieve a more favorable power-to-weight ratio.
At the heart of the vehicle’s reputation is the 2JZ engine family. The naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE and the twin-turbocharged 2JZ-GTE became legendary for their robust cast-iron engine blocks and high tolerance for aftermarket performance modifications. The twin-turbo variant, in particular, utilized a sequential turbocharging system that provided a broad torque curve, minimizing lag while delivering significant power at higher RPMs. This mechanical durability helped the Supra secure a lasting presence in both professional motorsports and the global car enthusiast community.
Marketed as a grand tourer with serious performance credentials, the Supra competed against other high-end sports cars of the era, such as the Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo, Mazda RX-7, and Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4. While sales were limited by a high price point and a shifting market preference toward SUVs in the late 1990s, the vehicle maintained a dedicated following. Its legacy persists today, largely due to its appearance in popular media and its status as a platform for high-horsepower builds.
| Vehicle Overview | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Supra |
| Model Year | 1993-1998 |
| Generation | A80 |
| Trim | Turbo |
| Body Style | 2-door liftback coupe |
| Vehicle Segment | Sports Car |
| Vehicle Class | Minicompact Cars |
| Market | USA |
| Platform | Toyota A80 |
| Assembly Plant | Motomachi Plant, Toyota City, Japan |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Production Start | 1993 |
| Production End | 1998 |
| VIN Identifier | JT2 |
| Base MSRP | $39,900 |
| Destination Charge | – |
| Total MSRP | – |
| Powertrain | |
| Powertrain Type | Internal Combustion Engine |
| Engine Family | Toyota JZ |
| Engine Name | 2JZ-GTE |
| Engine Code | 2JZ-GTE |
| Engine Configuration | Inline-6 |
| Displacement | 3.0 Liters |
| Bore x Stroke | 86 mm x 86 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Aspiration | Sequential Twin-Turbo |
| Fuel Delivery | Electronic Fuel Injection |
| Valve Train | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Engine Block Material | Cast Iron |
| Cylinder Head Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Oil Capacity | 5.8 Quarts |
| Oil Specification / Viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Horsepower | 320 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 315 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Redline | 6800 rpm |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | Manual 6-spd |
| Final Drive Ratio | 3.133:1 |
| Axle Ratio | – |
| Fuel Economy | |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Recommended Octane | 91+ |
| EPA City MPG | 15 |
| EPA Highway MPG | 22 |
| EPA Combined MPG | 18 |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 km) | – |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (gal) | 18.5 |
| Estimated Driving Range | – |
| Annual Fuel Cost | – |
| CO₂ Emissions | – |
| Greenhouse Gas Score | – |
| Smog Rating | – |
| Performance | |
| 0-30 mph | – |
| 0-60 mph | 4.9 seconds |
| 0-100 mph | – |
| Quarter Mile | 13.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 mph (governed) |
| Braking Distance (60-0 mph) | 113 ft |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.95g |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | – |
| Dimensions & Capacities | |
| Length (in) | 177.8 |
| Width (Without Mirrors) (in) | 71.3 |
| Width (With Mirrors) (in) | – |
| Height (in) | 49.8 |
| Wheelbase (in) | 100.4 |
| Front Track (in) | 59.8 |
| Rear Track (in) | 60.0 |
| Ground Clearance (in) | 5.1 |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3460 |
| GVWR (lbs) | – |
| Towing Capacity (lbs) | – |
| Payload Capacity (lbs) | – |
| Passenger Volume (cu ft) | – |
| Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft) | 9.0 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft) | – |
| Turning Circle | 36.1 ft |
| Approach Angle | – |
| Departure Angle | – |
| Breakover Angle | – |
| Safety Ratings | |
| NHTSA Overall Rating | – |
| NHTSA Frontal Crash | – |
| NHTSA Side Crash | – |
| NHTSA Rollover | – |
| IIHS Award | – |
| Small Overlap Front | – |
| Moderate Overlap Front | – |
| Side Impact | – |
| Headlights Rating | – |
| Front Crash Prevention | – |
| Technology & Connectivity | |
| Infotainment Display | – |
| Instrument Cluster | Analog |
| Apple CarPlay | No |
| Android Auto | No |
| Navigation System | No |
| Audio System | Delco/Toyota Premium |
| Speaker Count | 7 |
| Wireless Charging | No |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | No |
| OTA Updates | No |
| Digital Key | No |
| Warranty & Ownership | |
| Basic Warranty | 36 months / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 60 months / 60,000 miles |
| Corrosion Warranty | 60 months / unlimited miles |
| Roadside Assistance | – |
| Complimentary Maintenance | – |
| Specs.Autos Exclusive Data | |
| Engine Assembly Plant | Toyota Tahara Plant |
| Transmission Supplier | Getrag (V160/V161) |
| Gear Ratios | 1st: 3.827, 2nd: 2.360, 3rd: 1.685, 4th: 1.312, 5th: 1.000, 6th: 0.793 |
| Differential Type | Torsen Limited-Slip |
| Cooling System Capacity | – |
| Roof Load Capacity (lbs) | – |
| Safety Recall Count | – |
| Production Volume | – |
| Units Sold in USA | ~11,000 |
Consumer Insights & Market Appeal
The 1993-1998 Supra is widely regarded for its exceptional mechanical reliability, particularly regarding the 2JZ engine block, which is capable of handling significant power increases with stock internals. However, prospective buyers should remain vigilant regarding the condition of the sequential turbocharger system, as vacuum line degradation and solenoid failure are common issues that can disrupt boost delivery. Additionally, because many examples have been subjected to extensive aftermarket modifications, finding a clean, unmodified, or well-documented vehicle is increasingly difficult and commands a significant premium in the current collector market. While the interior materials reflect the ergonomics of the 1990s, the driver-focused cockpit remains a highlight, though potential owners should inspect for wear on high-touch surfaces and ensure that the complex electrical systems are functioning correctly.
