Toyota’s Long-Term Love Affair With Two Door Coupes and Roadsters

After almost 100 years of manufacturing cars, Toyota has developed a reputation for reliability, sensibility, and practicality. Beyond this, it is also known for its impressively rugged and capable off-roaders and trucks, with its catalog covering high-end and utilitarian trucks and SUVs. One of its lesser-known traits is its affinity for performance, which it backs with a comprehensive list of motorsport achievements. Its involvement in rally championships, Formula One, endurance racing, and global touring cars has resulted in some thrilling and iconic sports cars that have defined some of its brand’s identity over the last six decades.

Despite it not being more invested in performance cars as it was in its prime, Toyota is slowly creeping back into its performance roots, with a considerable line-up bearing its Gazoo Racing moniker, including the likes of the Supra and GR86. Over the years, we’ve had some truly memorable Toyota sports cars, and it’s quite a difficult task to pinpoint which have been the best and the most iconic, but there have been some cars that possess such special attributes, that they just feel substantially more important. Ranging from well-known cult classics and underrated compact heroes, here are some of the best sports cars that the Japanese brand has built.

UPDATE: 2024/03/07

We have spruced up and updated this list of some of Toyota’s most noteworthy sportscars, produced over the decades, with even more valuable information for every entry along with the addition of performance specifications.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Toyota and other authoritative sources, including Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Hagerty and Hemmings. Models have been arranged from oldest to newest.

1 1965-1969 Toyota Sports 800

Toyota Enters The Sports Car Arena

Toyota’s first venture into compact performance cars is a valiant feat. The Sports 800 Coupe is a charming little two-seater measuring just 140.9 inches long. Like the brand’s current 86 range, this icon features a boxer engine, namely its 2-UB 0.79-liter flat-two gasoline mill, producing just 44 horsepower to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Toyota only made 300 left-hand drive models for the Okinawa region. 40 units were given to American dealers, but its limited appeal ultimately led to the cancellation of its introduction here.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Toyota)

In total, 3,131 examples were built, and you can occasionally find them up for sale in decent condition even today, but be prepared to pay north of $40,000. In case you’re wondering, official 0-60 mph times are hard to come by, but according to Hemmings, the Sports 800 had a top speed of 90 mph. The Toyota Sports 800 was a marvel of its time, emphasising the importance of power-to-weight ratios.

2 1967-1970 Toyota 2000GT

Setting A New Luxurious Standard For Japan

The legendary Toyota 2000 GT is so beautiful that it often ties with the E-Type Jag in the looks department. Unveiled at the 1965 Tokyo Motor Show to compete with the big dogs and for a first crack at a sporty grand tourer, Toyota did a fine job. It’s powered by a 2.0-liter inline-six, borrowed from the Toyota Crown sedan. However, it was tuned by Yamaha who gave the engine new internals and three twin-carburetors, increasing its output to 150 horsepower and 129 pounds-feet of torque.

In typical Toyota fashion, the 2000 GT suffered from a classic case of over-engineering. It was the first Toyota model to feature disk brakes on all both axles, a five-speed manual gearbox and was fitted with a mechanical limited-slip differential. As a result, the GT is capable of doing 0-60 mph in just 8.6 seconds and reaches a 135 MPH tops speed, partially thanks to a relatively low 2,469-pound curb weight.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Toyota)

This cutting-edge car was far too expensive for Toyota to produce. Resultant slow sales meant they had to kill the 2000 GT after only a three-year production run, during which only 351 units were produced. 62 of these were left-hand drive models dedicated to the U.S. market. Even Carol Shelby had a hand in developing a race-going 2000 GT, reworked to produce 210 horsepower, making it powerful enough to compete with the likes of Porsche and Triumph, who dominated global motorsport at the time.

One such racecar recently fetched a record $2.54 million, and even the regular 2000 GT road cars are steadily rising in value due to their exclusivity with well-maintained examples fetching close to a million dollars a pop.

3 1973-1977 Toyota Celica Liftback GT 2000

Toyota’s Take On The Iconic Mustang

Toyota unveiled its first-generation Toyota Celica at the 1970 Tokyo Motor Show. It initially launched initially as a two-door hardtop coupe, but the liftback version was the body style that grew to be the icon of the range. Toyota based its design on popular American cars at the time, which is why it bears a few similarities to the Mustang and Falcon. The Japanese brand only offered the RA29 Celica GT Liftback with a single-cam 2.2-liter 20R engine. JDM-specific variants featured multiple engine options, ranging between 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter capacities.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Toyota)

The engine made a very modest 95 horsepower and 122 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear-wheels via a five-speed manual transmission, exclusively. The car weighhs in at around 2,600 pounds, granting it an impressive 110 MPH top speed in the right conditions. As is the case with most of its sports cars, Toyota designed the Celica GT 2000 with agility and handling in mind.

It was a driver-engaging car with attractive exterior aesthetics, resulting in Toyota enjoying a strengthened brand reputation in America. The Celica GT2000 Liftback has been gaining popularity among collectors, so expect to pay upwards of $25,000 for a mint example.

4 1981-1985 Toyota Celica Supra

The Dawn Of The Supra Era

From one Celica to the next, let’s talk about the underrated and forgotten JDM Classic known as the Toyota Celica Supra. Toyota launched this model in 1978 with a larger emphasis on the export market. It’s largely based on the Celica Liftback but features noticeably bigger dimensions and other minor design and structure revisions.

Toyota increased dimensions, so it could fit a larger inline-six engine under the hood. The “Supra” moniker was originally used as a flagship trim designation for the Celica. Japanese models inherited the Celica XX badge before Toyota split the Celica and Supra badges in 1983.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Toyota)

Toyota introduced the Celica Supra to the American market with a catalog of impressive engine options. The entry-level engine was a 2.0-liter SOHC inline-six that shared its basic block with the Toyota 2000 GT and produced 123 horsepower. Later models feature a 2.8-liter inline-six, producing 145 horsepower. Transmission options include a four-speed automatic torque converter auto or a five-speed manual. Just like the Hilux at the time, the Celica Supra sits on a live rear axle, but the handling is improved via all-around disk brakes and an optional LSD.

Accoring to Car&Driver, the Celica Supra handles the twisty bits with the utmost composure, which is something that just can’t be said for American cars from the same era. The improved build quality and handling weren’t enough to keep up with the powerful Mustangs and Camaros, resulting in sub-par sales figures. Toyota discontinued the Celica Supra in the U.S. after a brief three-year production run. These models go for as high as $40,000 on the used market.

5 1984-1987 Toyota Corolla Sport GT-S

The Hero Across Media

The Sport GT-S is a flagship trim offering for the Toyota Corolla GT Coupe range built between 1984 and 1987. This model sits on the acclaimed AE86 chassis. This particular version is the most sought-after Corolla to date, if you exclude the newly launched GR Corolla. A big reason for its popularity is the lightweight rear-wheel-drive layout and high-revving naturally aspirated DOHC engine.

It’s Japanese counterpart, the Sprinter Trueno GT-Apex, features as the hero car in the famous Japanese Initial D series. What makes this particular model special is the fact that it is a rear-wheel drive offering, supplementing an almost entirely front-wheel drive-based Toyota Corolla range.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Toyota)

The Toyota Corolla AE86 is powered by a transversely-mounted 1.6-liter 4A-GE engine, featuring twin-overhead cams and electronic fuel injection. It produces 130 horsepower and 109 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. The Corolla GT Coupe remains a top choice for drifting and has merits across multiple motorsport disciplines, including touring car and rally racing. These cars are now highly sought-after collectibles but continue to be cheap to work on. Good luck finding an all-original example, as these are nearly impossible to come by.

6 1991-2000 Toyota Soarer

A Sports Car In A Tailored Suit

The Toyota Soarer Turbo, also known as the Lexus SC, was a subtle and elegant-looking coupe that is technically a Grand Tourer rather than a sports car. The model in question is the third-generation, which Toyota produced between 1991 and 2000. It features svelte and grown-up looks with a high luxury level within the cabin. Toyota Soarer Turbo models are particularly special, as these feature the twin-turbo 2.5-liter 1JZ-GTE inline-six. This powertrain is available with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Toyota)

While Toyota and Lexus SC offered a V-8-powered Soarer as well, the turbocharged version quickly gained fame among tuners and enthusiasts. This engine produces 276 horsepower and 279 pound-feet of torque as standard. The engine’s robust nature made it capable of handling high-boost pressures on stock internals, which led to its success among the tuner community.

7 2000-2007 Toyota MR2 Spyder

Downsizing The Mid-Engined Blueprint

Unveiled to the public back in 1984, the Toyota MR2 moniker has become a revolution in sports car design and a packaging marvel. The name MR2 stands for “Mid-engine, Rear-wheel-drive, 2-seater”. Although the SW20 garners more popularity for its sleek styling and wide range of high-performance engines, the final-generation W30 is a particularly special and underrated example. Toyota produced this range between 1999 and 2007. It set new benchmarks for handling and balance in the entry-level sports car market, and improved the tried and tested mid-engine formula.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Toyota)

The all aluminum 1ZZ-FE 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is the star of the show. It produces a modest 138 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque, but its high-revving abilities makes it a particularly enjoyable powertrain, especially when fitted to the five-speed manual transmission. The MR2 weighs in at just under a ton, granting it an impressive power-to-weight ratio. The 1ZZ engine has since become famous in the tuner community for its high tolerance to modifications, which, combined with its agility, led to the MR2’s success in motorsports.

8 1994-1998 Toyota Supra

From Hollywood To The Streets

Not only is it one of the best Toyota sports cars ever made, but it is also considered one of the best sports cars of all time. The A80-generation Toyota Supra is a pop culture and tuner icon that, along with the Nissan GT-R range, is the face of the JDM sports car culture. The iconic 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six engine is the Supra’s most iconic feature. The naturally-aspirated GE variant produces 220 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. The GTE increases this to 321 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque in the U.S.A. Power figures vary slightly depending on the region.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Toyota)

As standard, this RWD sports car is capable of hitting 0-60 MPH in just 4.6 seconds with an impressive 13.1-second quarter-mile time. What makes the Supra such a sought-after model is the engine’s seemingly limitless tuning potential. As a result, you can expect to be paying close to $300,000 for a completely clean and low-mileage example here in the U.S.

9 2012-2021 Toyota GT86

Bringing Performance To The People

Toyota’s vibrant re-entry into the compact rear-wheel drive sports car market comes in the guise of the Toyota GT86. Built in collaboration with Subaru, this entry-level 2+2 sports car was designed to revive the brand’s long-lost aspirational driving car catalog. Production began in 2012 and concluded in 2021, during which time the GT86 remained largely unchanged.

Toyota also sold the model as an 86 or FT86 across international regions. The GT86’s front-engine RWD platform was available at a very affordable price point and made use of clever engineering to keep the costs down with minimal compromises. It features Subaru’s naturally aspirated 2.0-liter flat-four boxer engine, which plays a big part in improving its center of gravity.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Toyota)

This setup came mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed TQ automatic. The engine was rated to produce 197 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque sipping 98 RON fuel. The GT86 garnered a few criticisms for its lack of power, but unlike its predecessors, it was a huge sales success, highlighting how in-demand a low cost performance car is. The GT86 and Subaru BRZ resultantly gained worldwide fame for mastering the simple sports car recipe.

10 2020 Toyota GR Supra

The Icon’s Long-Awaited Revival

The automotive world was elated when Toyota reintroduced a long-awaited successor to the Supra. The Gazoo Racing-specific model is built on BMW’s CLAR platform, but with some brand-specific alterations to help it feel more distinctive and traditional. Powertrain options consist of BMW’s 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 255 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, and a full-fat 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six that makes 335 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Toyota)

The original version launched in 2019 also shared the BMW Z4’s eight-speed ZF sourced TQ automatic, but this engine and gearbox combo infuriated quite a few purists for its lack of a manual option like its predecessor. Enthusiasts also accused the Supra of being nothing more than a rebadged BMW. So a GR Supra with a manual transmission was inevitable.

Toyota finally introduced a six-speed manual gearbox for the Supra along with other minor changes such as an upgraded turbo. This increases the power output to 382 horsepower, effectively transforming the driving experience into a truly enjoyable and involving sports car. Toyota claims a 4.2-second 0-60 MPH time, but reviewers prove you can reach this speed in as little as 3.9 seconds.

11 2021 Toyota GR86

Entry-Level Sports Car Perfection Evolved

Following the success of the GT86, Toyota and Subaru teamed up once again to make a sequel to their near-perfect entry-level sports coupe in the form of an all-new Toyota GR86. On the surface, the GR86 looks like a mild evolution at best, but under the skin is where most of the worthwhile changes have been made.

Starting with the engine, the car comes with an all-new 2.4-liter naturally aspirated boxer-four that makes 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. But, more importantly, it gets rid of the major flat spot in the power band that plagued its predecessor. Tests indicate the manual model sprints from 0-60 MPH in around 5.8 seconds, which is a bit slower than the manufacturer’s claimed time.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Toyota)

The six-speed manual continues to be the standard offering with a six-speed auto available at extra cost. In addition, the new chassis is stiffer, and in combination with the Michelin Pilot 4 tires that come as standard in most regions, the new GR86 takes handling and agility to a whole new level. The revised styling and the updated interiors with new tech such as updated infotainment and a fully digital gauge cluster with tons of interior space make this a very usable and well-rounded entry-level sports car.

FAQ

Q: What sports car does Toyota make?

Toyota’s 2022 line-up comprises two sports cars which include the 2022 Toyota GR86 and the 2022 Toyota Supra.

Q: How much is a Toyota sports car?

Toyota’s latest line-up of Sports cars kickstarts with the 2022 Toyota GR86, a 2+2, RWD coupe that carries a starting price of $28,725 and packs a six-speed manual transmission as standard.

Q: Which Toyota sports car came first?

Toyota’s first notable effort at making a production sports car was the minuscule Toyota S800 made between 1965 and 1968 came fitted with a tiny 800cc parallel-twin engine that made just 44 horsepower.

Q: What is Toyota’s sportiest car?

With only two road-legal examples built to date, the Toyota GT One was a barely street-legal LMP car made for homologation purposes and came powered by a 3.6-liter V-8 turbo making in excess of 600 horsepower.

Q: What is Toyota’s fastest car?

The title of the fast Toyota Sports car goes to the Mk.5 Supra which has a 0-60 mph time of just 4.1 seconds and a top speed limited to 155 mph.