1
0
Sporty/performance car; Built in Japan
  • 2-door coupe
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $5,000 – $23,500*


1995 Toyota Supra Turbo


1993 Toyota Supra


1996 Toyota Supra


1997 Toyota Supra Turbo


1993 Toyota Supra interior

Pros:
  • Acceleration
  • Antilock brakes
  • Steering/handling
Cons:
  • Cargo room
  • Rear-seat room
  • Rear visibility
  • Ride
  • Road noise

Lofty performance and fine fit/finish make this Supra a worthy, if costly, contender–provided that you don’t need to carry passengers out back.

Overview

Toyota revived its sports car in the summer of 1993–more potent and far more costly than the 1986-92 generation. Sole body style was a 2-door hatchback coupe with 2+2 seating and a one-piece folding rear seatback. Toyota offered base and Turbo models. Both had dual airbags and all-disc antilock brakes. The Turbo also got traction control and a limited-slip differential, in addition to a firmer sport-tuned suspension. Both models could be equipped with an optional Sport Roof–a removable aluminum panel over the front seats. Power was supplied by a 3.0-liter dual-cam inline 6-cylinder engine. Base Supras ran 220 horsepower, while twin turbochargers gave the Turbo 320 horses. Base cars came with a 5-speed manual transmission; Turbos, a 6-speed. A 4-speed automatic transmission was optional on either model.

Yearly Updates

1994 Supra
Except for a numerically higher final-drive ratio on the base Supra, nothing was new on Toyota’s rear-drive sports car.
1995 Supra
Unchanged this year, Supras again came in base and Turbo form.
1996 Supra
For 1996, the 6-speed manual gearbox disappeared, because it failed to meet stricter emissions limits, so all Turbos got automatic.
1997 Supra
All 1997 models were 15th Anniversary editions, and the 6-speed manual transmission returned. The Anniversary package included a rear spoiler, premium cassette stereo, special floor mats, and limited-edition exterior badging. New solar-energy absorbing glass replaced the prior tinted glass, and the Supra’s flush headlamps and taillamps got a graphite background. Sadly, Supra got the axe for ’98.
1998 Supra
Leftover 1997 models were sold for a short time in 1998.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive

Two 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engines have been available, each with dual overhead camshafts. A normally aspirated engine went into base Supras, producing 220 horsepower. Turbos employed a twin-turbocharger version, putting out 320 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque. Base Supras had a standard 5-speed manual gearbox; Turbos, a 6-speed. Either might be equipped instead with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

dohc I6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.0/183
Engine HP 220
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 210
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic 		18/23
18/24 		18.5
Turbocharged dohc I6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.0/183
Engine HP 320
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 315
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed manual
4-speed automatic 		17/24
18/24 		18.7

Road Test

The Turbo takes its time catching hold at low engine speeds; but when it does, the power surges into play dramatically. That can be annoying around town, actually–you get little power initially, but then an avalanche suddenly arrives as the twin turbos kick in.

Handling is top-notch on all Supras, with little body lean through turns and tenacious grip from the low-profile tires. On normal roads–smooth and dry–you get a secure, planted feeling as the suspension soaks up bumps fairly well. On rough pavement, the Supra begins to lose its composure. Tires bang over every pavement flaw, transmitting every little ripple into the cockpit. Traction diminishes greatly on wet surfaces, too.

The driver and passenger have ample head and leg room, but the back seat is basically for decoration. Cargo space also is limited, as the trunk is shallow and has a high liftover. Visibility is good to the front, fair to the sides, but poor to the rear, restricted by the narrow back window and tall tail.

Gauges and controls are easy to see and reach, except for the radio, which is mounted too low.

Ratings

Model Tested: 1994 Toyota Supra Turbo auto

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 9
90%
Fuel Economy - 2
20%
Ride Quality - 2
20%
Steering/Handling - 9
90%
Quietness - 2
20%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 4
40%
Room/Comfort Front - 4
40%
Room/Comfort Rear - 1
10%
Cargo Room - 2
20%

Other

Value - 4
40%

Total: 39

Specifications

2-door coupe
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
100.4 177.7 71.3 50.2
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
10.1 18.5 4
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
37.5 32.9 44.0 23.8
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: N/A 2-door coupe

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Front Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Oil consumption
Description: Excessive oil consumption caused by sludge buildup on the cylinder heads. Company is extending warranty. (1993-98)
Water leak
Description: Water leaks from the removable roof-lock strips. A replacement (which also sometimes leaks) is available. (1993-95)

Recall History

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on July 30, 2014.
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