Top 10 Toyota Sports Cars: Ranking The Best
Hey guys! Are you a Toyota enthusiast with a need for speed? Or maybe you're just curious about the coolest sports cars Toyota has ever rolled out? Well, buckle up because we're diving deep into the top 10 Toyota sports cars that have revved our engines and stolen our hearts. From iconic classics to modern marvels, Toyota has a rich history of producing vehicles that deliver both performance and style. Let's get started!
1. Toyota 2000GT
When you talk about classic Toyota sports cars, the 2000GT absolutely has to be at the top of the list. Introduced in the late 1960s, this beauty was a game-changer for Toyota, proving that they could compete with the best in the world. The 2000GT wasn't just a looker; it was packed with impressive technology for its time, including a 2.0-liter inline-six engine co-developed with Yamaha. This engine produced around 150 horsepower, which was plenty to make the lightweight 2000GT a joy to drive. Its sleek, coupe design, featuring pop-up headlights and a luxurious interior, made it an instant classic. It handled like a dream, thanks to its sophisticated suspension and responsive steering. The Toyota 2000GT was famously featured in the James Bond film "You Only Live Twice", cementing its place in pop culture history.
The 2000GT's impact extended far beyond its initial production run. It demonstrated Toyota's commitment to innovation and quality, paving the way for future sports car models. Its influence can be seen in later Toyota designs, and it remains a highly sought-after collector's item. The 2000GT's legacy is a testament to Toyota's ability to blend performance, style, and technology into a truly exceptional vehicle. Whether you're a die-hard Toyota fan or simply appreciate automotive history, the 2000GT is a car that deserves your attention and admiration. It represents a pivotal moment in Toyota's journey, marking their arrival as a serious contender in the global sports car market. With its timeless design and impressive performance, the 2000GT continues to captivate enthusiasts and inspire future generations of automotive designers.
2. Toyota Supra (A80)
Ah, the A80 Supra, or as many of you probably know it, the Mk IV Supra. This car is legendary, thanks in large part to its starring role in the "Fast and Furious" franchise. But even without the Hollywood fame, the A80 Supra is a beast. Under the hood, you could find the iconic 2JZ-GTE engine – a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six that could be tuned to produce massive amounts of power. Seriously, the aftermarket support for this engine is insane, and people have pushed it to well over 1000 horsepower. The A80 Supra wasn't just about straight-line speed, though. It also handled incredibly well, with a sophisticated suspension and a responsive chassis. Its aerodynamic design and aggressive styling made it a head-turner on the streets. The A80 Supra's combination of performance, reliability, and tuning potential has made it a favorite among car enthusiasts and tuners alike.
The A80 Supra's impact on car culture is undeniable. It represents the peak of Japanese sports car engineering from the 1990s, showcasing Toyota's ability to create a world-class performance vehicle. Its popularity has only grown over the years, with prices for well-maintained examples soaring. The A80 Supra's legacy extends beyond its performance capabilities. It embodies a spirit of innovation and a passion for driving that resonates with car enthusiasts around the world. Whether you're a fan of the "Fast and Furious" movies or simply appreciate automotive excellence, the A80 Supra is a car that deserves your respect and admiration. It remains a symbol of Toyota's commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and design, solidifying its place as one of the greatest sports cars ever made.
3. Toyota MR2 (All Generations)
The Toyota MR2 is a special car because it was Japan’s first mid-engine production car. Spanning three generations, the MR2 offered a unique driving experience that was both affordable and thrilling. The first-generation MR2, known as the AW11, was a lightweight and nimble sports car with a sharp and responsive handling. Its mid-engine layout gave it excellent balance, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. The second-generation MR2, the SW20, was a more refined and powerful machine. It featured a turbocharged engine that delivered impressive performance, and its updated design gave it a more aggressive look. The third-generation MR2, the ZZW30 or MR2 Spyder, was a return to the lightweight and nimble nature of the first generation. Its open-top design and responsive engine made it a fun and engaging sports car to drive.
Each generation of the MR2 offered something different, but they all shared a common thread: a commitment to providing a pure and unadulterated driving experience. The MR2's mid-engine layout gave it a unique feel on the road, and its responsive handling made it a favorite among driving enthusiasts. The MR2's legacy extends beyond its performance capabilities. It represents Toyota's willingness to take risks and experiment with different designs, resulting in a truly unique and memorable sports car. Whether you prefer the lightweight and nimble nature of the first generation, the refined power of the second generation, or the open-top fun of the third generation, the MR2 is a car that deserves a place in any sports car enthusiast's collection. It remains a testament to Toyota's ability to create innovative and engaging vehicles that deliver a thrilling driving experience.
4. Toyota Celica (Especially GT-Four)
The Toyota Celica is another iconic name in Toyota's sports car history, and while it went through several iterations, the GT-Four version is the one that really stands out. The Celica GT-Four was a rally-bred machine, designed to compete in the World Rally Championship (WRC). It featured a turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and a host of other performance upgrades that made it a formidable competitor on the world stage. The Celica GT-Four achieved considerable success in rallying, winning multiple championships and solidifying its place as a legendary rally car. Its aggressive styling, powerful engine, and advanced drivetrain made it a popular choice among enthusiasts who wanted a taste of rally performance on the street. The Celica GT-Four's legacy extends beyond its rally success. It represents Toyota's commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and technology, resulting in a truly exceptional sports car.
The Celica GT-Four's impact on Toyota's image is undeniable. It showcased Toyota's ability to create a world-class performance vehicle that could compete with the best in the world. Its success in rallying helped to enhance Toyota's reputation for reliability and durability, while its aggressive styling and powerful engine made it a popular choice among enthusiasts. The Celica GT-Four remains a highly sought-after collector's item, and its legacy continues to inspire future generations of Toyota sports cars. Whether you're a rally fan or simply appreciate automotive excellence, the Celica GT-Four is a car that deserves your respect and admiration. It represents a pivotal moment in Toyota's history, marking their arrival as a serious contender in the world of motorsports.
5. Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ
Let's talk about the Toyota GR86 and its close sibling, the Subaru BRZ. These two cars are basically the same, co-developed by Toyota and Subaru, and they represent a return to the basics of sports car design. The GR86/BRZ is all about lightweight, balance, and a focus on the driving experience. It's powered by a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine that delivers plenty of power for spirited driving, and its rear-wheel-drive layout ensures a fun and engaging experience. The GR86/BRZ handles like a dream, with sharp and responsive steering and a well-tuned suspension. It's a car that encourages you to push it to the limit, and it rewards you with a thrilling and rewarding driving experience. The GR86/BRZ is also relatively affordable, making it accessible to a wider range of enthusiasts.
The GR86/BRZ's impact on the sports car market is significant. It represents a departure from the trend of increasingly complex and expensive sports cars, offering a pure and unadulterated driving experience at an accessible price point. Its popularity has helped to revive the affordable sports car segment, inspiring other manufacturers to develop similar vehicles. The GR86/BRZ's legacy extends beyond its performance capabilities. It embodies a spirit of simplicity and a focus on the driving experience that resonates with car enthusiasts around the world. Whether you're a seasoned driver or a newcomer to the world of sports cars, the GR86/BRZ is a car that deserves your attention and admiration. It represents a return to the roots of sports car design, offering a thrilling and rewarding driving experience that is both accessible and engaging.
6. Lexus LFA
Okay, so the Lexus LFA isn't technically a Toyota, but it's built by Lexus, Toyota's luxury division, and it's such an incredible sports car that we had to include it. The LFA was a technological tour-de-force, featuring a screaming 4.8-liter V10 engine that was co-developed with Yamaha. This engine produced over 550 horsepower and revved to an astonishing 9,000 RPM, creating a sound that was simply unforgettable. The LFA's chassis was made from carbon fiber, making it incredibly light and strong. It also featured advanced aerodynamics and a sophisticated suspension that delivered exceptional handling. The LFA was a limited-production model, with only 500 examples ever made, making it a highly sought-after collector's item.
The LFA's impact on the automotive world is undeniable. It showcased Lexus's ability to create a world-class performance vehicle that could compete with the best in the world. Its advanced technology and exceptional performance helped to elevate Lexus's image as a luxury and performance brand. The LFA remains a symbol of Lexus's commitment to innovation and excellence, and its legacy continues to inspire future generations of Lexus vehicles. Whether you're a fan of Lexus or simply appreciate automotive engineering at its finest, the LFA is a car that deserves your respect and admiration. It represents a pinnacle of automotive achievement, showcasing the power of technology and innovation to create a truly exceptional sports car.
7. Toyota Sports 800
The Toyota Sports 800 is a charming and unique sports car that was produced in the 1960s. It was Toyota's first sports car, and it featured a lightweight design and a small but efficient engine. The Sports 800 was designed to be a fun and affordable sports car, and it succeeded admirably. Its lightweight construction and responsive engine made it a joy to drive, and its unique styling gave it a distinctive look. The Sports 800 was also surprisingly fuel-efficient, making it a practical choice for everyday driving. The Sports 800's legacy extends beyond its performance capabilities. It represents Toyota's early commitment to creating fun and engaging vehicles, and it paved the way for future Toyota sports cars.
The Toyota Sports 800's impact on Toyota's image is significant. It showcased Toyota's ability to create a stylish and affordable sports car that appealed to a wide range of drivers. Its success helped to establish Toyota as a brand that was capable of producing more than just practical and reliable vehicles. The Sports 800 remains a beloved classic, and its legacy continues to inspire future generations of Toyota designers and engineers. Whether you're a fan of classic cars or simply appreciate automotive history, the Sports 800 is a car that deserves your attention and admiration. It represents a pivotal moment in Toyota's history, marking their entry into the world of sports cars.
8. Toyota Starlet GT Turbo
The Toyota Starlet GT Turbo is a pocket rocket from the 1990s that delivered a surprising amount of performance in a small package. It was powered by a turbocharged 1.3-liter engine that produced around 135 horsepower, which was plenty to make the lightweight Starlet GT Turbo a blast to drive. Its compact size and responsive engine made it a favorite among enthusiasts who wanted a fun and affordable sports car. The Starlet GT Turbo's legacy extends beyond its performance capabilities. It represents Toyota's ability to create fun and engaging vehicles that don't break the bank.
The Starlet GT Turbo's impact on the sports car market is significant. It showcased Toyota's ability to create a high-performance vehicle in a small and affordable package, appealing to a wide range of drivers. Its success helped to establish Toyota as a brand that was capable of producing more than just practical and reliable vehicles. The Starlet GT Turbo remains a beloved classic, and its legacy continues to inspire future generations of Toyota designers and engineers. Whether you're a fan of affordable sports cars or simply appreciate automotive engineering, the Starlet GT Turbo is a car that deserves your attention and admiration. It represents a testament to the fact that fun and performance don't always have to come at a high price.
9. Toyota MR-S
The Toyota MR-S, also known as the MR2 Spyder in some markets, is the third generation of the MR2 family. It's a small, lightweight, and fun roadster that offers a pure and unadulterated driving experience. The MR-S is powered by a 1.8-liter engine that delivers plenty of power for spirited driving, and its mid-engine layout gives it excellent balance and handling. The MR-S is a car that encourages you to push it to the limit, and it rewards you with a thrilling and rewarding driving experience. The MR-S's legacy extends beyond its performance capabilities. It represents Toyota's commitment to creating fun and engaging vehicles that are accessible to a wide range of drivers.
The Toyota MR-S's impact on the sports car market is significant. It showcased Toyota's ability to create a stylish and affordable roadster that appealed to enthusiasts who wanted a fun and engaging driving experience. Its success helped to establish Toyota as a brand that was capable of producing more than just practical and reliable vehicles. The MR-S remains a beloved classic, and its legacy continues to inspire future generations of Toyota designers and engineers. Whether you're a fan of roadsters or simply appreciate automotive engineering, the MR-S is a car that deserves your attention and admiration. It represents a testament to the fact that fun and open-air driving can be had without breaking the bank.
10. Toyota GT86
Before the GR86, there was the Toyota GT86. This car laid the groundwork for the modern affordable sports car from Toyota. Like its successor, the GT86 was all about driving pleasure, offering a balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive, and a focus on the connection between driver and machine. The GT86 wasn't about outright power; it was about the experience. It made you feel like a hero behind the wheel, even at relatively low speeds. The GT86 helped to revive the affordable sports car segment and paved the way for the even better GR86. Its legacy is secure as a modern classic.
The Toyota GT86's impact on the sports car market is undeniable. It demonstrated that there was still a demand for affordable, driver-focused sports cars, and it inspired other manufacturers to develop similar vehicles. Its success helped to revitalize the sports car segment and brought a new generation of enthusiasts into the world of performance driving. The GT86 remains a beloved classic, and its legacy continues to inspire future generations of Toyota designers and engineers. Whether you're a seasoned driver or a newcomer to the world of sports cars, the GT86 is a car that deserves your attention and admiration. It represents a return to the roots of sports car design, offering a thrilling and rewarding driving experience that is both accessible and engaging.
So, there you have it – our top 10 Toyota sports cars of all time! From the classic 2000GT to the modern GR86, Toyota has a long and rich history of producing vehicles that deliver both performance and style. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
