Is THE Toyota Supra Worth the Hype? Or is it Just Overpriced? 

As an owner of both modern and 90s Toyota/Lexus, i prefer 90s Toyotas build quality and feel. Old Toyotas hit differently.

Loved that era of sports cars - Toyota Supra, Mitsubishi 3000GT/Dodge Stealth, Mazda RX7, Nissan 300ZX

AMD, It feels like I have been waiting since 1994 to hear your opinion of this super Supra. 😉🤣

This is going to be a long read but if anyone wants some intimate esoteric Supra knowledge and some important corrections please read on. I am an old school MKIV Supra owner here. I owned both a 1997 Twin Turbo 6spd and a 1993.5 Twin Turbo Automatic. You did a great job covering this car for someone who wasn't intimately involved with the car/community but there were a few issues. #1) The performance. Not fast by today's standards? The numbers don't lie? Which numbers? Not fast compared to a Mclaren 720S, a 911 turbo S or a Tesla Plaid... But the Supra turbo bone stock in 1993 C&D magazine went 13.1@109. One of the fastest cars in the world. This was faster than most Ferraris and most corvettes except the 70K (in 1993 dollars) ZR1 which was a tick faster. Even the LS1 C5 corvette which didn't even come out until 1997 was slower. A modern Sienna is a mid 15 second car. A car slower than even the n/a MKIV Supra which everyone agreed was an underpowered dog. So not sure what you are smoking there in that comment. In fact some MKIV members went high 12's bone stock on drag radials. That's faster than many modern sports cars. Then with roughly $900 in parts to go "BPU" (Basic Performance Upgrade) the Supra could run high to mid 11's at 121+ mph. These were ridiculous times back then for a nearly stock car. Faster than all Porsches, faster than all corvettes, faster than the fastest Lamborghini. Only a few supercars were barely faster. BPU is literally what made the Supra famous. A BPU Supra could go about 193-195mph. Something very few cars could do back then. #2) It was a popular misconception that the sequential turbo system started with a small turbo then spooled up a big turbo. I've read this countless places online but it's wrong. Both turbos are in fact identical. Ther system used an exhaust gas valve and an intake manifold valve that was pneumatically actuated to entirely block off one turbo in order to control the system. At lower RPM all exhaust and compressor output were isolated towards one turbo allowing very low rpm spool up and giving the car some moderate low end torque. At about 3500rpm the system began cracking the exhaust manifold valve open in order to pre-spool the second turbo. At about 4000rpm there was a slightly noticeable dip in torque as the exhaust energy began to be shared with both turbos and the second turbo fully came on line at about 4500ish+ RPM with a noticeable rush of torque. The system was fairly reliable stock but as the actuation was based on vacuum hoses you could lose proper sequential operation with any leaks as hoses aged. When the car was converted to "BPU" Basic Performance Upgrade which involved removing the cats via downpipe and installing a high flow exhaust along with a boost controller to raise the boost the sequential system became strained and problematic. First it was common to pop off/break old hoses or rupture the pressure holding tank. This would break sequential operation. But worse, now the prespool timing wasn't quite right and when the exhaust valve fully opened the second turbo lacked adequate prespool and the extra exhaust energy on the second turbo "slammed" it up to speed making the sequential transition much more noticeable but greatly impacting the reliability of the second turbo. It wasn't unheard of to have a turbo fail within a few thousand miles of "BPU". This is when people started doing the "true twin conversion" basically leaving the valves wide open in bypass mode so both turbos were online at all times. This solved the reliability issue but gave the car insane lag. At lower RPM you would literally have less than econobox levels of low end power. #3) Regarding the wingless/turbo badging. No US Supras received the turbo badge until the 1997 model year refresh. I don't believe any US wingless turbo cars were made after the 1997 refresh either, I believe most wingless turbos are rare 93-95 cars. Also no hardtop twin turbo cars were made for the US after 1995. All US 97+ Turbo Supras were Targa. And that targa meant FLEX and a lot of it. I remember jacking up my car and seeing a massive gap open up between the window and the targa rubber seal. Thats how much it twisted. And when you took the Targa off? Forget about it, it was noodle time. You could go down a bumpy road and literally see the windshield moving back and forth as the whole chassis noodled about. This is why the 93-95 Hardtop 6spd Turbos are highly desirable cars and also why there is an entire registry dedicated to hard tops. #4) VVTI 2JZ-GTE never came to US cars. I believe the first VVTI 2JZ-GTE's appeared around 1997 in the JDM market. #5) Yes the car was ahead of its day thanks to its electronics and weight saving measures. The Supra had a 50/50 weight distribution and even used hollow carpet fibers to save weight everywhere it could. You forgot to mention that even the hood was aluminum also (along with the AL parts you mentioned). That's why this car was sooo much lighter than the MKIII. A 1995 Twin Turbo 6Spd hardtop was under 3400lbs and the weight obsessing maniacs were able to get these cars down under 3200lbs. In the end the combination of all the above along with the most sophisticated 4 channel ABS in its day gave the Supra a C&D Magazine 70-0 braking record that held the C&D record for 12 years and only the mighty Carrera GT was able to dethrone it. #6) FInal Thoughts? Is it worth the hype? Is it worth 100K+? Unless you are a collector, absolutely not. The driving experience was not amazing even for its day. The flexy chassis and typical numb/disconnected Toyota steering made the car feel floaty and unconnected especially compared to modern cars. It really was more of a powerhouse GT highway cruiser and not so much a canyon carver. The powertrain feels especially dated (as are all turbo cars from the era). Even with the sequential system working perfectly the car never had an amazing power band or throttle response. If you could still pick these up for 30-50K then there is an argument to be made but at 150K+ forgettaboutit.

I too, am an MK3 purist. I have owned 3 of them and regret ever getting rid of them. 😢

My dad has a stock Supra in silver. It just went over 700k miles this month and it still runs like new, never broken down. Just maintenance.

It's such a beautiful car. We'll never get anything ever again that looked like this. No computer screens on the inside and a pure driving experience made for car fans.

In regards to the wing. I asked my friend who collects Supras and he said he noticed more automatics with the turbo didn't have the wing and more manual transmissions with the turbo had the wing. Not sure how accurate that is. Keep up the great video AMD!

The first time I saw one was in 2000 in a game called gran turismo 2 . 11 year old me never thought I would own one 15 years later. Mine is a GE about to be forced fed for smiles per psi

people like unpopular vehicle of the past. priced at $45k in the 90s it was priced like an entry Porsche, Corvette, and other high performance vehicles at the time. Same problem with ZX and RX7. Gen2 Supra is my favorite with red interior. in final days dealer were offering $8k discount from MSRP and I wish I bough one and kept it inside the garage since it's now fetching $100k 🙂

You help me first to notice, then appreciate the small details-the cockpit, the round colorful taillights, the placement of the side mirror, the carpet, no pop up headlights, etc. You are like a professional art critic speaking about a work of art and I love your passion and teaching style and all the small details u share with us. Thank you so much! I learned many new things.

The 7mgte was pretty good, head gasket sorted. Mine made mid 400s whp on stock internals.

The body style is so attractive that it does not matter if it is fast or handles well .

I owned two 80’s versions of the Supra. One thing I never forgot about the car was how amazing the seats were. The drivers seat was perfect to my 6’1” height and frame. Just perfect. Had a squeeze ball pump for the lumbar and it was great. I have never, ever sat in any car that had the quality of seating that my Supras had. I could drive that car all day long and not feel lousy stepping out of it. Only about 150 hp but I enjoyed them at that time.

My car care nut, really liking your videos and the Toyota content. I was a Lexus Dealership technician until I started my own thing and I really appreciate how honest you are.

Great video! This is the reason I truly love my '99 Lexus SC400. It has over 200,000 miles, is a thrill to drive, and I don't worry about any collector status.

For being a well off country, the USA always gets screwed when it comes to the auto industry. Every time you hear about a great engine, or vehicle, it isn’t available in the USA.

Regarding the rear wing, according to the '93 Supra brochure, "Color-keyed rear spoiler" was "optional" on the Turbo model, and "not available" on the non-turbo Supra.

Thank you Ahmed for bringing us these fantastic reviews. God bless.

I love your “I act like a contrarian, but am not a contrarian” attitude towards other people’s cars. You say good things about what you like while also backhanding that same point at the same time

actually the MKIV Supra was built to be a road race car as which why it did so well against the Viper RT10, the corvette ZR1, and the porsche 911 turbo and even the RX7 in handling. heavy is a relative term when considering the cars from that time.

I wish I lived in your state and you were my mechanic. I learn so much from you videos. Please keep up the GREAT work. Many blessings to You and your family! Best, Ron Larson

Sorry, but I strongly disagree. The Mk4 Twin Turbo was insanely fast! 320HP back then was unheard of!! I LOVED driving that car!!! I worked at a Toyota dealer in the early 90s... I have driven the first 4 generations of Supra. I loved the MK3, but the MK4 is my fave car of ALL TIME!! And I want it stock!! Fast and Furious made it unaffordable though! I recall someone that bought a Twin Turbo, Manual Shift WITHOUT a Spoiler. It was very uncommon, but it could be ordered that way (atleast in Canada). It was a Beautiful Silver Targa to boot!! The owner cherished that car.... likely still has it today.

As a Toyota technician, I remember fondly when this Supra came out in the early 90s in Germany. It was awesome to see And all of the turbo versions came with the huge rear spoiler. Keep up with all the great videos

Man, I have learned so much from your videos. I am really happy you decided to do RU-vid, and merry Christmas!

One of my favorites in the 90s when I was in grad school and dreaming one day I will buy it, thanks for the memories.

My younger brother had the Celica version of this car, he loved it....Thanks Ahmed, great review as always. Sean L.

What an absolute privilege it is to see content of this calibre mate. I don't think I've ever seen a car video on this level before and I practically live on youtube lol. Simply marvellous and thoroughly enjoyable. Well done mate keep it up!

Man love how you at the end, revealed your realistic perspective of this Supra.

This is the best break down I accidentally came across. Thank you, I’ve subscribed 🔥

Awesome review, looking forward to the next videos.

I have a 1991 Nissan 300zx twin turbo from same era, I love it. Got a very low mileage mint condition one a few months ago

Nice job. Really enjoyed the video 👍

I've been waiting for this video. I've owned 3 Supras in my life (85-MKII, 98-MKIV NA, 93-MKIV TT6). They were my childhood dream car. I was in high school (97-01) when the MKIV was discontinued. As soon as I was able to afford one, I bought it. I've spent the last 20 years wrenching on them and will keep it forever.

The Mark 2's are my favorite, love the lines and super fun the drive.

Most honest review of the Supra. Thanks.

MK4, Lamborghini Diablo and Skyline R33/R34 was my childhood for sure. Really nice to watch this breakdown as i will never own one haha!

Beautiful car! Great review of this piece of history!

I have been waiting for you to do this video. Well done as always. I've owned five MKIVs. Everything from stock to 1500whp. Truly one of a kind automobile. My current one I purchased stock from its original owner. Has 29k miles on the clock. Don't plan on ever selling it. I understand you completely when you say that they aren't worth the hype. I agree, in stock form. But.... get behind the wheel of one that is fully built, utilizing the right components and tuning with a large framed single turbo such as an 88mm and you will see why they are legends. This level of build is not for everyone, but regardless, the experience is hard to match. The power is not smooth and gradual but rather violent in nature. It is something you can't put into words; you have to experience it for yourself. That being said, not comparing them to today's sport automobiles and instead putting them against cars from its time, the MKIV performed superior to its competition. Let us not forget what they were able to accomplish in the 90s and early 2000s, both at the track and drag strip. Setting countless records, even to this day. And for the OGs reading this who experienced the "golden era", you know the names of "Walser Supra", "SW", Titan, WOTM and the list goes on.

Nice video! More Supra and Celica and MR2 videos are always welcome! 😎

I brought in summer of 1986 a 86-1/2 Supra non-turbo manual trans had it until '91 when we had our third child. It was my first and best Toyota i ever own.

Yes! I was praying for such content 🙏

Great review.

This car bring back some memories to me. I passed my driving test with a gen 3 single turbo Supra before the Christmas of 1990. 😊😊

Always love your content😎

I love how when I watch this (wonderful) channel, the ads from 'Toyota Jan' pop up :)

i drove a 1994 Toyota Chaser Mark 2 Tourer V one time and I'll forever have that in my dreamcar list. The whistle from the two turbos it had in it and the thrust it had was enough to make me want one. Just such a smooth engine

I was into this car before Fast and Furious regret not getting a used one I checked out around 2001 for the low 20s. They still look good today. Got a ride in that Supra it was modded....definitely had some turbo lag from a roll but once going really pulled hard.

Finally! MKIV Supra I have a 96 Supra stock and I don’t plan modifying it. Can’t wait for part two on this

You are almost at 1 million subs, habibi! That is wonderful….. keep up the good work.

Not gonna lie I saw the title and was so excited for another 2023 Supra video but this is the one from the 90’s crazy think I like the new one more haha people will hate me for this.

Thanks for the memories and trues!

The rear wing was a factory installed option. Meaning, it was an option that they would incorporate with the car as it was built on the assembly line. Different from a dealer installed option, which is also a possibility but is installed at the dealership that is selling the car prior to delivery to the new owner. Also factory installed option was a 7 speaker premium audio with a double din head unit and cd player in addition to the cassette tape. Standard audio was 6 speaker with a single din tape player. All premium audio supra have leather seat front and rear. 93 to 96 supra only have a "supra" badge. 97 to 98 supra turbo will have the additional "Turbo" badge. All JDM supra only have the "supra" badge and none will say "turbo". They also don't have the "toyota" script on the left side.

Back in the 1980's I worked at a Toyota Dealer ship in the Body shop. I worked on the MK2 Supra. They were a great car built so Well. and great looking! In 1989 I bought a 1986 Mk3 Supra and I still have it! Mk3 is my favorite Supra! I wax it once a year. and I love the sound of the straight Six! Mk4 is a cool ride Too! I Like your Videos on the Supra!

Excellent video👌👌 Please do a video on that gold camry in the back,😍😍

Fun fact, the mkIV Supra Turbo brake bite force is one of the highest of any OEM brake caliper

I know that this is a Toyota channel but I wish there was a similar one for other Japanese lines, such as Mitsubishi, DSM and Subaru. Most channels devoted to those lines are by and for tuners and modders, which is fine but it would be nice to have a channel that reviews stock versions of these cars. I'd love to see someone like you review old classics like my '92 Eagle Talon TSi AWD (manual, of course). Like the Celica, SVX and MR2 I've always seen them as kind of "kid brothers" to classic Japanese muscle cars of that era like the Supra, Stealth, NSX, etc., built around inline 4's instead of V6's.

Great honest conclusion.

Very cool! I own an 89 turbo supra (7mgte) and enjoyed your in depth mk4 review

Great review

Thank you for all your work sir

Cool video it would have been good to not though that the JZS147 Aristo was the first Toyota model with this engine. It had a Hydro fan and electronic nitrogen assisted brakes. It also had the fuel tank behind the rear seat.

A little poke at that brief power band was hilarious

Another groundbreaking video 👍

The best supra review ever !!!!!! Thank you !!!!!!

Love the Supra of that era however, if you want ground breaking technology then I feel you should do a review of the ‘91 NSX. That is my favourite sports car of the 90’s

This is why I respect AMD so much!!! I’m a Nissan skyline purest. Own an 1992 Nissan Skyline GTR (R32) and soon be a 2002 Nissan Skyline GTR (R34) here in Texas. He goes into details and doesn’t bash other manufacturers like skyline etc. My RB26 has a lot of work done to it and makes 925 WHP. One I love about the 2JZ is how well it can handle big horse power on a stock top and bottom endZ

Great video as usual, very unique car , plz if u got yr hand off a Toyota chaser jzx100 do is a video, can't wait for next video😊

Totally agree, the spoiler was pretty much an option that most Supras were ordered with it, so the few that didn't were unicorns. My uncle ordered a 2000 Celica GT-S without a spoiler, and that was against the grain at that time (99.9% of GTS have one and it is technically an option). Of course, he ordered it from Toyota themselves, so they can circumnavigate certain restrictions that dealers can't.

Wonderful Video.

I’m a proud owner of a 1994 Twin turbo Supra anthracite color 1A1… it has 156k miles ..EVERYONE WANTS TO BUY IT OFF ME !!!!

Hey, thanks for the video! Definitely a great car. Although I think I made the right choice in getting a mk5... i still want one. the mk4 is such a special car. And the price of a clean one nowadays shows how desirable they still are. Thanks again for your channel. Can't wait for the next video!

I had a 91 twin turbo with a t top.....I love that year.....I always wanted a bubble Supra tho. You got videos on the Cressida and Cressida wagon?

Great video

Thankyou for your honest opinion, I also love supra’s even since I saw my first one in white color , it was beautiful, these days we rarely see these older cars on the road

That Supra is in incredible condition especially underneath. Amazing little under carriage stuff they carried over to Mark V like front arch vents, all covered areas, exhaust split.

Is it worth the hype? Absolutely!! The 2JZ engine has become as famous as the car itself and is an icon of performance and reliability. There is absolutely no substitute for this engine in cars of this era. Add in that this was the hero car in the first movie of the biggest car movie franchise in history and nothing is comparable. Fools know the price of everything and the value of nothing.

This example looks impeccable!!!

2JZ!!! My 2003 Lexus GS 300 has the non-turbo version and it’s a joy to work on!

The SC300 deserves honorable mention - as many parts are interchangeable - I had a 1995 - put the big brakes from the supra turbo with updated GS350 wheels, new supra lower control arms, and the supra TT seats as my stock seat motor was broken. There used to be a company in Tennessee that would redo all of your gauges - you could go for updated color combos and fix the notoriously common burnt out needle indicators on the speedo. You could do matching dash/climate/radio color themes. In the US - the SC300 got the 2JZ-GE (not the GTE) with a different intake manifold that wrapped over the top of the engine - so it wasn't as clean looking. It was a SLOW car with only 220hp, but comfortable and solid. Most SC owners tend to hang onto them. The SC300 had the 2JZ-GE while the SC400 had the V8 or 1UZ for about 280-290hp with a weight penalty. Only the SC300 could be optioned with the five speed - so those tend to command a premium. You can also do the Japan/Australia - Toyota Soarer 1JZ swap - it's the turbo 2.5ltr...that was the same car as the SC300 the US got under the Lexus badge; Some guys opted to keep the stock 2JZ-GE and go with a bolt on aftermarket single turbo... Sadly the SC300 used to to be the budget Supra - but - that best kept secret was out by the mid 2000's - so I think well kept and correctly/tastefully modified versions = pay a premium.

As a Mark III owner, Thank you for your bias! I love them too and the Mark II

Wow bring me back to my 90’s ❤

Great review as usual, please comment on the 1996 Nissan 300zx. 😊

Wingless: in 93-94 they were optional on Turbos as well. Turbo script didnt show up till 97. And they were placed on the same side of the Supra. This car you reviewed is missing the ‘Toyota’ script on the driver side.

As a 1992 Honda Prelude owner, this Supra was the car I always wanted 😂

Toyota Supra is probably one of the greatest affordable sports car in history.

Good review. The only thing is that they were very fast & don't know where you get the "slower than a Sienna". I took my stock 1994 TT Supra and ran with a passenger a 13.08 @ 108.88 mph at Budd's Creek Maryland in 1994. But mine was a daily driver 6-speed.

I really enjoyed this video, can you do a review of the 6th and 7th generation Celicas

I"m a total purist too when it comes to the cars i love. I remember this generation Supra well and i know i'm going to get a ton of hate replies but to me these weren't that good looking. The generation before this from 1986 1/2 to 1991 i thought were so much nicer inside and out. These look so bubbly and Ford Taurus like. Why people pay all the money for this generation is mind blowing to me but you like what you like i guess.

Love the Supra. Especially that gen. But honestly, Ive always liked the MR2 from the same years much more 🤷🏼. Can't really go wrong though

It's EXTREMELY cool getting this in-depth with a MKIV. Myself and many others would love to have them, but you know what? I thought a cool MK3 Supra was even better and I could afford it along with upgrading a lot of stuff. Yeah she still leaks water and has some very minor issues, but She has been the car of my dreams and hell she is STILL a Supra without the price tag. Either car is amazing, but MK3 is what most normal people can afford and if you find a nice one, man it is beyond worth your money for the experience. Also "A targa is cool until it's not" you said, it so true on my Supra. Most of them were sold with it, but they are the bane of every owners existence now.

You should do the IS300 with the 5 speed and the clock dials in the sticky dash. Greatest car I've ever driven lol

I would love to see "Top 10 Toyota" video based on your knowledge and opinion with any subject like: engine,transmission,overall powertrain,design,interior,fails,win...

I wanted to buy one but prices are insane. So i bought a T-Top 1990 n/a Nissan 300zx (manual transmission of course). Im not disapointed. Beautiful car and very fun to drive. I think the 2JZ is a better engine than the VG30. But the rest of the car. I think the nissan had many advantages over the supra.

SKyline! ... only heard about those after watching the anime Initial-D show featuring 80's Toyota Trueno Sprinter E86, quite a few years ago, which got me interested in JDM cars. Actually back in the day as a young adult with a Corolla budget, I used to dream of a turbo Supra when they first came out.

I had 92 Celica GT manual transmission,great times.

The answer.. Yes, the drive and the feel are 100% different from other cars in it's class.. not to mention how much better it feels to drive than a lot of newer sports cars.

I have one of these, well an RZ model and it’s an event when I drive it! Great cars and it reminds me that Japan was just building greatness back then!

The Fast and the Furious franchise made this Supra Super Expensive for generations to come.

As an owner of both an all-original (with rebuilt engine) stock MA70 and a 1JZ swapped MA70, I am always jealous of the build quality of the JZA80. Everything just feels so much smoother, looks more modern and replacement parts are still fairly easy to come by. Everything for an A70 is discontinued or as expensive as Adamantium. As for this car's badge, I think it's made to order and Toyota preferred to put a turbo engine in the front of a chassis meant for a nonturbo, instead of covering up the already drilled holes in the boot. (I guess in 1994 you couldn't just swap the hatch as it may just need to be color matched for Toyota's standards but I'm unsure of the painting process and qc at that time)