1993-1998 Toyota Supra: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1993-1998 Toyota Supra and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes
- Acceleration
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Rear-seat room
- Road noise
- Rear visibility
- Ride
- Cargo room
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Toyota Supra Turbo auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 9 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 9 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 1 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 39 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1993-1998 Toyota Supra. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1993-1998 Toyota Supra.
Year to Year Changes
1994 Toyota Supra:
Except for a numerically higher final-drive ratio on the base Supra, nothing was new on Toyota's rear-drive sports car.
1995 Toyota Supra:
Unchanged this year, Supras again came in base and Turbo form.
1996 Toyota Supra:
For 1996, the 6-speed manual gearbox disappeared, because it failed to meet stricter emissions limits, so all Turbos got automatic.
1997 Toyota 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 Toyota Supra:
Leftover 1997 models were sold for a short time in 1998.
Our road test for the 1993-1998 Toyota Supra includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1993-1998 Toyota Supra and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1993-1998 Toyota Supra is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
Value for the Money
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Toyota Supra Turbo auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 9 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 9 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 1 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 39 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Toyota Supra includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Toyota Supra .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Oil consumption:
Excessive oil consumption caused by sludge buildup on the cylinder heads. Company is extending warranty. (1993-98)
Water leak:
Water leaks from the removable roof-lock strips. A replacement (which also sometimes leaks) is available. (1993-95)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $910 |
| Alternator | $395 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,025 |
| Brakes | $230 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $1,550 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $375 |
| Exhaust System | $345 |
| Radiator | $535 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $165 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,500 |
Our price chart for this generation Toyota Supra details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1998 | |||
| Supra | $16,000-17,800 | $14,600-16,200 | $10,200-11,400 |
| Supra Turbo | $21,000-23,000 | $19,300-21,200 | $13,700-15,000 |
| 1997 | |||
| Supra | $13,500-15,000 | $12,300-13,700 | $8,000-8,900 |
| Supra Turbo | $18,000-20,000 | $16,600-18,400 | $11,500-12,800 |
| 1996 | |||
| Supra | $10,700-12,000 | $9,600-10,800 | $5,700-6,400 |
| Supra Turbo | $14,500-16,000 | $13,200-14,600 | $9,000-9,900 |
| 1995 | |||
| Supra | $9,000-10,200 | $8,100-9,200 | $4,700-5,300 |
| Supra Turbo | $11,800-13,500 | $10,600-12,200 | $6,600-7,600 |
| 1994 | |||
| Supra | $7,700-8,800 | $6,900-7,900 | $3,900-4,400 |
| Supra Turbo | $10,000-11,500 | $9,000-10,400 | $5,200-6,000 |
| 1993 | |||
| Supra | $6,500-7,500 | $5,700-6,600 | $2,900-3,400 |
| Supra Turbo | $8,000-9,000 | $7,200-8,100 | $4,100-4,600 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Toyota Supra include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 100.4 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 177.7 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.3 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 50.2 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3210 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 10.1 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.5 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 44.0 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 32.9 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 23.8 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
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.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I6 | 3.0 / 183 | 220 | 210 | 5-speed manual: 18/23 4-speed automatic: 18/24 |
5-speed manual: 18.5 4-speed automatic: -- |
| Turbocharged dohc I6 | 3.0 / 183 | 320 | 315 | 6-speed manual: 17/24 4-speed automatic: 18/24 |
6-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 18.7 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Toyota Supra include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
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