JDM Toyota Supras for sale in the U.S. come in two generations: the A70 (MK3, 1986-1993) and the A80 (MK4, 1993-2002). Both are rear-wheel-drive, front-engine coupes with inline-six engines, and both are eligible for import under the 25-year rule. Japan got engines, trims and model years the U.S. never did, which is a big part of why buyers import them.
Toyota Supra A70 (MK3): 1986-1993
The A70 is the angular, pop-up-headlight Supra. It was the first Supra sold as its own model in the U.S. rather than as a Celica Supra, though it still shared a platform with the Celica. It has four-wheel independent suspension and weighs roughly 1,400 to 1,550 kg (3,100 to 3,400 lb), so it drives more like a grand tourer than a lightweight sports car.
Japan offered more engines than the U.S. did. Alongside the 3.0L 7M-GE and the turbocharged 7M-GTE, Japanese buyers could get 2.0L inline-sixes, including the twin-turbo 1G-GTEU, and from 1990, the 2.5L twin-turbo 1JZ-GTE in the JZA70. The 1JZ-GTE is rated at about 280 PS and is the most sought-after A70 engine. Transmissions are a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, and most buyers look for the manual.
Toyota Supra A80 (MK4): 1993-2002
The Toyota Supra MK4 is the rounder, more aerodynamic Supra known from tuner culture and The Fast and the Furious. It has double-wishbone suspension at both ends and weighs roughly 1,500 to 1,600 kg (3,300 to 3,500 lb).
Japanese cars came in four main trims. The SZ and SZ-R use the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE (about 225 PS), and the RZ-S and RZ use the twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE. Japanese turbo cars are rated at 280 PS (276 hp) because of the voluntary power cap automakers followed at the time, while U.S. turbo cars were rated at 320 hp. Real output on the Japanese cars is usually higher. The RZ is manual-only, with a Getrag 6-speed. Toyota sold the A80 in the U.S. only through 1998, so any 1999-2002 car is a JDM import.
A70 vs. A80: Which One Should You Buy?
| A70 (MK3) | A80 (MK4) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production | 1986-1993 | 1993-2002 |
| Chassis codes | MA70, GA70, JZA70 | JZA80 |
| Styling | Angular, pop-up headlights | Rounded, aerodynamic |
| Japan engines | 1G, 7M-GE, 7M-GTE, 1JZ-GTE | 2JZ-GE, 2JZ-GTE |
| Top Japan power | ~280 PS (1JZ-GTE) | 280 PS (2JZ-GTE), the Japanese cap |
| Suspension | Four-wheel independent | Double wishbone, front and rear |
| Weight | ~1,400-1,550 kg | ~1,500-1,600 kg |
| U.S. sales | 1986-1992 | 1993-1998 |
| Import eligibility | All cars | Cars built through Oct 2001 as of Oct 2026 |
The A70 suits buyers who want a 1980s-style grand tourer, usually at a lower price, with the 1JZ-GTE as the standout engine. The A80 is the choice if you want the 2JZ-GTE, the bigger aftermarket and the best-known Supra. The A80 Turbo costs significantly more, and the A80 naturally aspirated cars are the cheaper way in.