Toyota’s Golden Era: The Best Cars of the ’80s and ’90s
The ’80s and ’90s were Toyota’s golden years, a time of bulletproof engineering, quirky design experiments, and JDM legends that sparked entire car cultures. These classics are burned into our memories, and we’d happily welcome them back today.
Toyota Supra A70 (1986–1993)
The A70 Supra brought a refined, high-tech edge to Toyota’s grand tourer lineup. With its smooth inline-six engines, advanced suspension, and sleek pop-up headlights, it was a true ‘80s hero. Collectors are now rediscovering its charm, making this wedge-shaped icon a rising star in the classic market.
Toyota Supra A80 (1993–2002)
Ah, the legend itself! The A80 Supra, with its iconic 2JZ engine and timeless styling, became a cultural icon thanks to “The Fast and the Furious.” Known for bulletproof tuning potential, it’s now one of the most sought-after Japanese sports cars ever.
Toyota Celica GT-Four (ST165, ST185, ST205) (1986–1999)
Toyota’s rally-bred Celica GT-Four was a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive monster built to dominate WRC. With aggressive styling and motorsport pedigree, it’s a cult favorite that’s finally getting the attention it deserves. From the iconic ST185 to the rare ST205, these cars are pure ‘90s performance nostalgia.
Toyota MR2 AW11 (1984–1989)
The first-gen MR2 was a mid-engine wedge of fun that shocked the world with its nimble handling and reliability. It’s playful, lightweight, and brimming with 1980s charm, from its angular styling to its T-top roof. This little “poor man’s Ferrari” is aging into a beloved classic.
Toyota MR2 SW20 (1989–1999)
The SW20 MR2 matured into a mini-supercar with turbocharged power and sleek curves. Often compared to Ferraris of the era, it delivered thrills at a fraction of the cost. Enthusiasts adore its raw driving dynamics, and clean examples are becoming collector gold.
Toyota Corolla AE86 Sprinter Trueno/Levin (1983–1987)
The AE86 is the car that launched a thousand drift events. Lightweight, RWD, and endlessly tunable, it became legendary in the animated series “Initial D” and the global drift scene. Once cheap and overlooked, if you see one, bow your head in respect.
Toyota Corolla E90/E100 GT-S (1987–1995)
Before compact cars became bloated and digital, Toyota offered a playful, tossable coupe that felt alive in your hands. These cars had an honesty and simplicity that modern cars rarely match and came from the days when even a Corolla could spark joy on a back road.
Toyota Chaser JZX90/JZX100 (1992–2001)
The Chaser was a hidden gem - a four-door with Supra power, rear-wheel drive, and understated luxury. It became a legend among JDM fans who wanted a stealthy rocket ship… even if many people never got to drive one!
Toyota Mark II (X80/X90) (1988–1996)
The Mark II embodied Toyota’s knack for blending elegance and performance. Smooth inline-six engines, conservative styling, and Japanese engineering perfection made it a favorite at home, but rare abroad. It had quiet confidence in a world where luxury didn’t scream, but whispered powerfully.
Toyota Soarer (Z20/Z30) (1986–2001)
The Soarer was peak ‘90s excess done right: a high-tech luxury coupe with twin-turbo muscle. It felt like a glimpse into Toyota’s future, brimming with gadgets and power. Though the Lexus SC carried its spirit overseas, the Soarer’s JDM exclusivity makes it something special drivers still pine for.
Toyota Cressida (MX73/MX83) (1981–1992)
Once a humble family sedan, the Cressida quietly packed a silky inline-six and rear-wheel drive, making it a cult favorite for enthusiasts. It was a car that felt more European than Japanese, yet unmistakably Toyota in reliability and unpretentious sophistication.
Toyota Crown Majesta (S140/S150) (1991–1999)
The Crown Majesta was Toyota’s flagship of understated opulence - it was so luxurious, it felt more like a moving lounge than a car. Packed with technology decades ahead of its time, it was mostly JDM-only, making it a unicorn today.
Toyota Aristo (First Gen, JZS147) (1991–1997
The Aristo was Japan’s luxury muscle sedan, hiding a twin-turbo 2JZ engine under its refined skin. While Americans got it as the Lexus GS, the JDM version felt wilder, freer and full of stealthy power.
Toyota Cresta (X80/X90) (1988–1996)
The Cresta was a refined sibling to the Chaser, blending discreet styling with silky straight-six engines and rear-wheel drive. It wasn’t flashy, but that quiet confidence made it a favorite among enthusiasts. Today, drivers admire its ability to deliver luxury and performance in equal measure.
Toyota Century (Second Gen G50) (1997–2017)
Japan’s answer to Rolls-Royce, the Century was a symbol of understated power and prestige. Hand-built craftsmanship, whisper-quiet refinement, and a dignified V12 engine made it a car for CEOs and royalty. Drivers still admire its elegance, a reminder of when luxury was measured in grace rather than gadgets.
Toyota Carina ED (ST180/ST200) (1985–1998)
With sleek, coupe-like styling wrapped around sedan practicality, the Carina ED brought flair to everyday driving. It was an approachable car that didn’t sacrifice personality, winning over enthusiasts who appreciated its unique presence.
Toyota Camry XV10 (1991–1996)
Before the Camry became a byword for sensible family cars, it had a reputation for near-indestructible engineering and refined comfort. The XV10 generation was roomy, overbuilt, and quietly stylish. Many owners still reminisce about its tank-like build quality, which set a benchmark modern sedans struggle to match.
Toyota Corona Exiv (ST180/ST200) (1989–1998)
The Corona Exiv delivered a touch of class with its sloping roofline and upscale interior, offering something more daring than the typical family sedan. It’s remembered as a car that dared to be stylish while staying practical - a combination many still long for in affordable daily drivers.
Toyota Paseo (1991–1999)
Compact, sporty, and charmingly simple, the Paseo was Toyota’s playful coupe for those who valued fun over raw power. It captured the spirit of an era when affordable cars still offered character, and today’s enthusiasts appreciate its throwback personality.
Toyota Tercel (AL20/AL25/EL30/EL40) (1980–1999)
The Tercel was a humble hero, known for dependability and low running costs. Yet it also had a quirky, endearing charm that made it more than just basic transportation. Drivers still recall its approachable size and simplicity fondly compared to the tech-laden economy cars of today.
Toyota Starlet EP71/EP82 (1984–1995)
A pint-sized hatchback with surprising punch, the Starlet - especially in turbocharged EP82 form - was a favorite among spirited drivers. Lightweight and nimble, it captured the essence of fun urban motoring. Collectors hunt for these lively hatchbacks, which are proof that big smiles can come in small packages.
Toyota Sera (EXY10) (1990–1996)
The Sera was pure automotive whimsy, with its butterfly doors and futuristic interior. It wasn’t about performance; it was about making driving feel special. This quirky coupe’s rarity and daring design have made it a cult favorite among enthusiasts who miss Toyota’s willingness to take risks.
Toyota Sprinter Carib (1982–2002)
Long before crossovers ruled the roads, the Sprinter Carib offered rugged versatility in a wagon body. Practical, capable, and loaded with charm, it was a beloved companion for adventurers. Many drivers fondly recall its durability and personality, a reminder of when utility vehicles felt honest and unpretentious.
Toyota RAV4 (First Gen XA10) (1994–2000)
The first-generation RAV4 was a game-changer, bringing compact SUVs into the mainstream with a playful, adventurous spirit. Its small size, car-like handling, and quirky looks won over a generation of drivers. Though today’s RAV4 is more serious, fans still miss the cheeky energy of the original.
Toyota Land Cruiser 60 Series (1980–1990)
The 60 Series Land Cruiser was a rugged workhorse dressed for the family road trip. Comfortable yet unstoppable off-road, it became the adventure vehicle of choice worldwide. Its boxy styling and bulletproof engineering have aged beautifully.
Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series (1984–Present)
The 70 Series is the truck that simply refuses to die (literally - it’s still in production). Built to survive the harshest terrains, it’s a favorite of explorers and aid workers alike. Drivers admire its simplicity, toughness, and timeless design, proof that the best engineering doesn’t need to be reinvented.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 90 Series (1996–2002)
The Prado 90 blended everyday usability with true off-road ability, offering a friendlier version of the Land Cruiser formula. Families loved it, adventurers trusted it, and collectors now hunt for clean examples. Its balanced design makes it one of Toyota’s most fondly remembered SUVs.
Toyota Hilux (4th and 5th Gen, 1980–1997)
The 1980s and ’90s Hilux generations became icons of indestructibility, earning fame in everything from farming fields to television torture tests. These Hilux models embody Toyota’s reputation for toughness - a trait enthusiasts wish modern trucks embraced as fully.
Toyota 4Runner N60/N130 (1983–1995)
The early 4Runner was part SUV, part pickup, and all personality. With its removable roof and bulletproof design, it captured a spirit of freedom and exploration that resonates decades later. Today’s 4Runner is bigger and bolder, but the charm of those early generations remains unmatched.
Toyota Previa (First Gen XR10) (1990–1999)
The Previa was weird in all the right ways, with a mid-mounted engine and quirky engineering touches. Families adored its reliability, while car nerds admired its daring design. It’s remembered as proof that even minivans can be cool when Toyota lets its engineers dream.
Toyota Estima/Lucida/Emina (1990–1999)
Toyota’s domestic-market versions of the Previa took the same futuristic minivan formula and doubled down with advanced features and versatile layouts. In Japan, these were beloved family haulers, now cherished imports among enthusiasts.
Toyota HiAce (Fourth Gen H100) (1989–2004)
Beloved around the globe, the HiAce became the van that could do it all: it hauled families, goods, and entire lives with Toyota’s trademark reliability. These boxy workhorses inspire loyalty wherever they’re found, and their enduring presence on roads worldwide speaks to their legendary toughness.
Toyota TownAce/MasterAce Surf (1982–1996)
These compact vans had an adventurous spirit, often outfitted with 4WD and camper conversions. They were practical yet playful, embodying a style of automotive design that catered to family road trips and exploration.They were approachable, characterful vans with personality to spare!
Toyota Mega Cruiser (1995–2001)
Built as Japan’s answer to the Humvee, the Mega Cruiser was a military machine tamed for the civilian market. Oversized, overbuilt, and incredibly rare, it remains one of Toyota’s most fascinating experiments. Collectors still dream of owning one - a testament to Toyota’s fearless innovation in the ’90s.
Toyota Crown Athlete (S170) (1999–2003)
With its sleek styling and sporty credentials, the Crown Athlete was a rare blend of elegance and performance. It showcased Toyota’s mastery of building sedans that could thrill while coddling passengers. The world has fewer sporty luxury sedans now, so this one is truly missed.
