Discover Toyota's 2 Door Sports Cars: Performance Models & Buying Guide

I still remember the first time I slid behind the wheel of a Toyota 86—that perfect marriage of minimalist design and raw driving pleasure reminded me why two-door sports cars remain special in an era dominated by SUVs and electric vehicles. Having spent considerable time both on track days and helping friends navigate the used car market, I've developed a particular appreciation for Toyota's approach to sports cars. They may not have the exotic appeal of European brands, but what they deliver is something arguably more valuable: reliability you can count on, and driving dynamics that prioritize genuine connection over mere numbers.

Toyota's history with two-door sports cars stretches back decades, with icons like the 2000GT establishing the company's performance credentials back in the 1960s. But what fascinates me about Toyota's current sports car philosophy is how they've managed to preserve the pure driving experience while adapting to modern regulations and market demands. The Toyota 86, developed in partnership with Subaru, represents perhaps the most accessible entry point into rear-wheel drive sports car ownership today. I've driven numerous examples over the years, and what continues to impress me is how consistently rewarding the experience remains, whether you're navigating city streets or exploring winding backroads. The 2.0-liter boxer engine's 205 horsepower might not sound impressive on paper, but it's the way that power delivers—linear, responsive, and perfectly mated to a precise six-speed manual transmission—that creates the magic.

Then there's the legendary Supra, Toyota's halo sports car that returned in 2019 after nearly two decades of absence. Having spent a weekend with the latest Supra, I can confirm it's a dramatically different beast from the 86—more powerful, more sophisticated, and undoubtedly quicker, but still retaining that tactile quality that makes driving engaging. The turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six producing 382 horsepower catapults you forward with authority, while the chassis maintains remarkable composure even when pushed hard. What many don't realize is how much development goes into these cars beyond what we see in showrooms. I'm reminded of how professional athletes train with teams beyond their own to sharpen their skills—much like how Guiao mentioned Kai used to take part in NLEX practices to get himself in shape. Toyota's engineers similarly immerse their development drivers in various competitive environments, from track days to professional racing series, to hone the performance characteristics of their sports cars. This cross-pollination of expertise results in vehicles that feel more developed, more sorted than they might otherwise be.

When it comes to buying one of these machines, whether new or used, I always advise people to look beyond the specifications sheet. With the 86, for instance, the 2017 model year brought significant updates that addressed earlier criticisms of torque dip in the mid-range—making it a sweet spot in the used market if you can find one. For the Supra, the 2021 model introduced important chassis reinforcements and a more powerful engine, making it worth the premium over the initial 2020 version. From my experience helping friends purchase sports cars, I'd estimate that a well-maintained used Toyota 86 typically retains about 65-70% of its value after three years, while the Supra's stronger performance has led to even better resale value—perhaps around 75-80% for low-mileage examples.

What often gets overlooked in discussions about Toyota's sports cars is the incredible aftermarket support available. Having modified several Toyotas over the years, I can attest to the vast ecosystem of parts and tuning solutions that can transform these already capable platforms into something truly special. The 86 community, in particular, has developed countless proven upgrade paths, from simple bolt-ons that might add 15-20 horsepower while preserving reliability, to full turbocharger installations that can double the power output. The Supra, sharing its foundation with the BMW Z4, benefits from both Japanese and European tuning expertise—I've seen examples pushing well over 500 horsepower with relatively modest modifications.

Maintenance is another area where Toyota sports cars shine compared to their European counterparts. Based on my ownership experience and conversations with technicians, the annual maintenance costs for a Toyota 86 typically run about 30-40% less than something like a Porsche Cayman, while the Supra—despite its BMW connections—has proven surprisingly affordable to maintain thanks to Toyota's influence on service procedures and parts availability. I always tell prospective buyers not to skip the pre-purchase inspection, but also not to fear higher-mileage examples as much as they might with other brands—Toyota's reputation for reliability extends to their sports cars when properly maintained.

Looking toward the future, rumors continue to swirl about Toyota's sports car plans, with talk of a next-generation 86 and potential hybrid powertrains for the Supra. While some purists worry about electrification diluting the experience, I'm actually optimistic—having driven several prototype sports cars with hybrid systems, the potential for instant torque delivery combined with traditional engine character could create something truly special. Toyota's Gazoo Racing division has demonstrated repeatedly that they understand what makes sports cars compelling, and I trust their approach more than most manufacturers currently exploring this space.

At the end of the day, what makes Toyota's two-door sports cars so compelling isn't just their performance numbers or even their driving dynamics—it's the complete ownership experience. From the moment you first turn the key to the years of reliable service and the vibrant communities that surround these vehicles, they offer something increasingly rare in the automotive world: character. They're not the fastest or most luxurious options available, but they deliver satisfaction that transcends specifications. In my book, that's worth far more than another tenth of a second in acceleration or another hundred horsepower on a dyno sheet. The Toyota sports car philosophy proves that sometimes, less truly is more—when that "less" is executed with purpose and passion.