The Toyota Supra A80 (1993 to 2002) is the fourth-generation Supra, and the one most buyers mean when they search for a JDM Supra. Its 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo inline-six is the reason. The engine handles strong power with a cast iron block, and it takes boost well with a modest rebuild. The catch is that clean, unmodified cars are now expensive, and many cars for sale have been altered in ways that cost real money to undo.
Most people searching for a Supra want one of three things: a legal way to bring a Japanese-market car home, a reliable base for a build, or a car that will hold its value. The A80 answers the first two well. The third depends heavily on the car's condition and history.
Which Supra should you look at first?
The A80 is the one to start with if you want a classic JDM Supra with a cast-iron engine and a manual gearbox option. The later A90 Supra, built from 2019 with a BMW-derived B58 engine, is a different car with a different engine, and it shares only the name and the badge with the A80.
Japanese-market A80s carried a rated output of 280 PS under the voluntary industry cap, while export cars were commonly quoted at 320 hp. Rated figures differ by market and year, so compare the export certificate or the factory sheet rather than an advertised number.
How does the A80 compare with the A90?
- A80 (1993 to 2002): 2JZ-GTE, a 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six with a cast-iron block, and a chassis code of JZA80. It is the stronger tuning base and the more analog drive.
- A90 (2019 to present): a 3.0-litre B58 turbo inline-six with an aluminium block, built on the GR Supra platform. It has modern safety and comfort that the A80 cannot match.
Japanese-market A80s carried a rated output of 280 PS under the voluntary industry cap, while export cars were commonly quoted at 320 hp. Rated figures differ by market and year, so compare the export certificate or factory sheet rather than an advertised number. If you want the rotary alternative from the same era, see our FD3S RX-7 buying guide.
Is an A80 Supra legal to import to the United States?
Under the US 25-year exemption, a vehicle at least 25 years old can be imported without meeting federal safety standards, and the age runs from the date of manufacture. As of October 2026, A80s built up to October 2001 meet the age test, which covers the 1993 to 2001 model years. Cars built in 2002 do not yet qualify. The importer declares the car on Form HS-7 under Box 1, according to NHTSA's importation FAQ. The NHTSA page does not show an effective or last-updated date, so confirm the cutoff against the car's build date.
Emissions is a separate question under EPA rules, and state registration varies. Check your state DMV before you buy.
What could go wrong with an A80?
Many A80s on the market have been modified, sometimes heavily. Ask for the invoices for turbo, injector, fuel pump, and ECU work, and confirm that the modifications can be reversed or that the car still runs on the factory setup. A car that has been tuned past its original boost may need the engine rebuilt sooner than an original car.
Check the front and rear subframes, the floor pan, and the sills. Rust in these areas is expensive to repair and often hidden under underseal. Read the auction sheet grade guide to understand what the inspector's notes mean before you pay.
The A80's rear differential and clutch wear quickly on high-torque cars, and a clutch replacement can cost more than buyers expect. Oil leaks from the valve cover and turbo oil feed are common with age.
Who should buy an A80?
Buy an A80 if you want a tunable, analog car and can accept the upkeep. If you want a modern daily driver with the Supra name, the A90 is the better fit, even though it is a different car.
Country notes
United States
The age test above is the verified federal rule. Check your state DMV for registration and emissions inspection before buying, because California (CARB) is the strictest.
United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Germany
Import rules for this market are being confirmed. Check your national registry or customs authority before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Is the A80 Supra worth buying as a daily driver?
It can be, but a stock A80 is not a modern daily car. Expect older suspension, dated electronics, and a need for regular maintenance, and budget for that before you commit.
Can I import an A80 Supra to the US now?
As of October 2026, A80s built up to October 2001 meet the 25-year age test. Confirm the build date from the chassis plate or export paperwork.
Does the 2JZ-GTE need a rebuild?
Not automatically. Compression, leak-down, and oil consumption tests tell you more than the odometer. Budget for a rebuild if the engine burns oil or shows low compression.
What is the A90 Supra's engine?
The A90 uses the B58 3.0-litre turbo inline-six, which BMW developed. It is not a 2JZ, and the two engines need different parts and tuning.
Disclaimer: Rules change. Confirm with your national registry or customs authority before buying. The US age test was checked against NHTSA on 2026-10-23.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-23. By the Japanese Auto World Editorial Team.
Photo: Toyota Supra A80, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
See also our guide to Japanese auction houses and the export documents checklist.
