Contrary to public opinion, Toyota was first a textile machinery company created by Sakichi Toyoda in 1924. But it was only in August of 1937 that the company started manufacturing what it's best known for today: the most reliable vehicles in the market.
And Toyota manufacturers have been keeping themselves busy ever since. They produced over 250 million cars, making a name for themselves in the automotive industry, as the world's second-largest carmaker.
Although their vehicles are mostly praised for reliability and affordability, rather than luxury, Toyota still has a rich motorsport history. On this list, you'll find the ten coolest Toyotas, which you might hate or love. We sure hope it's the latter.
11 Toyota GT-One
Okay, we're obviously getting serious now. Toyota who's mostly known for producing mediocre and regular cars such as the Camry also created one of the wildest motorsport cars out there. The 1998 GT1-class badged as the Toyota GT-One is one of those.
Although there are no clear specifications of the GT-One, the car made 600 horsepower with a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V8 engine. However, the weirdest thing about the GT-One is that according to the FIA rules, it was developed as a legal road car. And the two versions barely had any differences. Pretty cool, right?
10 Toyota Land Cruiser
It's only fair we're starting our list with one of the most iconic Toyota models. Who else but the legendary Land Cruiser? The Cruiser has been Toyota's longest-running model, and also the longest-running SUV in production. And that's for a reason. In 2019 only Toyota sold its 10th millionth Land Cruiser.
The Land Cruiser might not have the coolest features ever, but it has Toyota's DNA in it, filled with all the off-road abilities you could want in an SUV. It might not be the greatest car on the streets, but off-road it's a different matter. With all four-wheel drive, differential locks, adjustable rear ride height, it's one of the best you can find in the market, even today.
9 Toyota Celica- Carlos Sainz WRC
The Celica you're seeing in the pictures above was specifically created for homologation purposes, so Toyota could finally go rallying. Surprisingly enough, it did a great job. The fourth-generation Celica got 13 WRC victories, and also one driver's title at the hands of Carlos Sainz.
This is why when Toyota launched the RC version of the Celica, they name it after the same Spanish champion driver, Carlos. The edition cars received a new intercooler, a newly designed front bumper, and a shorter throw gear lever.
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7 Toyota GT86
Now we know that many of you don't fancy the GT86. While it's true it sort of has a lack of power, it's also one of the coolest Toyota cars, almost a love letter to all the car enthusiasts out there. It's proof that Toyota was listening to the car community and created a car specifically for them.
The GT86 has a manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive, and also it won't leave you bankrupt. After all, it portrays the experience of driving as a sort of entertainment and a form of art, rather than a necessity, and that's why we love it so much.
6 Toyota Supra MKIV
There really aren't many people who wouldn't be able to recognize this JDM icon. And that's saying a lot. First introduced in 1978, the Supra reached its pinnacle in 1992 when the MKIV model debuted, featuring the now-legendary 2JZ-GTE engine pushing out roughly 330 horsepower stock, easily tunable to three times that amount.
However, its tunability, looks, and performance weren't the only factors that made the Supra so great; it also got a big chunk of its fame after being featured in numerous gaming and big screen TV works, including Fast and Furious.
5 Toyota Sports 800
The Sports 800 was Toyota's first sports car with only 28 horsepower. But before you start freaking out about that, remember that Toyota started manufacturing cars only a few years before 1960-when this car was launched, in a post-war country. Nevertheless, the Sports 800 still impressed us.
The most special things about it are perhaps the lightness, low center of gravity, and extremely aerodynamic body. Back at that time, speed wasn't in the equation, it was only about low weight, loads of fun, and not so much money. But most of all, simplicity. Less is more, indeed.
4 Toyota 2000GT
The 2000GT is arguably one of the most beautiful Japanese cars to ever exist. Also known as the E-Type of Toyota, the 2000GT is a highly-prized collectible that continues to impress people. How can it not? Just look at the smooth profile, low roofline, and the muscular front fenders.
It's truly the perfect sports car that feels luxurious at some point. Just look at those pop-up headlights. How can you not fall in love with it? But, did you know that Caroll Shelby helped make this car a champion? Well, if a genius like him loved it, all the world should.
3 Toyota Century
If you're at all familiar with the Century, you probably heard people calling it "the Japanese Rolls-Royce," or at least you know that Japanese emperors owned this car. It's obvious why people would refer to it as a Royce, considering its luxurious features, but the Century it's truly and authentically a Toyota, one that reflects the place it was built.
In fact, the Century was never exported anywhere, and Toyota only built a few, for the truly special people. Nevertheless, it's one of the greatest Japanese cars, with a formal roof-line, square bodywork, that might be old-school but it's also timeless. And most importantly, a V12 engine. Now they offer it with a hybrid V8 engine, and it still hasn't lost its charm.
2 Toyota MR2
When the Midship Runabout 2-seater, also known as the MR2, was first launched it was truly a breath of fresh air for Toyota. Trying to attract young-buyers and car enthusiasts, Toyota created one of the most iconic, and perhaps famous cars of is time.
An affordable mid-engined sports car that you can drive down to the beach on sunny days was the perfect choice for people who liked the aging Fiat X1/9. Other rivals included the Mazda Rx-7 and the Honda CR-X, but if you ask us nothing comes close to this beauty.
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1 Toyota GR Supra
Supra has never looked better. The GR is truly a beautiful sports car and we wish people would stop complaining. The GR finally came back in 2019 and it was developed together with BMW. It features a BMW engine, or more specifically a 3-liter turbocharged straight-six that delivers 335 horsepower and reaches 60 mph in only 4.3 seconds.
While we admit it's not the perfect sports car, it's surely a step up from the other models. It also has great potential for the future, and we can only wish this-beast looking car the best. After all, it's a Toyota if you can't love it, you can't hate it either.