How many 1989 Toyota Supras were made?
There isn't a publicly published exact count of how many 1989 Toyota Supras were produced. The 1989 model falls within the A70 generation, Toyota's Supra from 1986 to 1992, and production numbers vary widely by market and variant, with turbo and non-turbo versions offered in different regions. As a result, no single authoritative figure for 1989 is documented in official sources.
Context: The A70 Supra and the 1989 model year
The 1989 Supra is part of Toyota's A70 generation, built from 1986 through 1992. Across markets, the car appeared in multiple configurations, including turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines, with regional differences in trim, equipment, and availability. Official, year-by-year production totals are not routinely published by Toyota, which makes a precise 1989 figure difficult to confirm.
Production drivers by market
Before breaking out any numbers, it helps to understand the main factors that influence how many units were produced in 1989:
- Market variations: Japan, the United States, Europe, and other regions each had different specifications and levels of demand, affecting how many cars were built for each market.
- Model-year vs calendar-year timing: 1989 models could have been produced across parts of 1988–1990, so the year label does not correspond to a single production window.
- Variant mix: Turbo (7M-GTE) versus non-turbo (7M-GE) versions were distributed differently by region, influencing total counts for that year.
- Data availability: Toyota has not publicly released comprehensive year-by-year production figures for the A70 Supra; most public estimates come from enthusiast registries, import logs, and dealership records, all of which vary in methodology and completeness.
Conclusion: Because official year-specific production figures are not published and market mixes vary, there is no definitive public count for how many 1989 Supras were produced. Any figure circulating in forums or hobbyist sites should be treated as an estimate.
Summary
In brief, there is no single, verified number for how many 1989 Toyota Supras were produced. The A70 generation spanned 1986–1992 with regional and variant differences complicating any precise tally. For an exact figure, one would need access to Toyota's internal production records, which are not publicly released.
How much is a 1989 Toyota Supra worth?
A 1989 Toyota Supra's price varies significantly, but you can expect an average value of around $11,350 to $14,100 for a good condition, average spec model. Prices can range from approximately $12,285 for a lowest-price model to over $20,000 for exceptional examples, depending on factors like condition, mileage, and modifications.
Price factors
- Condition: Vehicles in excellent condition command higher prices.
- Mileage: Lower mileage vehicles are more valuable.
- Modifications: Desirable modifications can increase value, while poor ones can decrease it.
- Market demand: Rare or highly sought-after models often sell for the highest prices.
Example prices
- Average: Approximately $11,350 to $14,100
- High-end: Over $20,000 for rare or pristine examples
- Low-end: As low as $12,285 for a well-maintained, but lower-spec model
Where to find a 1989 Toyota Supra
- Online marketplaces: Websites like eBay, CarGurus, and Classics on Autotrader have a variety of options.
- Classic car auctions: Sites like Bring a Trailer and Classic.com often feature 1989 Toyota Supras, with prices varying based on the auction's results.
Why is the 1994 Supra illegal?
The 1994 Toyota Supra is not illegal and is not banned, despite a persistent rumor about it being blacklisted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for long-term reliability issues. While the NHTSA did document a list of faults after testing the Mk4 Supra, this did not lead to a ban, and the car is currently legal to own and import under the 25-year rule.
The reality of the "ban"
- Rumor vs. fact: The story of a 1994 Supra ban is a long-standing internet rumor that stems from the NHTSA's testing results.
- NHTSA testing: The NHTSA did find issues with the model during its testing, but these complaints did not result in a ban.
- Legal status: There is no public record of the NHTSA banning the car. The 1994 model is legal to own and drive, and importantly, it can be imported into the U.S. because it is over 25 years old.
What made the 1989 Toyota Supra special?
The turbo Supras boasted 230 hp and 246 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine was also Toyota's first distributorless engine, with individual coil packs firing the plugs based on a cam position sensor. To handle the extra power, turbo models received a special, heavy-duty five-speed manual transmission.
How much horsepower does a 1989 Supra have?
The DOHC 24-Valve 3.0-liter turbo engine is rated at around 240 horsepower and 251 lb ft of torque (depending on your source), which gets this Supra up and going in a hurry! A 4-speed automatic transmission backs that engine up and powers this car to a top speed of 153 MPH and a 0-60 time of 6.1 seconds!
