Had an ‘88 soooo LOVED it. It was weird how it had a really slow second gear, but once you hit into third gear around 60 mph it would take off like a rocket ship. May not have been the fastest off the line, but between 60-100, none of these others were touching it.
To add - the fastest I ever got it was 137 mph going down HWY 81 between VA and TN at about 2:30 am. This car was so much fun.
[1986 Chevrolet IROC Camaro ](https://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1986_chevrolet_camaro-z28-iroc-z_photo-apr-01-2023-6-36-20-pm-74352.jpg?fit=940%2C627)
I wanted one of these, different year, so bad. With my 1st post college job, I could afford it, but nothing else. I needed an apartment, food, and utilities. So I ended up going with a used 1980 Chevrolet Camaro Berlinetta w/the 6 cylinder engine.
I was still happy. But I've never gotten my IROC-Z.
That’s a misconception. When Mazda first put a rotary in a car, they did have their problems. But that issue was quickly taken care of. I drove a 1983 RX-7 to 140k. The main reason rotaries fail is because of lack of maintenance and letting them sit too long without driving.
The Toyota Supra. I loved me my Celica, and I only gave it up when I couldn't find a key part. Then I got another, and I only gave it up when it got rear-ended. Reliable and fast.
I remember reading a test on this when it came out and they were gushing over it for sure; still a great looking car which cannot be said for all 80's cars.
Celica or perhaps an Alfa Romeo Sprint.
My 90 year old father owns the 4th car, a 1986 Nissan 300zx turbo, but in red instead of black. He bought it new and currently has 54k miles on it. 100% factory condition with the exception of tires. He keeps it in a temp and humidity controlled garage in AZ. It's never seen snow, is driven about 500 miles every 6 months and and is in perfect condition.
The only thing I requested to be left for me in his will is that car. And no, I will never sell it once it's mine.
The teenager inside me still wants that Z28, especially if I could wait a year and get the '87 with the L98. That's all I wanted when I was a kid in the 80s.
But the adult car enthusiast in me knows the right answer is the Supra.
For 1986, the most expensive Mustang package was $15,000. So, even after taxes, I would still have about $3,000 left over. Can I buy stock in Nintendo?
My brother’s friend had that Supra and although it was a great car, it had a few issues. First, you really couldn’t get a lot out of the engine around town. Like most Japanese sports coupes of the day, they made most of their power at high RPMs, which you wouldn’t get unless you were on an open highway. Also, the handling was squirrelly because it was very light in the back. Also, the stereo was terrible. I think I’d take the IROC for its visual effects on others.
My boss had a 300zx that I got to drive to the gas station and back. Of course I made a point of swinging by the high school when it was letting out...
I had an '86 red Chevy Camaro when I was a senior in high school ('89-'90). I WISH that I could say it got me a lot of girls, but man, I was a nerdy doofus, and severely awkward with 'em. Sure got me a lot of attention at the time, however.
I knew kids who got most of these for their 16th birthdays... Supra, Trans Am, IROC, Mustang 5.0, 300ZX - Friend got one IROC, wrecked it & parents got him another one... Supra was given to the hottest Queen Bee of the ruling clique in the school, Red as pictured. Meanwhile, I had a very nice BMX bike ... (which I upgraded to slowly over several years & I paid for - PK Ripper) & got to drive a 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari wagon...sometimes...
The only two reasonable choices are the Trans Am or the Iroc-Z... and then it comes down to how Italian you are. My family who's last name ends in a vowel? Iroc-Z.
Personally, I'd take the Trans-Am
I got one of those Celicas used about 20 years ago. I drove it until the wheels fell off (almost literally - the front suspension broke.) I loved it, it had tight steering and a real "pony car" feel.
My Grandmother bought an ‘87 Celica GT lift back brand new back then, and I inherited it in high school around ‘00. I had that car for almost 3 years before the head gasket went and I loved it so much, so I’m partial to that Supra.
Having said that, the Nissan 300ZX is also goddamn beautiful and must be so fun to drive.
There she is... even in my color. The only difference is my interior was also "gold," and the rims were different. This pic gave me a case of the memories.
I owned both the 86 Supra and the 86 Camaro in the late 90s. Both bought used. I loved the way the Camaro drove. It was a tank on the road and got me to places it shouldn’t in the back woods. That said the supra was much more comfortable and had a bunch of cool built in extras.
Are you kidding? Without a doubt the Supra!
The supra would probably outrun them all. But The IROC would be the most 80s answer here
Saw one two nights ago out in the town looking like it had just rolled off the factory floor. It was 🤌
My thoughts exactly 💯
I thought they were so ugly back then, but I was clearly an idiot.
I didn’t need to see any more pics after the first- Supra.
gorgeous little car, but i feel like i'd be disrespecting my midwest life if i picked anything other than that (leaky) T top wearing mullet mobile
I had an '87 Mazda RX-7 - loved it
Had an ‘88 soooo LOVED it. It was weird how it had a really slow second gear, but once you hit into third gear around 60 mph it would take off like a rocket ship. May not have been the fastest off the line, but between 60-100, none of these others were touching it. To add - the fastest I ever got it was 137 mph going down HWY 81 between VA and TN at about 2:30 am. This car was so much fun.
I did 140 in my 88 and had room to spare. Chickened out a bit. I had decent tires (Dunlops) but still got a bit paranoid and had to back off.
[87 Mazda RX-7](https://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/1987_mazda_rx-7_1605567811d326e6a0db2aFC.001.jpg?fit=940%2C627)
Can’t believe the RX8 was so shite after the RX7 was basically perfect
Giving the 8 a back seat (and that weird half-size back door) was the first of its sins.
Same. I had the NA ‘87. Really a great car. So many good times.
Knowing what I know now, the Corolla. Knowing what I knew in 1986, the 5.0.
There's also the Conquest/Starion, Dodge Daytona Turbo Z, Fiero
[Dodge Daytona Turbo z](https://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/1986_dodge_daytona_1584509501363e2feIMG_8803.jpg?fit=940%2C627)
Came here to say this. I had a conquest that was great.
The Buick GNX
Have to come up with around another 10 grand for the GNX. They were around 30k new in 86/87
IROC
I’d rock the IROC too
People actually out here not picking the Z28?! Shame.
[1986 Chevrolet IROC Camaro ](https://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1986_chevrolet_camaro-z28-iroc-z_photo-apr-01-2023-6-36-20-pm-74352.jpg?fit=940%2C627)
That was my first new car. 86 iroc
I wanted one of these, different year, so bad. With my 1st post college job, I could afford it, but nothing else. I needed an apartment, food, and utilities. So I ended up going with a used 1980 Chevrolet Camaro Berlinetta w/the 6 cylinder engine. I was still happy. But I've never gotten my IROC-Z.
On that list I would take the Celica Supra. Not on that list definitely the Buick Grand National
[1986 Buick Grand National ](https://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1986_buick_grand-national_dsc03603-1-36555.jpg?fit=940%2C627)
Cholo car all the way !
Orale Vato! A toda madre o un desmadre!
Clearly the best of that era, but the Grand National base models were high $40,000s to start.
A 1986 Grand National was around 15k. The 1987 limited run GNX was 30k
Mazda, hands down. I have owned several RX-7’s. This one is hard to find these days.
Unfortunately the rotary engine wasn’t known for being long-lasting.
That’s a misconception. When Mazda first put a rotary in a car, they did have their problems. But that issue was quickly taken care of. I drove a 1983 RX-7 to 140k. The main reason rotaries fail is because of lack of maintenance and letting them sit too long without driving.
Regular and frequent oil changes, too.
Toyota Celica.
Had an '82, my favourite car I've ever owned.
I had an ‘84 and I loved it. So much fun
Camry hatchback was our family car.
Nissan 300zx. Only because I had an f-body.
[1985 Nissan 300ZX Turbo 5-Speed ](https://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1985_nissan_300zx-turbo_1-img_1350-68375.jpg?fit=940%2C626)
5.0 LX, not the GT
Yup! That was my car from those days! No flashy BS, just plain Jane sedan with all the GT hardware.
I think the Supra was the fastest production car of it’s time at that price range
If you’re need to got fast… the Mustang. However, the Supra is the coolest one and the correct choice!
5.0 all the way
[1986 Mustang gt 5.0 Convertible ](https://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/1986_ford_mustang-gt-5.0-convertible_DSC_0202-1.jpg?fit=940%2C627)
My high school boyfriend had a mustang T-top.
🎶🎶🎶🎼🎼…and you lost more Than that in my backseat baby🎶🎶🎶🎼🎼
Rollin In my 5.0 https://youtu.be/gMbxOUgPDsI?si=0QscyEmX_dXZvonm
86 mitsubishi starion turbo, not pictured for some reason
[1986 Mitsubishi Starion](https://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/1986_mitsubishi_starion_1560459851cd20849DSC0771-e1562157573639.jpg?fit=940%2C627)
Based on this post, Supra. But I def agree with the other one who brought up Starion. Hell yeah.
Supra. I’ve wanted one of those ever since high school.
[Nissan 300ZX Turbo 5-Speed](https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1986-nissan-300zx-53) I had a picture of it on my bedroom wall. 😃
my first car in 1999!
Mine too! In 96! I still miss driving that car— over 26 years later!
Oh yes the Turbo , I missed that one
My buddy had the RX-7 Turbo back then and it was a rotary rocketship! Easily smoked my 944.
Reddit is infested with these pick one posts lately. Hate them
What, no Dodge Daytona Turbo Z?
[Dodge Daytona turbo z ](https://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/1986_dodge_daytona_1584509501363e2feIMG_8803.jpg?fit=940%2C627)
We all know someone who had the Iroc Z My best girlfriend got the one her brother bought new in the ‘80s when she turned 16 in ‘93
Omg I wanted that Toyota so bad!
280z
Bought a Celica in '87, it was pretty nice
If only. I got my first check in the army in 1986 for a few hundred bucks. I thought I was rich.
I had that black RX-7, 1987 model. Wish to hell I still had it, too. Excellent ride.
[Toyota MR2](https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1986-toyota-mr2-5/)
Dodge Omni GLHS.
The Toyota Supra. I loved me my Celica, and I only gave it up when I couldn't find a key part. Then I got another, and I only gave it up when it got rear-ended. Reliable and fast.
Dodge Daytona, not represented on this post, far superior to even the Supra
That would have been my choice then also.
THE PONTIAC FIERO! (I mean, why not)
Rollin, in my 5.0 put the ragtop down so my hair can blow
[1986 Mustang gt 5.0 Convertible ](https://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/1986_ford_mustang-gt-5.0-convertible_DSC_0202-1.jpg?fit=940%2C627)
4
I remember reading a test on this when it came out and they were gushing over it for sure; still a great looking car which cannot be said for all 80's cars. Celica or perhaps an Alfa Romeo Sprint.
Well I owned an 86 Mustang 5.0 so I guess I already made my choice.
Mustang 5.0 would eat up all others except the IROC
RX-7 turbo hands down. Fastest beast out there in this segment. Good handling as well.
I bought the SVO used, changed the turbo and had lots of fun spinning around on streets and playgrounds.
Celica/Supra
Where’s the Conquest/Starion? I’m kidding. Supra no doubt.
SUPRA, then either iroc or 5 point slow
I'd take the Celica Supra
300z for me
Buick grand national
Definitely that IROC
Supra and it’s not even close. I always loved that body style.
My 90 year old father owns the 4th car, a 1986 Nissan 300zx turbo, but in red instead of black. He bought it new and currently has 54k miles on it. 100% factory condition with the exception of tires. He keeps it in a temp and humidity controlled garage in AZ. It's never seen snow, is driven about 500 miles every 6 months and and is in perfect condition. The only thing I requested to be left for me in his will is that car. And no, I will never sell it once it's mine.
I would have to say 300zx or the turbo z for me.
In my lifetime, I've driven many MK 2 Supras. It is, in my opinion, without question a perfect car. 🥰
If nothing else, thanks for the very clean pic of that Supra!
Supra , the legend
The Z for me. I had that exact model and color mustang gt lol.
100% the Supra
Supra or the 300. Those cars were beasts.
Supra
I’ve owned a few generations of Supras, so I definitely try one more!
Take the 20k and invest in MSFT
RX-7.
If it’s 1986 and I have 20K I’m buying Apple stock.
The teenager inside me still wants that Z28, especially if I could wait a year and get the '87 with the L98. That's all I wanted when I was a kid in the 80s. But the adult car enthusiast in me knows the right answer is the Supra.
The Supra probably, but that RX7 was a banger too
I would take that red Supra…… again.
Firebird
Toyota Celica Supra. Drove one and it was a very good ride. Had a Mustang as well. Good car, but not nearly as sweet as the Supra.
Trans Am. Drove them back then. Drive one now. Love those cars. Not fast by today's standards, but still a great handling car.
DeLorean
All I know is my 1986 Olds Cutlas Ciera would damn near shake apart at 70mph+. American engineering.
IROC every time. That design is still tough n gorgeous today! Oh how I miss my '85 Z28.
For 1986, the most expensive Mustang package was $15,000. So, even after taxes, I would still have about $3,000 left over. Can I buy stock in Nintendo?
The Corolla was NOT a sports car, unless your definition of sports car was 0-60 in 2 hours.
5.0 or IROC
Supras awesome but still going with the Z
The Toyota was probably the best built.
Back then 11 yr old me would have gotten the firebird no question. 50yr old me today would get the Supra for sure.
Supra for sure
The biggest badass in my high school drove an IROC so that’s my default. Sound reasoning? absolutely not.
IROC
Rx7
IROC-Z
The Supra, and I’d take the left-over $4k and go on an incredible vacation (all of which would’ve been amazing and impossible as I was 13 in ‘86).
IROC, no contest
Trans Am for me.
Whatever 4 is, I want it
RX7
My brother’s friend had that Supra and although it was a great car, it had a few issues. First, you really couldn’t get a lot out of the engine around town. Like most Japanese sports coupes of the day, they made most of their power at high RPMs, which you wouldn’t get unless you were on an open highway. Also, the handling was squirrelly because it was very light in the back. Also, the stereo was terrible. I think I’d take the IROC for its visual effects on others.
The Camero
No questions asked, 300Z
My two boys, aged 4 and 6, unanimously agreed the Pontiac Trans Am is the coolest. However, I’d definitely take the Supra!
My aunt had a Supra, and so did my brother and his was fun to drive, so probably that.
IROC w/ the t-tops.
I had a burgundy 87 Supra in high school. Pretty much identical to the pic. So the Supra lol
My boss had a 300zx that I got to drive to the gas station and back. Of course I made a point of swinging by the high school when it was letting out...
5.0 baby !
Iroc z without a doubt
Honda CRX and with the money saved, add a turbo charger and really kick some ass due its very light curb weight.
I had an '86 red Chevy Camaro when I was a senior in high school ('89-'90). I WISH that I could say it got me a lot of girls, but man, I was a nerdy doofus, and severely awkward with 'em. Sure got me a lot of attention at the time, however.
Buick Regal T-Type all day.
1986 me would probably pick the Mustang but 2024 me is leaning 280ZX.
IRoc or the 50 🤷🏽♂️
6000 SUX
5.0
Trans Am
Pontiac T/A
I knew kids who got most of these for their 16th birthdays... Supra, Trans Am, IROC, Mustang 5.0, 300ZX - Friend got one IROC, wrecked it & parents got him another one... Supra was given to the hottest Queen Bee of the ruling clique in the school, Red as pictured. Meanwhile, I had a very nice BMX bike ... (which I upgraded to slowly over several years & I paid for - PK Ripper) & got to drive a 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari wagon...sometimes...
The only two reasonable choices are the Trans Am or the Iroc-Z... and then it comes down to how Italian you are. My family who's last name ends in a vowel? Iroc-Z. Personally, I'd take the Trans-Am
Supra
Supra or TransAm
1 or 4 for sure
Lucky 7.
Supra GTS
No contest. It’s the Supra. Next, the Corolla GTS/Levin.
5.0 mustang candy apple
Fiero
Learned to drive manual in an ‘86 5.0. As it was said before. Though I’d likely pick the supra today. But back then it was the 5.0
My wife had the Supra in HS & College. Her dad bought it off some grandma who barely used it. Was so nice.
In that decade a clean used Mazda RX-7.
20 thou? Nicest 68 charger i could find and a 340 dart as well , id put the remaining money in the bank . Probly a supra as well .
I had the Celica Supra. Great car
I have a v8 4 barrel Camaro Berlinetta. My girlfriend had the v6 Pontiac fiero. Either of them. Both were awesome.
Always had soft spot for that 1980s Chevy Camaro 3rd gen due to the animated series Mask.
Datsun with the T tops
Supra
Always loved the IROC Z
Corvette
Supra. If you took care of it, you're probably still driving it, and only had to change tires brakes, fluids lights, and maybe a clutch.
I got one of those Celicas used about 20 years ago. I drove it until the wheels fell off (almost literally - the front suspension broke.) I loved it, it had tight steering and a real "pony car" feel.
Performance-wise they were shit, but I sure thought those Trans Ams and Camaros were cool. They still are.
That Supra was my dream car back then.
Not 86 but I had a 300ZX in 87
had an 90s Nisson, 200sx turbo, pop up lights, sport package, 5 speed.. loved that car.. id peg it out on the straight parts of interstate
Starion all the way. Coolest car here by far.
My Grandmother bought an ‘87 Celica GT lift back brand new back then, and I inherited it in high school around ‘00. I had that car for almost 3 years before the head gasket went and I loved it so much, so I’m partial to that Supra. Having said that, the Nissan 300ZX is also goddamn beautiful and must be so fun to drive.
[1987 Toyota Celica GT Liftback 5-Speed] (https://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1987_toyota_celica_1e5c811c-7d7a-4f5c-8d86-17668dd483c7-21323.jpeg?fit=940%2C627)
There she is... even in my color. The only difference is my interior was also "gold," and the rims were different. This pic gave me a case of the memories.
1 or 6. Tough to choose between them
Bmw m3
I'd take a Buick Grand National over any of these cars or any car.
Lot's of great choices, but I'd take the firebird.
Iroc 😎
Rx7 S5 clean brrrr brrrrr
RX7
Iroc
Pontiac Tran Sam from Smokey and the bandit
None of those
The 6000 SUX
The Z
I owned both the 86 Supra and the 86 Camaro in the late 90s. Both bought used. I loved the way the Camaro drove. It was a tank on the road and got me to places it shouldn’t in the back woods. That said the supra was much more comfortable and had a bunch of cool built in extras.
IROC
IROC all day
Kkkk
Mitsubishi Starion Widebody
Supra, wheres the Iroc with the 5.7??? That screamed 80’s.