Which Toyota Cars are Open Top: A Deep Dive into Toyota's Convertible and Targa Offerings

For many driving enthusiasts, the allure of the open road is amplified by the feeling of the wind in their hair and the sun on their face. When it comes to open-top driving, Toyota has a rich, though somewhat intermittent, history. While the brand is renowned for its reliability and practicality, it has also produced some iconic models that offered the thrill of convertible and targa-top configurations. If you're wondering which Toyota cars have historically featured open-top designs, this article is your comprehensive guide.

The Iconic Toyota MR2 Spyder: A True Two-Seater Convertible

Perhaps the most well-known and celebrated open-top Toyota in recent memory is the Toyota MR2 Spyder. This mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car was designed from the ground up as a convertible, offering a pure, unadulterated driving experience. It was produced from 2000 to 2007 and was the third generation of the MR2 line.

Key Features of the MR2 Spyder:

Mid-Engine Layout: This provided excellent weight distribution, contributing to sharp handling and a sporty feel.
Lightweight Construction: The MR2 Spyder was designed to be nimble and agile, making it a joy to drive on winding roads.
Simple Soft Top: The manual soft top was praised for its ease of operation, allowing drivers to quickly switch between coupe and convertible modes.
Engaging Performance: While not a powerhouse, its 1.8-liter engine provided enough pep for spirited driving, especially when paired with its precise steering and responsive chassis.

The MR2 Spyder is a sought-after classic for those who appreciate a focused, driver-centric convertible experience. Its compact size and agile handling make it a fun car for weekend drives and spirited excursions.

The Toyota Supra (MkIV Targa): A Performance Icon with an Open-Air Option

While the Toyota Supra MkIV is more widely recognized as a formidable performance coupe, a significant number of these legendary sports cars were equipped with a targa top. This design features a removable roof panel, typically made of glass or metal, which leaves a structural bar running behind the seats. This offered a semi-open-air experience, bridging the gap between a coupe and a full convertible.

The Supra MkIV Targa Experience:

Removable Roof Panel: Owners could remove the targa panel to enjoy a more open driving sensation without sacrificing the structural rigidity of a coupe.
Iconic Styling: The MkIV Supra is celebrated for its aerodynamic and aggressive design, which was further enhanced by the targa top option.
Powerful Performance: Equipped with Toyota's legendary 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo engine (in certain trims), the Supra MkIV was a performance benchmark of its era, and the targa top added to its exotic appeal.
Collectible Status: The MkIV Supra, particularly those with the targa top, has achieved significant collector status due to its performance, styling, and cultural impact.

Owning a Supra MkIV with a targa top offers a unique blend of raw power and the exhilaration of open-air driving, albeit in a less dramatic fashion than a full convertible.

The Toyota Celica Convertible: A More Accessible Open-Top Choice

Throughout its many generations, the Toyota Celica, a sporty compact car, also saw periods where convertible variants were offered. These models provided a more affordable and everyday-accessible entry into the world of open-top driving compared to the more specialized MR2 Spyder or the high-performance Supra.

Celica Convertibles Through the Years:

Various Generations: Toyota offered Celica convertibles across different generations, with some being more prominent than others. For instance, the 5th generation (T180) and 6th generation (T200) Celicas had notable convertible versions.
Soft Top Design: These typically featured a traditional soft-top convertible roof that could be manually or, in some cases, power-operated.
Sporty Yet Practical: The Celica convertible aimed to blend sporty aesthetics and handling with the practicality of a compact car, making it a viable option for daily use.
Enjoyable Cruising: While not track-focused like the MR2 or Supra, the Celica convertible offered a pleasant experience for cruising and enjoying scenic routes.

These Celica convertibles represent a chapter in Toyota's history where they catered to a broader audience seeking the joys of open-air motoring without the premium price tag of more dedicated sports cars.

What About Current Toyota Open-Top Models?

As of my last update, Toyota does not currently produce any new models that are specifically designed as open-top convertibles or targa tops for the American market. The automotive landscape has shifted, with manufacturers often focusing on SUVs and crossovers. However, this doesn't diminish the legacy of Toyota's past open-top offerings.

The market for convertibles has seen fluctuations over the years, and while some brands continue to offer them, Toyota has, for the time being, stepped away from producing new convertible models. This doesn't mean they won't revisit the segment in the future, as consumer demand can always influence automotive trends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I find a used Toyota convertible?

To find a used Toyota open-top car, you'll typically need to look at the pre-owned market. Websites like AutoTrader, Cars.com, eBay Motors, and specialized classic car sites are excellent resources. You can filter your searches by make, model (MR2 Spyder, Supra Targa, Celica Convertible), and year. Additionally, consider visiting dealerships that specialize in used or classic vehicles. Thorough inspections and vehicle history reports are crucial when purchasing a used convertible.

Why did Toyota stop making convertibles?

Toyota, like many manufacturers, has seen shifts in consumer demand. The market for SUVs and crossovers has grown significantly, often at the expense of traditional sedans and coupes, including convertibles. Developing and manufacturing convertible models can also be more expensive due to the structural reinforcements and specialized roof mechanisms required. While not definitively stated as the sole reason, these market trends and cost considerations likely contributed to Toyota's decision to discontinue new convertible production for the time being.

What is the difference between a convertible and a targa top?

A convertible typically has a fully retractable roof, meaning the entire roof panel, along with the rear window, lowers completely, allowing for an unobstructed open-air experience. A targa top, on the other hand, features a removable roof panel (often made of glass or metal) that leaves a fixed structural bar or hoop behind the seats. This provides a semi-open-air feel, offering some of the benefits of a convertible while maintaining more of the coupe's structural integrity. The Supra MkIV's targa top is a prime example of this design.

Are Toyota MR2 Spyders reliable?

Generally, Toyota vehicles are known for their reliability, and the MR2 Spyder is no exception, especially considering its Toyota engineering. However, as with any car, particularly a performance-oriented model that may have been driven enthusiastically, maintenance history is key. Common areas to check on a used MR2 Spyder include the engine (especially oil consumption, if applicable to specific model years), suspension components, and the convertible top mechanism. A pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the MR2 is highly recommended.