Overview & Reviews
Let's break out the old automotive etymology textbook for a fun and fascinating exposé on the Toyota MR2 Spyder. The 1,345-word biography of Kiichiro Toyoda and his company's origins in making electric looms has been removed for reasons of brevity. The middle bit regarding the car's name is more conveniently straight to the point, referring to the fact that it's a Midengine, Rear-drive, 2-seat sports car.
The Spyder part of the name has nothing to do with arachnids, and is instead a common alternate word for a convertible sports car. Ferrari and Fiat have used the more conventionally spelled Spider name in the past and Toyota clearly wanted to tap into this high pedigree of sporting vehicles for its new-for-2000 roadster. As the old saying goes, the name says it all.
Except in French etymology, which reveals that "MR2" pronounced phonetically en francais sounds like the word forÂ…excrement. Therefore, Toyota called this car simply "MR" in France. In the English-speaking world, it was nicknamed "Mister Two." Ah, isn't etymology fun?
Past MR2s were offered with T-top roofs, but the Spyder served as Toyota's first real attempt to take on the Mazda Miata's monopoly in the low-priced roadster segment. Featuring a 1.8-liter four-cylinder mounted directly behind the driver, and a low curb weight, the MR2 succeeded as a fun-to-drive drop top.
But in the all-important cute category, it missed the grade. It had the profile of a squared-off Boxster, the face of a frog and a tail that resembled a Pokemon (especially when painted yellow). Also, the interior looked extremely dated before it was even introduced and its trunk made the Miata's look like a B-52's bomb bay. Although it was initially a hot commodity, the Toyota MR2 Spyder was a low-volume niche vehicle like its predecessors until the ax fell on it in 2005.
Most Recent Toyota MR2 Spyder
The Toyota MR2 Spyder was introduced for 2000 in only one well-equipped trim level. Antilock brakes, 15-inch wheels, air-conditioning, a glass rear window, power windows and locks, and a CD stereo were standard equipment. The mid-mounted 1.8-liter inline-4 was rated at 138 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. The only transmission available was a five-speed manual.
In 2002, Toyota introduced the five-speed Sequential Manual Transmission or SMT for the MR2, making it the cheapest car at the time (by a long shot) to offer a true automated clutch manual. We found this option easy to use and liked the way it matched revs on downshifts, even though it sapped some acceleration from the engine. Without a fully automatic mode, however, the SMT's value was questionable. Given this, along with potential durability concerns, we suggest that used MR2 Spyder buyers stick with the regular five-speed manual.
For 2003, the MR2 Spyder underwent its midlife freshening with minor changes to the front and rear fascias and instrument panel. The SMT was upgraded to six speeds, while the rear tires grew to 16 inches.
In reviews, we found the Toyota MR2 Spyder very enjoyable to drive. In a roadster comparison test in 2000, it finished higher than the Miata by being more fun and tossable at the track. Its midengine layout meant it could lose its composure at the limit, but generally it went through turns quite nicely. The steering was quick and responsive, although the electrically assisted rack didn't provide as much road feel as other cars in this class.
We also never got used to the styling or interior design, and found its storage capacity laughable. The front-mounted "trunk" was taken up by the spare tire and the storage compartment behind the seats was very small and difficult to access.
Past Toyota MR2 Spyder models
The Toyota MR2 Spyder technically lasted for just one generation: from 2000-'05. From 1985-'95, there were two generations of the MR2: a midengine, two-seat coupe. A T-top was available, but there was no full convertible.
User Reviews:
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My new Spyder - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By Jan K. Ryder - May 2 - 7:20 amI just bought this car and love it. I chose the shift over automatic because I wanted the "truer" feel of a sports car, and I have not been disappointed. The Spyder is affordable, great looking and very responsive. As for luggage space... it is very adequate for my needs. This will be my fun, weekend car!
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Dream Car - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By Anela - April 14 - 7:10 amThe best car purchase Ive ever made! Fun, fun, fun! Drive it everywhere, and always take the long way to get somewhere. Cant keep a tank of gas in it because I miss it if I dont put 50 miles a day on it (and I dont have a commute). I take it for all my grocery shopping (including Costco) and am not the least embarrassed about groceries riding shotgun. I typically get 30 mpg in mixed (mostly city) driving, and would probably get better if I could prevent myself from having so much fun while driving. Got 34 mpg driving from Mountain View to Fresno once (a steady 80 mph--dont tell the CHP).
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BRING IT BACK... simply the Best - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By hplardog - March 25 - 5:10 amQuick and easy to move around in city traffic. FUN. Easy to drive. I look forward each day driving to and from work. Did I say it is FUN to drive? I like the looks I get as I drive by. I have been asked more than once..."what is that?" Gas mileage... I own an SUV, but I drive the MR2 Spyder. Even though it is little, it gets me around. Reliable and FUN... I did say it was Fun didnt I. Cant take lots of stuff in it.. a glove box in the front and two glove boxes in the back.. behind the seats. When I have a choice, I take the Spyder. TOYOTA Why did you quit making this car!!! A true sports car, economical, easy to afford, the backing of the good name TOYOTA. Bring it back!!
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The perfect California commuter car - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By Steve - March 24 - 9:43 amThe 6 speed semi-automatic transmission takes a little time to become instinctive. There were many bad shifts the first week or two, but its truly a godsend in bad traffic. The car is fun, responsive, easy on gas. I can drop the top in less than a minute sitting at a redlight. If you need to haul junk around dont buy this car. There is no trunk.
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Fun Car - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By Spyderman - February 20 - 8:20 amBest/most fun car, Ive ever owned. Hard to imagine how handling could be any better. Reasonably comfortable, with a decent amount of room. Styling is great, always gets noticed.
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fun stuff! - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By spyderwoman - February 13 - 2:00 amgreat fun car! outstanding mileage! handles like a porsche at half the price. not a great car for traveling (little cargo space), but my 110 lb. dog LOVES it with the top down!
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Three-week Owner - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By midlife crazy - January 27 - 10:00 amIt reminds me of an MG, but with Japanese enginering (i.e., reliability and performance). So far, I find mine peppy and fun to drive--a nice, nice toy.
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Super Fun - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By GreenLynxSpyder - January 27 - 10:00 amIt can turn faster than you can think about turning. Very predictable handling and you get plenty of feedback. Good milage is a plus. Dont let the low HP fool you; its light enough it feels like a car with 160 HP. I did have an engine failure that caused it to need to be replaced, but that was covered by the 6yr / 60K mile warrenty.
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My 2003 Yellow MRII Tension Reliever - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By License Plate (KMA) - January 19 - 4:36 pmTight steering, fast response, smooth short throw shift, excellent cornering, snug seats with excellent side support, I am 6 ft 2 and half and weigh 275 lbs. Easy in .... a bit harder getting out but plenty of space inside once situated. NO ROOM FOR ANY BAGGAGE unless you roll up a pair of jeans with socks and underwear along with a tee shirt and force into the lunch box size compartment under the front hood. All in all though it lifts the spirits just looking at it sitting in the drive ... and when its started up ,,,, watch out ... SMILE This car gets the looks of passerbys!!!!
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Glad to have my Spyder - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By ksb-now40 - January 15 - 2:00 amThis car (like others have stated) is fun fun fun to drive. Corners very well, but the sequential shifts like a little ofd lady would. Thats ok with me. It is hard to describe all of the heads that turn (young and old alike) when they see my baby blue MR2. I feel fortunate that the couple of teenagers, who wanted my car, had parents that would not cosign for them. My biggest problem is time-sharing the second seat between my wife and two children.
