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 for…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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  Toyota MR2 Spyder - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Some1 - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Very fun and fast car to drive. The interior is not too roomy, but if you care for looks get this car. Not much cargo space either. Mazda Miata is the compteter of this car. This car is better thought because of its middle engine rear whell drive layout. This is used in most racing cars.

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  2zz swapped spyder review with TRD suspension - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By jlevy2 - October 18 - 4:48 pm

  My review may not be a fair one since my spyder is not really close to stock. Ive got a 2zz-ge engine and 6 speed from a 2001 Celica-GTS, the factory TRD suspension and bracing, additional under body bracing (breast plate), and much of the suspension rubber replaced with urethane. The car drives great and is my daily driver and has been very reliable, especially for a 14 year old car. Handling is very confident and acceleration with the 2zz engine is good. Ive also got the TRD clutch-type LSD which I would not recommend - I would prefer the factory helical LSD option instead.

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  great little car - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By arr1 - September 20 - 10:53 am

  Like the Beach Boys said - FUN, FUN, FUN. Get up and go, its got, lot of cargo space - not. Great second car for the work commute or the weekend crusing. A looker too, turns heads wherever you go. Must ride with top down, no wind with windows up so its pleasant. 30 mpg so you can fight off the high fuel prices. Top is very easy to put up and down.

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  Great Pkg & Value. Its a Toyota .. DUH! - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By casper90651 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  At first I was skeptical at its look, not yet a Porsche, yet not a cheap looking American Convertible at the same price. The exterior look could definitely be improved. Though I can say, everyone that didnt know Toyota had a convertible thought it was a Porsche! ;) ... As soon as I drove it, that changed everything. The ride is go-kart like along with the cornering. A great zip-in .. zip-out kind of car. The luggage space is very limited at best, at best two small carry-on bags & a few smaller bags in the front will work! Best of all its Toyota value in a tight package. Everything is standard, what more can you ask for?

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  Lemon? - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Mason1024 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I love her, but shes on her third transmission and second engine. Informal research shows that 2002+ models are more reliable. Very fun, impractical car. If only she were as solid as Toyotas are supposed to be, I would gladly put a couple hundred thousand miles on her.

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  Super Fun - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By GreenLynxSpyder - January 27 - 10:00 am

  It 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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  Great Looking Car - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Patrick - January 1 - 4:22 pm

  Excellent weekend car, fun to drive, low maintenance cost, etc. , but dont take it on a long trip. You will pay with a sore bottom.

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  Lots of fun but only for fun - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By erysipelothrix - November 8 - 6:33 pm

  We bought the MR2 from the original owner with 25,000 miles. My wife really wanted one. It is a great car overall but absolutely not practical. Hardly any more room than a motorcycle. I take my daughter to school on the way to work. With my laptop bag, her and me, not much room for anything else. Strictly a car for cruising.

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  Topless fun - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By steve68 - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, easy to own, and good on gas. Try it through corners!

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  Fun car to own and drive - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Joe - May 30 - 4:46 pm

  I traded in a slightly modified VW GTI for this car and couldnt be happier. Ive had this car for almost a year now and will not part with it for a practical car anytime soon. The midengine rwd layout is a blast and stock this car will out handle pretty much anything in its price range and most cars out of it. The interior has everything you need, and there arent any unnecesary addons, which is perfect. I have the cloth seats which grip very nicely in the turns and having driven my friends MR2 Spyder with leather seats, I wouldnt trade him for them as those cause you to slide. I recommend this to anyone who wants a fun car and doesnt mind the lack of practicality.