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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  Best 2seat roadster - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By silverspyder - September 15 - 4:33 am

  Fun, great handling, quick, surprisingly roomy interior (I am 62" and 230lbs and it is comfortable), gets lots of attention. Great commuter and weekend car.

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  Excellent - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Walter Foster - September 8 - 10:00 am

  As a good general all around sports car it is great, at the top end of the lower priced affordable cars. Like it a bit better than my Miata. Read wheel rear engine drive makes the car a unique handler. Front end might be a bit too like but as long as you know it not a real issue. Easier on long trips as the Miata, but not as good a my 350Z. Best description! fun.

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  Awesome Little Roadster - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By MR2RDSTR - September 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a very classy looking sporty roadster. It turns lots of heads and is extremely fun to drive. The 5spd. SMT sequential transmission is most appealing. I purchased the optional hardtop, which further enhances the overall appearance of the car. It is often mistaken for a porsche boxster. The very limited production numbers make the car quite unique. You occassionally will see one here and there. The overall quality and value for the $$$ is most attractive. This car will prove to be a true classic from Toyota.The resale value is extremely high.

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  MR2 - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By hill - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I am 61" tall. The MR2 has plenty of room with the exception the seat is about 6" to close. My right leg gets tired while driving. No cruse contral is offered. This would allow you to strech you leg. The car is fun to drive. Not the fastest car I have owned, but it is the most fun. There is a lot of road noise compaired to the higher priced sports cars, but for the price you cannot beat it.

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  elles mr2 review - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By elle mr2 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  It may not be the fastest car, however it is the most fun car to drive. It handles supper well and is great for zipping in and out of lanes and around tight corners.

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  FUN FUN FUN FUN FUN - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By EMB - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This is not a station wagon and anyone wanting to care more than two duffel bags (or a couple bags of groceries) should look elsewhere. But if you are looking for an incredible, fun, vibrant driving machine for about $25,000, look no further. I found one thing in the review of the car by Edmunds that I disagree with, I can raise the roof in less then 20 seconds without getting out of the car.

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  The Most Fun Car in the World - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Jastram - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive never been enamored of any vehicle as I am with this one. When i drive this car, I have a smile on my face. Everyone looks at me in this car and the handling is unbelievable. Its fast, its great looking, it handles curves beautifully. I love driving the hills at night with the top down. This is pure, unadulterated pleasure.

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  Why did I wait so long - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By jb - August 22 - 7:30 am

  I was always intrigued by this car but living in the Northeast didnt think it was very practical to buy. What a mistake. I LOVE driving now. Cant wait for spring to fire it up again and hit the road. It is a blast to drive. Its like the go-cart you had as a kid... on steriods! Toyota quality at a great price!

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  Just bought an MR2 a few months ago! BEST desicion i ever made - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By dapersian - August 12 - 8:04 am

  I needed a car that could handle the Utah winters but was fun to drive in the summer. I needed a car that would give me great gas with great reliability. Out of all the roadsters i researched, I found the MR2 Spyder to be the choice for me. The engine located right above the rear tires would allow better traction in the winters. The 1.8 L engine would allow great gas mileage. With the MR2 being build by Toyota, reliability was never a concern. I am a 5 5 very stocky guy and i fit in it just fine! If you want a car that is designed for comfort, buy a luxury car. The MR2 was not built for comfort, it was built to rip up canyon roads while looking extraordinarily sexy!!

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  Great Therapy - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By SpyderMan51 - July 26 - 3:13 am

  This car is fun to drive, it handles superbly, and people cannot help but comment on its excellent looks. I would not recommend it for a commuter car because it has limited space and it has a stiff ride. It is a shame that Toyota no longer produces this vehicle but I am glad that they did not market it heavily either. You dont see them at every stop light. You cannot help but smile while driving this car on a beautiful day.