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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  Fun with clothes on! - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By kaustein - November 6 - 4:10 pm

  Bought this as a birthday gift from me, to me. Words cant describe the amount of enjoyment driving such a unique car. Handles very well and quick. A real head turner as there are not many of them. 34+ mpg! Again a very fun, affordable, cool car! Mid-engine is very rare on an affordable sports car.

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  The Best fun on the road - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By dwrn - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I use the car everyday for work.It parks, turns and handles incredible. I did have to garage it for snow days. I have never had a mechanical problem with it. I open and close the roof from inside the car. The car is fun to drive, reliable, and if there is no passenger I can hold enough groceries for a family of 4! It is great for road trips and an overnight bag will fit in the behind the seat compartment.

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  The Editors got it wrong - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Dominic Papasergio - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had my spyder since 27/7/2001, I have not had a single problem with it, I like it so much, I bought a new 2003 model. All the mistakes, which are few, have been cleaned up in the new model.

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  Cruising Smoothly!! - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Dee - July 19 - 6:26 am

  My Spider belonged to a family member who could not let go! I took over the hot rod and love every single minute with it. It looks and rides like a Porsche just less expensive. It rides like new. I absolutely love it and would love another one. My only complaint is the top. Wished it was automatic and hands free. Other than that I would get another one. Sharp Smart and great on the road! I always get asked what kind of car is that it is HOT!!! I have a midnight blue with black interior. Its a hottie...

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  Ton of Fun - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By SportsCarGuy - June 30 - 12:43 am

  Gets more looks and comments than any other car Ive owned. With top down Ive carried HDTVs and eight foot tall shrubs! Fast, agile, absolute blast to drive. The later model has better looking front and back lamps but the 01 is essentially the same beast. Most think its a Porsche but my budget knows what it costs.

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  Awesome Spyder - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Spyder Ryder - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Fun Fun Fun Car to Drive. Looked at Honda S2000 (cant turn off airbag for 10 year old daughter), BMW Z-4 (15K more) and the Miata (not in the same class!)and found this to be the best bang for the buck!

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By chris - April 20 - 1:10 am

  Wasnt looking to buy a car until I drove this one. Had 34K and runs like it is new. This is a great little car. Bought a luggage rack for traveling. I looked at the 03, 04 and 05 on the net and I like the 02 the best. Great car to get past that mid-life crisis. BTW, the wife likes it too. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  SpyderWomen - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By sunflowernj31 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I love the MR2 spyder. Such a fun sporty car to drive. Get tons on compliments on the body style. Must drive one.

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  Still Grining - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By ginner - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Brought my Spyder used (2001). Have owned many sports cars and love the handling of this car. Engine is OK for the weight. Just a fun car to drive aggressively.

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  I Love This Car - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Spargo - November 2 - 12:06 pm

  This car is simply amazing, I love the connection between driver and machine in this car, it was the perfect vehicle to gain some real skill in. I had learned before how to drive manual but this is the first I have owned. I personally love the power, we live in a world of speedlimits so having a car where the sensation of speed is greater than the speed youre going or the ammount your accelerating is actually a good thing. Every drive is a thrill and I almost feel bad pulling into my own driveway.