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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  I love my car!!! - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Mare94 - July 10 - 12:33 am

  I bought my MR2 used. I love it. It is blue and beautiful!! I especially love the carbon fibre dash work. I entered my car in a few shows and walked away with trophies. It rides great and handles those curves with ease. Great fun to drive!

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  Greatest Car Ive ever owned - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By wb - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I rated this car a 10 in every cat.

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  Better than a Harley! - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By dealerM - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, surprisingly comfortable, you can drive it 90 MPH with the top down and still enjoy it! It gets a lot of attention too.

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  Sloppy steering - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By txr - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Great looking paper tiger. Clutch is spongy and fights off efforts for quick shifts making for a fast car but a slow takeoff from the line. More horsepower and better exhaust is desperately needed. Steering has bad road feel feedback with a plus/minus 3 degree float. Power steering needs to have less boost. Taking it on a overnight trip - fogeddabotit. Youll need to sleep in what your start out with. Storage for about a 6-pack - without ice. Tires suck - buy new rubber right off the bat.

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  love my mr2 - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By frogkrazy - May 28 - 10:00 am

  its fun...i get lots of questions about what kind of car it is...its not that common like all the miatas and bmws out there. nothing better than driving down the beach with the sun on your shoulders and the radio blasting u2s "its a beautiful day"! It handles curves better than any other car that Ive been in and with gas at $2 a gallon, 34 miles to one is great

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  hello dudes - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By vicki - April 7 - 2:00 am

  i love this vehicle

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  1st car purchase - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By rower - March 7 - 10:00 am

  this car is perfect for those who love sport cars, but do not have children to tote around. It is probably the best bang for your buck on the market.

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  Cute Car!!! - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By QuickSilver - March 7 - 10:00 am

  What other car offers more character than the MR2-Spyder? Its fun to drive on the weekend, offers swift handling on the corners, and responsive on the road!

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  MR2 Spyder - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By B. Anderson - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Go-cart handling with quick turn in and predictable oversteer. Engine revs a bit on the freeway, and luggage space is inconvenient and small. Power is adequate but engine feels a little gaspy at upper revs. 3" more legroom than the Miata sold me, and I think it handles a little better to boot.Doors that lock automatically are annoying.

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  Great car and fun to drive - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By kampy - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This is a fantastic car, at a reasonable price that is wonderful to drive. I have owned this car for almost 3 years now and have never had any mechanical problems with it. Be careful on some of the comments above as the 2000 MR2 doesnt have cruise control so I dont understand one of the reviews.