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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Fabulous Car - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By Glenn Norris - December 26 - 11:03 pmIve had a blast driving this car! It drives and handles like a bullet. I once had a 1965 GTO and this car is faster! Its best to have a daily driver in addition to this one because it doesnt have much storage space, but hay, who cares? I normally keep it in the garage and only drive it in warm weather with no rain. If you want to get a lot of attention, this is the one! The front end looks like a Porsche, but you have the quality of a Toyota. I told my son, hell be inheriting this car. The car is extremely tight with no squeaks or rattles of any kind.
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Janies baby - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By Janies baby - December 18 - 2:33 pmI bought my MR2 for my 50th birthday as I always said that I would have a sports car by the time I was 50. I love my spyder! My only fault is the storage space but never the less I have been amazed at how much I can load into my car when going to the grocery. Everyone still stops to stare at my car. I probably need to sell but have not been able to do so yet. I just hate to give it up! I drove this car to work and back for 8 years and it has been parked for two only driving it when I want to feel special. It has been a joy and delight to drive and own.
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Second Childhood - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By Scrambler - November 28 - 10:00 amIve had many new cars since my first in 1961 but none have excited me as much as this 2005 MR2 Spider.What a joy to drive. With the responsive 4cyl engine and a 5 speed gear box,turns you would normally slow down for in another car, you find yourself downshifting and accelerating. The MR2 seems to be glued to the road.I am amazed also in the comfortable ride almost like flying with only an occasional bump in the clouds.The 32/26 mileage is also impressive.I love the interior design with the excellent fit of all panels and the comfortable leather seats.The exterior design is beautiful and makes people stop and look.This is my 10th new toyota there is none built better or more reliable.
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What a blast!!! - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By bmerton - November 19 - 10:00 amFredWirts review is way off the mark. As a matter of fact, I doubt he owns one (Cruise wasnt even available on the 2000! If he has it, it is aftermarket.) His problems are far out of the ordinary. Get the real story on the Spyder at www.spyderchat.com and ask the enthusiasts there. As for the guy with the 10K-15K tires...okay...sure. You can replace your tires with some excellent ones for less than $400 and pocket the difference between that and the extra $10-12K on the S2000. Dont know what kind of tires you had, but thats no reason to rate the car a 2-3 overall! :)
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Fun with clothes on! - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By kaustein - November 6 - 4:10 pmBought 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 amI 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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6 speed SMT - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By thatwasme - September 7 - 4:19 amDO NOT buy an MR2 spyder with the SMT -- it will fail, and Toyota will not be able to fix it. Something about the electronics, which Toyota is now famous for over-engineering and then having it all go haywire, and Toyotas well-deserved reputation for never admitting to screw ups. If you buy ANY Toyota, be sure and get as long a warranty as possible -- these electronics are VERY expensive, and rarely stay fixed for long.
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The Editors got it wrong - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By Dominic Papasergio - September 6 - 2:00 amI 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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MR2 Spyder Best for the $$$ - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By DPs-mr2s - August 21 - 10:00 amAffordable mid-engine experience. Fun driving to and from work. Poor persons Porsche.. FUN..FUN..
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A kickass pocket rocket - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By jim007 - August 8 - 2:00 amThe whole point of designing this car with a "limited" engine was to minimize insurance costs and to avoid the luxury tax. This car was designed for aftermarket modifications.....how wonderfully devious from Toyota. For an additional $6000 - $8000 you can install a Power Enterprises turbo kit, suspension kit, add racing rods, racing clutch, and 17" wheels. You will now have a Spyder that will out handle almost any stock sports car for less than a total price of $35000. And no exhorbinant insurance costs! No storage space, but why complain about things that are diametrically opposed to the design objective?
