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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  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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  Alot of problems after 36000 miles - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By jd5432 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Replaced the lower engine at 33000 miles, warranty. Tan convertible top stains extremely easy from the environmental polutions. Front end suspension went out after 36000 miles, $400. Power steering went out at 42000 miles, $1,180. Currently a vibration/noise coming from the rear end service department says it is from a loose bumber...I need to take it to a body shop to get an estimate. The car has never been in an accident. The front end is STILL loose and Toyota claims it is set to "Factory". If so, Toyota has a problem.

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  Good as it gets - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Phlyr - May 18 - 12:46 am

  This is my second MR2. I owned a mkI and had to sell it because my wife said I needed a grown up cars to move my kids around in. Now they have their own rides and Im back where I belong. This is the most fun you can have with your clothes on and Im not giving this one up! Sure, theres no trunk. Big deal! I couldnt find a trunk large enough to carry the grin I wear when Im driving this car. Think of it as a motorcycle with doors and if thats what you are after the Spyder is your car.

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  Looks exotic and needs repaired just - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Seth2628 - April 25 - 2:00 am

  needs repaired just as much. I love the spyder its a great looking, awesome handling, head turning machine, it just lacks the power thats needed to keep up with the rest of the performance market. I have owned my spyder since Jan of 01 but recently got rid of it because of reliability issues alot of people were having. Not small ones either--major engine failures. The oil control rings are poorly designed/machined, which leads to oil being burned and the catalytic convertors frying. The subsequent damage is usually bad enough to warrant an engine replacement. To see details log on to Spyderchat.com care and maintanance section.

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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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  mr2 fun to drive - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By rainman1 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Great car to drive to and from work if you go it alone. Gas mileage is great. If you have to lug a lot of stuff around or take clients out; this is not the car for you. If you love the wind in your hair and riding on rails then youll love the mr2

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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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  MR2 Fun Fun - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By steve - December 26 - 7:40 pm

  Great car but understand that it is not meant to be driven daily. Just getting stuff home from a food store is an adventure. Lordy, though, the adventure is incredible once you get out on roads with lots of curves. An amazing car. Great to look at, performance is fantasic. Body put together well, interior has some issues, things tended to just fall apart. Car has gotten louder in the interior as it has aged. But have owned lots of two seaters going back to MGs andTRs and it is an amazing car. Buy one!!