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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  Ill die in this car - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Rodney - January 4 - 7:40 am

  Purchased a new MR2 a few weeks ago when I heard they were going out of production. Have wanted one for several years and finally bit. I drove HW20 across northern WA last week and it was heaven. 6 hours of twisted mountain roads with the top down. Car has adequate power for what I want, and does it turn. Its just perfect: predictable when pushed in corners, rock solid cruising at 100mph, settled over uneven pavement, fun to drive to work, looks great with the adorable blonde beside me. This is a special type of sports car to me: mid-engine, rear drive, lightweight, modestly priced. I love X1-9s, 914s, 1st generation MR2s. Its sad no ones making one now.

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  2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By John - December 25 - 5:10 pm

  This little roadster defines the word "Value". It is very well built, very comfortable and a lot of fun to drive. On top of that our experience has been that fuel economy beats estimates at 38-40 mpg avaerage!

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  MR2 Spyder (2003) - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Teninthepit - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! People talegate sometimes because they are not sure what make/model it is. When the car is not moving and people are able to ask about the car they are usually surprised it is a Toyota! (It looks similar to the Porche Boxter.) When it is parked, people come right up and ask questions about the car. Despite being low priced, it is a rare car. It is very quick to accelerate due to the weight/power ratio and it gets 35 mpg!

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  Good stuff - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By rymr2 - December 13 - 1:00 am

  For the money cant be beat. Great handling, very stylish. Excellent build quality and economical. Fun, fun, fun.

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  Great Little Car - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Boni - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I got mine only 4 months and love. Love it since the day I saw it on the road. Which is very rare to see one. Since I got mine, only seen 2 other times.

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  Great Spyder - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By MR2Man - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car new. I love it! One of my other cars is a Sequoia. Who needs to carry anything? This is a daily driver and I love it more than the 79 vett I used to drive or store in the garage. I have had nothing go wrong with this car and dealer in Vancouver, Wa has been excellent with routine maintenance. Best car I have owned.

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  Best fun car w/o a doubt - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By DRM - November 3 - 5:56 am

  Took the spyder to Victoria, BC. A management challenge in fitting both mine and wifes luggage into the small box behind the seats. Even stuff a small suitcase into the well where the top folds in. 1000 miles up and 1000 mils back. Besides getting by with minimal luggage, this car was fun and I believe safe as it can outrun any truck or suv on the highway. Around town, no one can even come close. Attracted lots of attention as this car is not available in Canada. Good mileage on top of speed, handling and style. Have not had this much fun for a long time.

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  best car i have ever owned - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Mx2.cky - October 19 - 2:00 am

  best drive compared to any car. goes where you tell it. love it!

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  Greatest little car ever! - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Vicki Plummer - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I enjoyed my little Spyder for only 18 months. Unfortunately, I was in a 5 car collision, with my little car being the first one hit, by a big landscape truck with a bucket. I walked away from that accident with a couple of scrapes! I am SOO impressed with how well that car handled an accident of that magnitude and protected me as well. I miss my little car!

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  Unique Dependability - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By The Borg - September 30 - 5:33 pm

  I flew to Indiana from Michigan to purchase my 2001 MR-2. I enjoy the tan leather seats and carbon fiber dash appointments. I put on special chrome wheels. Larger set of Toyos on back and Dual exhaust adapted from existing system. I have had nothing but joy when I drive. I currently have 36,000 miles on it and appreciate the great millage.