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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  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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  Looked great at first - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By fredwirt - November 17 - 10:00 am

  Car sucks overall. Continuous breakdowns. Cheapo interior surprising since it is a Toyota. So far needed new a/c, antilock brakes failed, wiper motor died, cruise sticks on. In shop 9 times in first 8 months!

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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.

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  Its a GoKart with Kick - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Spyder Man - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my MR2 Spyder since they first were released back in 6/00 and I was impressed with the exotic look of the body design and for the fact that it is a convertable. The car drives and makes turns like it was riding a rails. I have heard through rumors only that toyota might be making one with a Super Charger in it as well they should to enhance the performance of this Sports Car the way God had intended Sports Cars to be

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  mr 2 spyder - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By dave d - October 20 - 10:00 am

  the car is fun to drive but i think for the price it could have more horse power and the sound system could be better it only has four speakers in it and it ok but i think it could be better everything else is ok

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  Wow - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By John Quinton - October 20 - 10:00 am

  THis car was an excellent vehicle. It rode well, handled all roads well that Ive been on... I would give this car an A plus for its price and its dealing.

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  I love this car! - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Suzystu - October 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car - lots of fun and 100% reliable!

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  2002 Toyota MR2 - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Calhog - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Excellent gas mileage 34.4 Real fun to drive. Turns a lot of heads.

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  topless fun - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By bultman2 - September 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun car you will ever own. You will need another car to haul your stuff, but this car makes a nice weekend driving fun. Took the car up the mountain graded and curves and it handles very good. Hope Toyota keeps the numbers very low on building. This will keep the resale value very high for this car. If you need storage this is not the car for you.

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  my car - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By angelbunn13@aol.com - September 12 - 10:00 am

  my experience in this car is amazing. ever since i was in high school i have wanted this car and so far im very pleased w/ what i have gotten.