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:
Showing 171 through 180 of 278.00-
fun! - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By garyr - September 30 - 10:00 amA fun car out the door. I knew I wanted a little more so I had the dealer install the TRD Sportivo suspension kit at 2 miles on the odomenter. Now it *really* handles like a slot car. Perfect balance, adequate if not awesome power.
-
Perfect Car - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By luvsfastcars - September 11 - 10:00 amThis car would be great for anyone who loves fast, performance cars with out the MSRP of a Porsche. A Bonus: Several people have commented that they like my "Boxter."
-
Got the feeling - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By RamPatriot - August 23 - 2:00 amTruly enjoyable ride. Has the feel of an expensive car but quite affordable at under $25,000. Sequential shifting makes driving in rush-hour traffic less stressful, and the addition of shifting mechanism on the steering column makes multi-tasking possible. Gas mileage has been great and the use of regular unleaded gasoline is a real plus. The only negative is storage. Overall, a feel good experience.
-
THE CAR THAT DOES NOT DRIVE - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By LALA - August 13 - 10:00 amI HAVE HAD THE SPYDER FOR ABOUT 9 MONTHS AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. I HAVE THE SEQUENTIAL SHIFT AND HAVE HAD MAJOR TRANSMISSION ISSUES.
-
Roadster Fun - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By dsmegst - July 31 - 2:00 amBought used this year and got a yellow one with the 5 speed. (The other choice was Red with more miles) The first few weeks were a pain due to a faulty fuel line clip. (Fuel line popped off 2 times on the road. Not good) No more troubles after the clip was replaced. Absolute joy to drive, all the little imperfections melt away soon as I take the first corner. :) What a great little car.
-
Great Car - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By schultzy - July 25 - 9:00 pmI test drove a Miata and the MR2 Spyder blows it out of the water. The interior design is pleasing to the eye and functional. I have been told by several people that the car looks like it is in the price range of a Porche. You get the classiness of an expensive vehicle with a price that wont break your bank. Plus the car is a lot of fun to drive. And as far as the space, if you dont have a second passanger you can get quite a bit of things on that side. Put it this way, I fit $250.00 worth of groceries in my MR2.
-
I loved my car - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By Rozbud - July 24 - 10:00 amThis was a great little fun car. Unfortunately I recently was T-boned at over 60mph and it is now totalled. The good news is that I only suffered bruises as a result of how sturdy the car was built. The handling is excellent. Very responsive to the road and never had mechanical problems. Not recommended for people with kids due to very little storage.
-
One cool car - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By lovefastcars - June 17 - 2:00 amThe Mr2 is a great car and has been very reliable as well as a fun car to drive. I would recommend this car to anyone. I would also add that just because the Miata has a larger trunk, its not worth passing up the MR2 for.
-
The "perfect" sports car - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By JJ Spyder - June 17 - 2:00 amWhat can you say about this car other than it reall is a grand slam home run. It is a fast, extremely agile, well built, reliable sports car that is not only inexpensive, but also rare (i.e. not found in every parking lot out there). The looks from other people when driving this car (whether theyre car buffs or not) is astounding. Some admirers ignore Porsches and BMWs to inquire about my car. Plus, the resale value is extremely high. The Spyder is about delivering a highly satisfying driving experience on a budget. In this area, it truly delivers!
-
Great Car....Buy One Today - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By Gregs MR2 - June 12 - 2:00 amI must say that this is one of the finest little sports cars I have ever driven. I currently own a Lotus Esprit Turbo and a Triumph TR6. My MR2 is my daily driver and just as much fun to drive. To think, Lotus chose the engine and powertrain in this baby to be used in the Elise to be sold in the USA.
