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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Fun Car! - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By Gazings - July 8 - 8:46 pmWhat a fun car to drive! There truly is nothing like a rear-drive mid-engined little sports car. Handling is awesome, and the ride is still comfortable. Styling is subjective, but I like it because it doesnt scream "cute car". You can put a surprising amount of stuff in the compartments behind the seats - makes up for little trunk room. The top is a little hard to fold down and lock in place, but once its down - beautiful. Added bonus: great resale value!
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Worst car Ive ever had - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By zak - July 8 - 2:33 pmI bought my Toyota mr2 spyder just last October from a dealer my family and I have bought several cars from. 2 months from the time I bought it, the transmission went. 1 month after that one of the two catalytic converters clogged the exhaust. 2 weeks (now) the other catalytic converter goes out, as well as some engine noise that does not sound so good. Everyone says Toyota are the best cars reliability wise, well Ive had 2 Toyotas so far. A 2006 Toyota corolla (new), and a 2002 Toyota spyder (used). Never again will I buy another. Sorry Toyota fans for being so negative, Ive just had some really bad luck in these hard times.
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Great Pkg & Value. Its a Toyota .. DUH! - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By casper90651 - July 6 - 10:00 amAt first I was skeptical at its look, not yet a Porsche, yet not a cheap looking American Convertible at the same price. The exterior look could definitely be improved. Though I can say, everyone that didnt know Toyota had a convertible thought it was a Porsche! ;) ... As soon as I drove it, that changed everything. The ride is go-kart like along with the cornering. A great zip-in .. zip-out kind of car. The luggage space is very limited at best, at best two small carry-on bags & a few smaller bags in the front will work! Best of all its Toyota value in a tight package. Everything is standard, what more can you ask for?
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Lemon? - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By Mason1024 - June 11 - 10:00 amI love her, but shes on her third transmission and second engine. Informal research shows that 2002+ models are more reliable. Very fun, impractical car. If only she were as solid as Toyotas are supposed to be, I would gladly put a couple hundred thousand miles on her.
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Spyder Seq Man Tran - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By Woger - June 11 - 10:00 amThis is one fun little pocket rocket. Where else can you get this much performance, handling, and satisfaction for your $. I love the style and the "hey what was that" looks that we get from other drivers. The car is unique and gathers looks wherever we go. The six speed SMT may not be as quick as the full manual five speed, but it is suprisely nimble. This car likes to run in the high revs, corners like a cheetah, and makes the weekend drives a whole lotta fun. The car is solid and tight, a near perfect suspension.
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Love my spyder - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By ilse72 - June 6 - 10:33 amThis is a fun, sporty little car with lots of energy and easy maneuverability. It has proven to be extremely reliable and, best of all, it is easy on gas.
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fun in the sun - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By dave spyder - May 28 - 10:00 ambest value on the market a drivers car to be purchase with that intent.
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Like A Go-Kart for Big Kids - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By Matt - May 28 - 3:36 amIf you love to drive and dont want to shell out for a Porsche, this is your car. It handles like its on rails. So much so that it takes a little time to get used to it if youre not accustomed to high performance mid-engine coupes. Ive known a couple of people who have these just to take to the track as a sprint car. They handle just that well.
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Fantastic car - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By Franklyn - May 18 - 10:00 amfantastic car. I have a green MR2 turbo. i am fine with the performance of it - its perfect for me. Sure, storage is almost nonexistent, but its ok for me, since I am the only 1 driving it most of the time. This car is very easy to care for. Less washing time! Its perfect! Funnnn to drive!
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Quick and nimble - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By nightbirdflyin - May 4 - 10:00 amI have had this vehicle for three years with not a hint of problems. Quick and nimble. 30mpg is a great tradeoff for a the lack of cargo space. If I take the metals out of my bag all my clubs fit in the storage area. I do have a ping carry bag. It has been running on Amsoil since the week I bought it.
