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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  fun little car - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By ennui - February 21 - 10:00 am

  great car for fun, little to no storage space, lots of looks and comments.

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  2000 MR-S - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Mark Cookson - January 29 - 10:00 am

  These cars are excellent. The performance is great, the handling is even better, and youll never get more looks from people with another car. One thing I do need to warn you about is the pre-catalytic converters for pre- 02s. They are known to go bad and will ruin the engine. The easiest remedy is to simply gut the pre-cats. Its most likely illegal to do but techincally wouldnt make the car fail emissions. It only takes away its LEV rating. Id much rather lose that than my engine. Another route is to have an engine from 2002 up put in there as they dont seem to be affected. (disclaimer, I assume no liabilty if you gut the pre-cats. its easy to do but requires a bit of work.)

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  Hard to Beat - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Spyder Man - January 4 - 1:53 pm

  Purchased my green/tan Spyder in Texas when I worked at Texas Tech. Would of course have purchased the Phantom if available (black and red). Learned early on from a friend I could flip the top back without getting out and have it lock in most instances - no apparent damage. This made me want to put the top down whenever possible. Handle - goes where you point it. Great acceleration leaving cars behind at lights without many RPM. Criticized for storage but drove it to Maine with enough clothes packed in to work indefinitely. Really enjoyed running 80 much of the time. OE Bridgestones being replaced at 18k under a warranty that came with the car. Pondering adding sports muffler.

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  chick magnet speed machine - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By youngnfast - December 17 - 10:00 am

  i love this car. the shifting is easy, the top can be taken up or down in a flash. It is great car and i cant drive it enough. I get a lot of compliments and head turns. You get a lot more than you pay for with this car!

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  Dans Spyder - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Dan Fullen - December 16 - 11:10 am

  It is a fun car and, being a 65 year old geezer, its great to have people livid with jealousy over it (especially the guys). The only drawback (but it IS a sports car after all), is the lack of storage space. In the end, who cares!

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  YEE HA - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Old Bimmers - December 14 - 6:36 pm

  Driving this car while naked is the only way to improve the experience. Bought used from meticulous owner (96k miles). Drove back from TN to waves, smiles and honks with the top down of course; got about 33 mpg @ 75-80 mph. Came back with a framed picture, a lamp w/shade, a wheeled suitcase, beach bag and a pink flamingo. Who said theres no storage? (Just delete any passenger.) Theres storage behind the seats and you can sneak a few small items in the spare tire well. This car sits lower than a Mini Cooper. A Honda Fit looks like an SUV when you pull alongside. Keep lights on when driving to improve visibility by others. Buy one and look for the winding roads! YEE HA!

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  Fun, safe, freedom car - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Pam - December 13 - 4:43 am

  Love my car. With only 9,000 miles on it, it went under an 18 wheeler at 70 mph. If it werent for the great handling ability and rear wheel drive, I wouldnt be here today. I was able to pull the car out at 70 mph, with the front passengers wheel torn off!! The performance and handling of the MR2 in a situation like ths is outstanding. Over $10,000 later, and 2 months, this car looks and runs better than new. Toyota should be proud of making such a safe and realiable MR2 Spider!! Thank you.

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  Great, inexpensive fun - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Mikes Likes - December 1 - 6:36 am

  It gets attention. You notice people looking at you. Mine has the auto clutch and I just love it. Its quite quick enough also, with strick steering on a dime with great control. I could never get my wife on a Harley so when we looked at this car & it had the auto-clutch and we test drove it, we were hooked. So far absolutely no troubles. Its a great toy for us to just go. If your wanting to haul stuff, buy a pickup. theres very little storage, maybe a couple of duffle bags is all youre going to get in it.

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  Real Pleasure to own - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By GWS - October 14 - 3:33 am

  After having my MR2 now for over a year, I still have that desire to just find a reason to drive it. It is so tight and easy to handle. The sequential transmission is just plain fun. I have physical problems with my legs and had given up on clutches some time ago. Now with the touch of a finger, I have the same wonderful sensational feeling of driver control. I have owned several Toyotas and have always been impressed with the quality of craftsmanship that is put into each vehicle that Ive owned. When considering a sports car in this price range I was certain that nothing else could touch the dependability provided in this vehicle. If you dont test drive it youll be sorry.

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  2003 Spyder rocks! - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By tullymountain - October 12 - 2:00 am

  We have a green spyder with tan leather, just got it and it is a blast! I cannot get the smile off my face whenever I drive it. The car turns like on rails, acclerates like a little rocket and gets great mileage to boot. Only complaint is getting in and out with top up...pretty tight squeeze but once inside incredibly comfortable. Some may find this strange but my wife and I both agree that the car drives considerable better than the 2001 SLK convertable we used to have! Highly recommended.