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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  Now a classic?! - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Tom Boyd - September 29 - 1:26 am

  The car is wonderful to drive. It is a weekend car due to small storage space but go baby go.

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  Go Go MR2 - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Ma - September 19 - 8:23 pm

  I purchased a 2000 Silver MR2 Spyder and Ive had so much fun driving the car. Its quick and responsive, cute and attractive. The gas mileage is excellent. Although the car literally has no storage space, it is nevertheless a fun weekend getaway rider.

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  Super Spyder - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Winston - September 3 - 10:00 am

  This sporty little roadster packs a boatload of fun into a small, inexpensive package. Youll get a lot of looks, too. The car sprints from a stop to 60mph in 6.6 seconds (or faster, once you get good), handles like a true racecar, stops quicker than any car less than $50,000, and has the reliability and ease of maintenance of a Toyota.

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  Spyder - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By 290boy - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Id buy again, definetly used not new. Way overpriced for a new car (26k) Buy it 1 or 2 years old

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  This is a FUN TOY - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By R Lafitte - August 4 - 6:43 am

  This car is so much fun to drive. People are always telling me what a cute car I have. The top is very easy to get up and down. It is a great car.

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  Great Car!! - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Erin882 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  SMT is a lot of fun to drive. Car handles great!

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  Life is Good - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By LittleRedRidingHood - July 22 - 12:53 am

  Purchased a 2001 Red/black Spyder in the summer of 2003. Its not for everyone, but if youre single with no kids, this is the car for you. It handles flawlessly, can be parked anywhere, and leaves every other car in the dust. I used to travel by plane, but now I refuse to fly anywhere within a 3-state radius. The only problem I have encountered is excessive tire wear - and Im not sure I can blame the car for that. Im embarrased to admit I smile everytime I see my car. Just to balance my glowing review: my brother is 62" and refuses to drive my car anywhere. He thinks it is terribly uncomfortable, totally impractical, and hates the non-stop attention it receives. To each his/her own.

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  What fun! - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By mbjb - June 26 - 3:10 am

  With all the features of a race car, this car handles like a dream. The shift buttons on the steering wheel make this blue 6-speed sequential easy to drive when you need to have a sip of your coffee or grab your hat! I also own a red 2004 5-speed manual and the only thing I find different is the red one gets more questions about what kind of car Im driving when stopped at a red light!

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  Awesome Roadster - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Pat - June 17 - 7:33 pm

  I have had my 2002 MR2 for five months. I bought it used with 7500 miles. It is like brand new. Enough of my bragging. The car is wonderful and fun. It has extraordinary handling. It is plenty fast to get in and out of trouble. I have had zero problems with the car. If you want a fun convertible.... buy an MR2. Be ready for lots of compliments and queries as to what it is.

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  2003 smt - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By N.A. Kassan - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Just tradefd my 2000 mr2 for a 2003 mr2 (due to ;leg injury) with the smt. Ilove the car. Where ever i go people seem to like it and it is often mistaken for a Boxster. Althought the storage space is limited everything else is great. The smt is fun,however the upshift buttons could have been made larger.