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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  Great Fun - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Rd - April 13 - 10:00 am

  My every day commute car, lots of fun to drive. Very dependable, only problem is no storage room and not easy to carry a bicycle. I made a custom bike rack for 2 that works GREAT adn attaches to the rear transport tie downs (covered by plugs on the rear grill. Drives like it is on rails!

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  Awesome Car - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Saysum - March 31 - 3:16 pm

  Real fun to drive. A big head turner no matter where you are. Pristine handling around curves. Good acceleration. Handles VERY well. A real blast to ride with top down. Great lil car to have around.

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  It ROCKS!!! - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Spydy - March 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my favorite car Ive ever owned!!! Its HOT looking, nimble & quick! I search for curvy roads! I drove BMW Z4 & 330, Z28 & Vett, 911 & Boxster. Give me 2 or 3 MR-2s any day for the same $$$ of any of them! It maintains 80mph up 6% grades w/ no down-shifting!!! Wouldnt mind more storage, but not if it changes anything about the car. Chased a 911 thru curves @ high-speed w/ no problmes! Everyone is shocked when they find out it is as inexpensive as it is. If Porsche was still building the 914, this is what it would look like! AWSOME CAR!!!

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  I LOVE MY CAR!!! - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By MsMerl - March 28 - 9:00 am

  Everyone told me I would regret buying this car but I just love it! For the first time in my life I go for a drive just for the chance to be in it! It fits me perfectly and it makes me feel good. I enjoy driving it on country road and in town.

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  Happy Car - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By LCCook - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE my little Spyder! It makes me smile when I see it in the garage so I call it a Happy Car. I love the Paradise Blue and hope to drive it for many years to come.

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  My silver MR2 - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Jennyt71 - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I looked at the S2000 before buying my MR2. I couldnt see spending almost $8000 more for a power top and cruise control (yeah, and more hp). I first looked at this car because of friends recommendations. This is SO much fun to drive and you get LOTS of looks!

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  Great Car!!! - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Cowboy168 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I love my spyder, you cant buy a better car for the prices. I had 2 accidents with the car and I had no serious injuries. Toyota really builded a fine car. Space? Please, you dont buy this car to move your apartment.

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  Great Car - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Howg - February 8 - 8:43 am

  This is my first sports car and While it comes stock with 138hp some quick aftermarket parts bump it to 155, Not to bad for a car that is 2100lbs. The cost:fun ratio is the best. People constantly ask "what kind of car is that" definate head turner. Great Resale because only 5000 are being made for the USA annually.

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  MR2 SPYDER - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Jim Rosser - February 7 - 2:40 pm

  The tires on this car are lifeless. How do you expect a consumer to afford $500 annually for a set of tires. The tires on this car are 10,000 to 15,000 mile tires and if you compare this to the national average of miles driven per year, youll soon see that a set of tires for this vehicle are required annually. If I had none this prior to the sale Id have purchased a Mazda Miata or paid more and gotten a Honda S2000

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  Boy am I surprised ! - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By hubseth - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought the MR2 for my wife to drive, she wanted a fun little sports car. What an eye opening experience this car has proven to be! Ive had some fine handling cars over the years but the MR2 is at a different level than anything even close to its price. No rattles, the doors feel like they are carved from stone compared to a Miata, wind doesnt beat you to death when the top is down and you can drive the hell out of it and not draw any attention from the law. Its kind of a stealth Porsche.