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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  Dream Car - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By iteach - October 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is very responsive, fast and surprisingly comfortable. The top has a glass rear window with built-in defroster and does not require a boot cover. The only downside is the lack of trunk space. Overall, its cute, fun to drive and its a Toyota so its reliable. Id recommend this car to anyone who wants a reasonably prices sports car.

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  Fulfilling middle age crazys - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Middle Age Crazy - October 24 - 10:00 am

  MR2 puts the ear to ear GRIN on your face. Its about mid-engine, two seat roadsters. Going into a 35MPH corner at 60MPH, down shifting and peddle to the metal out of the corner with the car is still sticking to the road. Yes, rapping out the little 4 cylinder motor and hitting 60MPH in 7-8 seconds does have its thrill to. Heres the important stuff. I just turned 55 Years YOUNG! I am 61" and weigh in at 270#s. I have no problems getting in & out of the car. The car only cost pocket change as compared to the super cars. Insurance is cheap and GAS Mileage is a whole lot better than the super cars. ENJOY IT NOW!

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  Best kept secret on the road today - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Mark G - October 22 - 12:03 am

  If you want a dumb muscle car that is fast off the line then keep looking. If you want a true roadster with phenomenal handling that wont stay in the shop like classic roadsters then stop looking. The Spyder is a very light car matched to a 138 HP engine. It sits low, has rear wheel drive and mid-engine balance. With a convertible top the overall feeling is unmatched exhilaration at any speed. Add beautiful styling, Toyota quality and 27-33 mpg and you cant beat it. I get an honest 28.6 mpg in city driving. The cars responsiveness cant be described. It is a go-kart feel, but with airbags and modern car features. Do NOT buy as an only car. Not enough storage. Treacherous on ice or snow.

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  Sweet, Fun, Great Value! - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By mrutz2 - October 3 - 8:08 pm

  I bought this car about a week ago after selling my 96 Cobra because I was tired of paying for 14mpg on premium fuel. I must say that even though it doesnt have the power that Im used to its still a blast to drive, and you can push this thing hard through corners. When it finally does break loose, which is usually slight understeer surprisingly since it is rear wheel drive, it is easy to regain control. I average about 30mpg even with pushing the MR2 pretty hard a lot of the time. I expected it to get a little bit more attention than it has but owell.. If theres anything this car could use it would be a little more power. But it is still a really fun car to drive!

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  spyder owner - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By ann - August 17 - 2:26 am

  this little car turns heads every time, from young to old. it is a great conversation piece anywhere and a blast to drive. i dont know of any other car that packs this much fun in this price range

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  gas the curves - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By davebvaf - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is the most fun to drive car Ive ever owned. Not meant for travel but around town I keep the foot on the floor from 0-speed limit. Has amazing acceleration for the engine size. With the rear engine it is so much fun to "gas the curves" because it makes the car track the curve plus gives me a little excitement in my every day run around town. No trunk space - no problem - buy everything new when you get there or take the Caddy!

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  Exactly What I expected - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By geooff - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Anybody that bought this car and then complained about cargo space, automatic top etc. Just wasnt paying attention to what they were buying. Its great fun to drive, reliable, and the handling is awesome. You cant touch its performance and unique characteristics for half again as much money.

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  No more Toyotas - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Luigi - August 5 - 4:26 am

  After 35000+ miles it all went downhill. Power steering went bad. Suspension went bad. Soft top & body rattles. Exhaust system rattles. Small hardware parts broke. Rear brakes went out. Parts took weeks to get. Never in stock.

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  FUN - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By BlueFrog - August 3 - 10:00 am

  This car is very fun to drive, with good response and handling. It turns more heads than a Boxter because there are fewer on the streets. It also costs much less.

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  Mid Life Crisis Everyday Driver - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By ChuckHawley - July 24 - 2:10 am

  The Spyder has always grabbed my attention due to the look of the giant, Euro-styled headlights and its no-fluff, sports car focus. Sure, its impractical, with no luggage space to speak of, challenging entry/exit gymnastics, and lots of noise at freeway speeds. What I like is having a car with the maintenance requirements of a Corolla with the handling of a Lotus. My favorite roads are two lane highways where the combination of the excellent 5-speed gearbox, tight steering, and powerful brakes make every outing a joy. While I am quite tall, I have plenty of headroom and legroom, and the seats are comfortable for a two hour drive to the wine country.