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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Best Toy for My Money - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By Eliseo - September 15 - 2:00 amI just want to tell all those Porsche owners that there is one real alternative to those who want the true feeling of a 356 or a 911SC in this little but highly affordable roadster. Eliseo (ex-Porsche fan)
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Awesome for the soloist - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By starchilds - September 9 - 2:00 amThis wasnt your family car and never was ment to be. If you know and except this then your in route to an awesome reasonably priced fun-machine. For those of you who might love to travel and enjoy the occasional road trip keep your baggage light and the sky is the limit. This is simply put, an awesome cruise around convertible. Not a care in the world, I carry no baggage to hold me down type automobile.
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Spyder - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By dbigdogg21 - June 14 - 10:00 amThe 2002 MR2 Spyder is an awesome car, and it kicks the crap out of any Miata. Especially when you start ordering TRD parts for it. You can get a turbo or NOS that will bump your horsepower up above 325 easily. In a 2400 lb. car, Ill take that.
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Ritas Fun Car - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By Rita Garshak - June 11 - 10:00 amI was looking for a fun car and I got it. It drives like a dream and parks easily. I get alot of attention from other sports car owners and everyone seems to love its appearance, as do I. Even though there isnt much storage, who cares. I didnt buy it for storage. I bought it for the sports aspect and that I got and more. I would recommend it to anyone. My husband is 64" tall and fits in it easily. Even though it is small, it seems spacious and has plenty of leg room.
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Fun car to own and drive - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By Joe - May 30 - 4:46 pmI traded in a slightly modified VW GTI for this car and couldnt be happier. Ive had this car for almost a year now and will not part with it for a practical car anytime soon. The midengine rwd layout is a blast and stock this car will out handle pretty much anything in its price range and most cars out of it. The interior has everything you need, and there arent any unnecesary addons, which is perfect. I have the cloth seats which grip very nicely in the turns and having driven my friends MR2 Spyder with leather seats, I wouldnt trade him for them as those cause you to slide. I recommend this to anyone who wants a fun car and doesnt mind the lack of practicality.
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Been trying to find an issue.. Cant seem to find one.. - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By themanindbox - May 19 - 3:40 amI have been looking for faults.. I honestly cant find any. At 12 years old, the most that has been replaced is Tires, Plugs, A tie Rod End, and the drop links on both sides, and a few sets of bulbs.. Thats about it.. Even the original speakers, and stock radio sounds good. The Top makes a little noise at 70+ which i think is just an adjustment. Other then that.. Honestly.. Just awesome!
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My MR2 - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By ShelsValerie - May 17 - 10:00 amI get a lot of attention when i drive this vehicle. Kids on the street holler at me when i drive by telling me how cool my car is; when i get out of it in a parking lot, people comment to me how much they like my car; when i get gas, men come up to me and tell me that i have a very nice car, etc. Sometimes when im leaving a store, ill catch people looking at my car and talking about it.
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Hot car - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By idahoe - April 28 - 2:00 amThis car is great to drive, and fun to show off in. It take off fast and i love it fast. It is a cheap price for all the attention!!!
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Fun to drive - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By KSB - March 29 - 10:00 amI have the sequential shift 03 model. This car is like a big go-cart. It takes corners well and shifting is smooth. This car is a lot of fun to drive and garners a lot of envious looks by passer-bys.
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My Spyder - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
By spyderdriver - March 29 - 10:00 amCar is a real eye catcher, and since mine is bright yellow, I dont think there has been a time where people havent stopped or turned to check it out! It is one great looking car, fun to drive!!
