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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  My Toyota - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Terry - March 21 - 9:50 am

  Ive had two Mr2s. I had my 1989 Toyota for 13 years! I stil miss it a littel bit. ;) I sold it for 3 grand then bought the Spyder. I LOVE my Spyder. If yuor a single guy and want an affordable sports car THIS IS IT! No matter where I park people stop and stare at my car. Depending on WHERE you park sometimes thats not a good thing! Overall this car ROCKS!

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  Head turner - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By arr2 - March 6 - 10:00 am

  Get one of these to turn heads where ever you go. Every one asks, "what is it". It is a blast to drive, corners like on rails, pulls away from a green light in a wink. Cargo space is limited but its not a long tripper. Top is easy to work. Engine revs a little high at speed, could use a 6th gear in the manual tranny, but still gets 30 mpg. These are rare, every ones got a Miata. Overall experiance in a word -- FUN--

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  SPYDER MIGHT - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By edaug - March 2 - 2:00 am

  GREAT, FUN CAR TO OWN AND DRIVE.

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  Perfect in every way. - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By dskinner - February 8 - 1:30 pm

  This vehicle replaced a Mazda Miata, which I loved dearly. After owning the Spyder for less than a week, I forgot all about the Miata! I love everything about the vehicle.

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  Just buy it! - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Roger - January 13 - 2:13 pm

  A blast to drive, even more fun to drive than the 87 MR2 that I drove for ten years straight. A fellow latest generation MR2 owner said "You dont get in this car, you put it on". That is just the beginning of having a incredible time every moment in one of the finer engineered products on the market today. If youre doing your research, ignore those who complain about not enough storage space, HELLO- this is a sports car. There are also those who cry about not enough power, 0-60 in under seven seconds, my 2002 has all of the power I need. Others need to spend more time learning how to use the great handling & the advantages of state-of-the-art engineering.

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  Eats 2 qts oil every 1000 mi. - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By David - January 12 - 4:50 am

  Driving has been just fine, nice handling, somewhat anemic power, but adequate. Engine eats 2 qts of oil every 1000 miles, and oil has been changed at a dealership every 3000 miles, but Toyota Extra Care is trying to deny warranty. Car is bone stock, always maintained, and because I didnt just run it out of oil like everyone else does, Im getting penalized. I should mention, Ive worked for Toyota for 13 years. Way to take care of your people, guys.

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  More fun than a barrel of monkeys - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Joseph C. - December 28 - 4:06 pm

  Its only weakness is lack of a trunk. In my opinion though, this car is made for nothing but enjoyable driving. It meets that purpose to a tea. It would take spending three time as much (not to mention gas and insurance costs) at the dealer to have a car this good.

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  Incredible little car - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By ajb240 - December 27 - 12:59 pm

  I have owned this car only for a short period but it is fantastic. I have owned and driven many cars in my time but this has quckly stolen my heart. I love this little car. It drive like every boys childhood dream of owning a Hotwheels, only this is the adult version. This car is not practicle as you might be able to carry a gallon of milk. It is not a smoth riding car and it can be noisy with the top up. It has one job and that is to put a smile on your face, and that it does everytime you drive it. My 1st day getting it on the hwy I took a cloverleaf at speeds that would have put another car in the ditch and I didnt even know it. But I had the biggest S(&T eating grin on my face.

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  AWESOME - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By TheProfessor - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This thing ROCKS! I dont know what I enjoy most: The incredible handling, the 30+ miles per gallon, or getting more attention than the Ferraris and Boxters out there! After 1 year of ownership, no problems yet.

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  Definitely Fun to Drive! - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By vig2334 - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned this vehicle for less than a week, and already Im in love. The handling is awesome and the styling is great. The engine could be a little stronger, but a blower will fix that.