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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  Fun For Two - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Cameron - December 4 - 11:03 am

  Way better handling than Miata, cant beat a mid-engine design, also better build quality and materials. I wish Toyota would have given it another 20 horsepower, with its light weight this car would really accelerate fast. It gets good mileage (31 mpg) but I would gladly give some up for more speed.

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  poor mans porsche boxster - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By j. murigi - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I had always wanted to own the previous generation mr-2 but I was in college and could not afford one. When they were discontinued in 1995, I thought that my dream of owning a new one would never become a reality. I had driven the old one. This new MR-2 handles precisely, and engine is perfect for this lighter car. I also like the ease of operating the convertible. However, the 95 appears to have had a much more superior craftmanship.

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  love my mr - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By poseyal - November 26 - 10:00 am

  car can be faster than you relise

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  MR2 Spyder - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Beth - November 25 - 10:23 am

  Its a car made strictly for fun, with no heavy-duty responsibilities. Its a joy to drive and I enjoy the comments I get about it.

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  best car ever - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By volcomchica - November 15 - 2:00 am

  i love this car

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  Cool Car - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By DDUCA - November 8 - 2:00 am

  IS A REAL FAST CAR FOR A 1.8 LITER

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  Fun to Drive - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By spyderowner - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Yet another reviewer who says that this car is fun to drive, but it really is. Sticks to the road, hugs the curves, thanks to the mid-engine design, with plenty of pep to zip in and out of hwy traffic. I absolutely love this car, lack of cargo space notwithstanding--just make sure you have some other transportation for the groceries. The roar of the engine is pretty fun to listen to, and the seats are quite comfy as well.

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  Great car! What Fun! - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Carol G - October 27 - 12:20 pm

  I have had my MR2 for almost 4 years and have loved every minute of it! There are always looks to see what Im driving. If you love lots of attention, you must drive this car!

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  MR2 Spyder is great! - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By me - September 30 - 11:20 am

  I love this car for handling in town and around winding roads. The soft top is easy for one person to put up and down while in the car despite what other reviews might say. I had it down in about 6 seconds when I thought it would rain. I like the up and down shift buttons on the steering wheel. The body style sets it apart from any other in its class. Beuatiful body design resembles the Porsche Boxster. I love the bright yellow color on our car. I dislike the fact that it has hardly any storage. No trunk space.

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  Toyotas are the best - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Jim Gilbert - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Great little convertible...very fun to drive.