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 first - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By gasman - August 28 - 10:00 am

  A great car...looked at other convertibles and i thought i got the most bang for the buck with the MR2. Just got it today!

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  Most impact for the dollar - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Tabpat - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Ever since I bought this car people have been going wild over it. I cant pull out of a gas staion without somebody asking me what it is. It is off the charts in being a fun to drive yet fuel efficient car. Its like a go- cart with a glovebox.

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  Great Car. - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By justgotone - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I just got one a few days ago. I love it. I drove audi tt, bmw roadster, and then I drove this, and I just liked the feel alot more. There are cars with more power for sure, but I havent driven a car that corners like the mr2...corners like it is on rails.

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  Rate this vehicle - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Tina Anderson - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a fun car and I got it. I owned a 2003 Nissan 350Z and I honestly have more fun with my Toyota Spyder MR2! I really like the Toyota name and the reputation it holds. I am very happy with my MR2 and now my Mom wants one.

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  pass it on - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By brishbah - August 8 - 10:00 am

  This is natures best kept secret for feeling younger. Everyone at Toyota who had anything to do with this gem should be very proud of what they have done. If you cant drive a standard shift car do not(repeat:do not) keep yourself from driving this one. It may take you thirty minutes to get the basics of shifting while watching someone (or study it on the computer). Then go out and test drive this 5-speed. I promise you will find it the most fun you had in a very long time. Forget about status, (not a Lexus,Bmw,Mercedes...). Just go for a ride with the top down, no radio, and listen and feel what you have missed for a long time. Enjoy and pass it on.

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  Great Car! - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By agf2002 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is A LOT OF FUN to drive! Beautiful design and resembles a Porcshe. Its very economical, and very easily turns in small places and is easy to park. But, it has to be driven slow in rain and snow. More than 2 inches of snow on the ground, and you might want to put a snow plow on it. The car fish-tails in bad weather when the gas is released, especially on turns.

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  MR2 Roadster / Spyder - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By phat - July 22 - 10:00 am

  The car lives up to its promises. More fun to drive than my 911 C4 and a lot less expensive to run!

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  Worth the investment? - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Desert Don - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my Spyder now for better than 3 years. Its used as a fair weather driver exclusively. For its design as an "inexpensive sports car" its a winner. Dont buy this one expecting to use it for much more than FUN. Luggage/Storage is a joke. Although its a very light vehicle, I find myself looking for just one more gear (5 isnt quite enough) and a bit more power. Simply a FUN TOY if your in the market for one. Bottom line, drive this one before you spend the added $$ for anything else!

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  Had To Have - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By MC_Cop - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Well I just bought this car at the beginning of April but I drooled over it for months. I am 62" 220lbs and I can fit comfortably in the car. Another problem is I miss cruise control yeah it is fun to drive but damn hard to keep under 80MPH without cruise. I got the standard 5 speed and of course the SMT comes with cruise. Everywhere else complains about storage space but so what if it takes you 4 trips to the grocery store to get your weekly shopping done you own a good to look at got to have convertible that is as unique as a car 3 times the price so enjoy your trips.

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  Love This Car - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By slaurence - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Its a fun car to tool around in, not real good for long trips but if you can handle the lack of storage and just enjoy the ride with the top down and wind blowin in your hair music pumpin...its worth every penny i spend on it.