Toyota has a reputation for great cars that last forever. Although most people don’t immediately think about classic sports cars when they think of Toyota, revisiting the excellent MR2 might change that.
Comparable to the Toyota Supra, Acura NSX, BMW M3, and Nissan R32 Skyline GT-R, the Toyota MR2 is the kind of car that lots of people overlook–but those who have driven it, love it. Let’s explore why.
First, here’s an overview of the history of this cool classic car.
History of the MR2
1970s: Toyota began to envision the MR2, although pre-production was delayed due to the gas crisis.
1983: At the Tokyo Auto Show, Toyota presented a mid-engine concept car, the SV-3. This prototype would go on to become the Toyota MR2 (Midship Rear-drive 2-seater) with very few changes.
1984: The MR2 Mark 1 debuts on the market. The car was designed to use Corolla parts, including the engine, strut suspension components from MacPherson, and switchgear. It was immediately recognized as a real driver’s car. Despite being more budget-friendly, the Mark 1 competed against the Ferrari 308 and was found to have better handling.
The curb weight of the Mark 1 was about 2,300 pounds, and it could go from 0 to 60 in 8.4 seconds, which was comparable to the Porsche 944.
1986: A minor change allowed for optional T-top glass roof panels.
1987: The 1987 MR2 had improved brakes, taillights, and a passenger-side vent. The interior was updated. Additional specs: stronger 4AGE engine block and transmission, intercooled and Roots-type supercharged engine, 145 hp, and 140 ft-lb of torque. The ‘87 had an increased weight (2,500 pounds) but a reduction in the 0-60 time–now only 7.0 seconds. You can easily recognize the supercharged ‘87 Mk1 by the presence of raised engine lid vents and the words “Supercharged” on both the sides and rear of the car.
1989: Toyota ceases MR2 Mk1 production after this model. There were 96,666 MR2 Mk1s sold in the US and Canada between the introduction of the model and the end of production.
1990: The MR2 Mark 2 premiered its 1991 model. At this point, the car became more upscale. It was more expensive, heavier (2,600-3,000 pounds), and more exotic in its appearance. Additional changes included an increased powertrain capacity, a naturally aspirated, and a turbo option. The naturally-aspirated engine took 8.0 seconds to get from 0-60, whereas the Turbo took only 5.8 seconds.
1993: This year’s model featured improved suspension, which reduced oversteer–helping out less experienced drivers. The brakes were also heftier.
1994: The Mk2 got new taillights, and the Turbo engine was capable of over 240 hp. However, these engines were only available in Japan, as the US’s emissions requirements didn’t allow such changes. The turbo MR2 Mk2 was only sold in Japan from 1995 to 1997.
2000: The MR2 Mark 3 launched and was called the MR2 Spyder. It was a full convertible and was about the same size as the MR2 Mk1. Returning to that smaller size meant returning to a lighter weight, too: 2,200 pounds. Unfortunately, the power levels were also reduced, as was the storage in the car. There was only one option for transmission in 2000: a 5-speed manual. In 2001, the 5-speed SMT offered reduced performance in exchange for automatic shifting. It took 6.8 seconds for the manual to get from 0-60, and 9.0 seconds for the SMT automatic.
2002: The Spyder got a new look: improved seats and 16-inch staggered rear wheels. The SMT transmission got an extra gear, and all models got revised suspension tuning and an improved underbody brace, which made the car more rigid and sturdy.
2003: The ‘03 MR2 Spyder made the Torsen limited-slip differential optional. This model also had a slightly higher ride height.
2005: The MR2 Spyder went off the market in the US, although international markets saw sales until 2006. There were only 27,941 MR Spyders sold in the US, which means it is the rarest version of the MR2.
What Makes the MR2 So Popular with Drivers?
There are so many great attributes to each of these MR2 models, especially for drivers who are confident and experienced enough to handle a mid-engine car at fast speeds.
The MR2 is beloved by people who drive them because of its:
- Great gas mileage, especially in the 1980s
- Reliable performance
- Faster 0-60 than most competitors
- Fun for Group B Rallying
- Affordability, especially compared to its competitors
There were, of course, some drawbacks.
Is the Toyota MR5 Dangerous?
In a word, yes. But the reality is that it is mostly dangerous to inexperienced drivers of mid-engine cars.
HotCars.com writes of the MR2 Spyder:
Toyota combined conventional sports car features with the latest technology to create MR2 Spyder. The mid-engine combined with a perfect wheelbase to length ratio gave it insane agility and responsiveness. However, this layout also gave the car something sinister, a rear-end weight bias which became a major contributor to ‘snap oversteer’ and an almost zero understeer causing severe accidents. Besides, all the generations of MR2 have been infamous for their unpredictable snap oversteer, Spyder is not an exception. At first sight, the engine put in the middle looks like a good thing, because it can now accelerate faster and have stable handling (which holds for the Spyder) but it can be potentially fatal. The car can spin off the road into the tree, nearest ditch, or worse, traffic within microseconds, if it is not handled correctly or if an inexperienced person is behind the wheel.
Is the Toyota MR2 Reliable?
MR2s are considered to be reliable sports cars, especially at lower miles.
You can still find first-generation MR2s that are in great shape. Toyota’s reputation for quality and durability is on full display in the MR2.
How Much Horsepower Does a Toyota MR2 Have?
The MR2 has between 135 and 200 hp.
How Much Does an MR2 Cost?
The MR2 Spyder costs between $9k and $25k. You can expect to spend around $17k on a non-Spyder MR2.
Insure Your MR2–Or Other Classic Car–Through Classic Auto Insurance
When you are buying a classic car, including the MR2 or an antique of any kind, you’re going to want to choose an insurer who knows what they’re doing; that’s why Classic Auto Insurance specializes in insuring the most valuable classic vehicles.
Since 1992, Classic Auto Insurance has been providing antique and classic car owners with insurance that covers muscle cars, luxury cars, and high-performance vehicles. Our goal is to help you protect your beautiful car for years to come! With specialized features including 24/7 roadside assistance with flatbed towing and agreed-upon value, your classic car will be protected and you will have peace of mind.
Fill out our online form to get a free quote for your car! Whether you drive the awesome MR2 or another classic car, we can help you fully enjoy it!
