At the 1983 Tokyo auto show, Toyota unveiled a brand-new mid-engine concept in response to the popularity of compact, reasonably priced mid-engine sports cars like the Porsche 914, Fiat X1/9, Lancia Scorpion, and even the Pontiac Fiero. The prototype, known as SV-3, was so carefully planned that hardly many revisions were needed before the Toyota MR2 (MR2 = Midship Rear-drive 2-seater) made its debut a year later. The engine, certain MacPherson strut suspension elements, and a lot of the switchgear in “Mister Two” were from Corolla models, yet despite being somewhat of a parts bin special, it was still a great driver’s car from the beginning. According to numerous reports, Lotus had finished fine-tuning their suspension, and none other than American Formula 1 and sports car racer and manufacturer Dan Gurney put prototypes through their paces.
The MR2 was essentially a low-cost exotic automobile with a 1.6-liter inline-four engine that produced 112 horsepower, 16 valves, dual cams, disc brakes all around, a five-speed manual transmission (a four-speed automatic was offered), and an optional but functional rear spoiler. In fact, the Ferrari 308 and the little Japanese sports vehicle were the subject of the cover story of Automobile magazine’s very first issue (which we later updated for the publication’s 30th anniversary). The curb weight was nearly 2,300 pounds, and the time from 0 to 60 mph was 8.4 seconds, almost on par with the Porsche 944 of the time. A well-driven MR2 could keep up with far more powerful and expensive cars down twisting backroads thanks to the little Toyota’s good handling characteristics and strong skid pad results.
Larger improvements were in store for 1987, although removable T-top glass roof panels were made optional for 1986. All MR2s got bigger brakes, new taillights, a new passenger-side vent, a renovated interior and new seats for that model year, and a new supercharged MR2 was made available. With a stronger version of the 4AGE engine block and transmission (which would also be utilized by naturally aspirated vehicles starting in 1987), this new intercooled, Roots-type supercharged model produced 145 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately, supercharged vehicles also frequently had to have T-tops and other accessories that were mandated, adding an additional 2,500 lbs to the weight. Nevertheless, the speeds from 0 to 60 mph decreased to about 7.0 seconds. The larger engine lid vents and “Supercharged” badging on the rear and sides set these Supercharged MR2s apart from ordinary variants. With 96,666 sales in the United States and Canada, the Mk1 MR2’s production came to an end following the 1989 model year.
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MR2 Mark II
The Toyota MR2 Mk2 made its debut in the United States in 1990 for the ’91 model year. Like many Japanese sports cars of the time, including the Mazda RX-7 and Toyota Supra, the MR2 dramatically upscaled and increased in price. The Mk2 MR2 had an almost identical exotic appearance to Ferrari’s then-new 348 and was bigger, heavier (weighing in at around 2,600 to 3,000 lb), and more curved than its predecessor. The normal car’s powerplant, a 2.2-liter, 16-valve inline-four taken from the Camry, produced 130 hp, while the MR2 Turbo’s 2.0-liter turbocharged 3S-GTE engine, which was also found in the Celica All-Trac Turbo rally-homologated model, produced 200 hp. All Mk2 MR2 Turbo versions had a five-speed manual transmission, while naturally aspirated models only had a four-speed automatic. In order to set them apart from ordinary models, Turbo models received increased engine lid vents and “Turbo” badging on the rear of the car, similar to the Mk1 MR2. For the Mk2 MR2s, the time from 0 to 60 mph was around 8.0 seconds for the naturally aspirated model and 5.8 seconds for the MR2 Turbo.
For the 1993 model year, the Mk2 MR2 was revised for the American market in order to reduce lift-throttle oversteer, which was a problem for drivers who were unfamiliar with the behavior of mid-engine automobiles. Additionally, turbos got bigger brakes, an extra limited-slip differential, and they could only be ordered with the T-top roof design, which was previously an option. All MR2 versions also had wider tires. In 1994, the horsepower of naturally aspirated MR2s was increased to 135 and the taillights were updated. Although these models currently produce over 240 hp in Japan, the U.S.’s emissions regulations prevented these upgrades from being made. In the end, sales of the Mk2 MR2 Turbo in California-emissions states ceased after 1994, and the MR2 was completely dropped from the U.S. market for 1995, with 33,111 units sold in the U.S. and Canada. Japan kept up the production until 1997.
MR2 Mark III
Toyota returned to the fundamentals with the MR2 Spyder for the third version of the MR2, which was introduced for the 2000 model year. The MR2 Spyder was only available as a complete convertible, but its total size wasn’t much bigger than the earlier MR2s, which led to a smaller weight (2,200 lb) and a return to more subdued power levels. Unfortunately, because to its diminutive size, it had less storage space than either MR2 that had come before it: just under 2.0 cubic feet overall, the majority of which was divided between two storage boxes below the seats. For the first time, only a 1.8-liter, all-aluminum inline-four engine with 138 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque was available. Up until 2001, a five-speed “Sequential Manual Transmission” (SMT) offered automated shifting but had inferior performance than a five-speed manual transmission. SMT automobiles need close to 9.0 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour while normal manual cars needed approximately 6.8 seconds. With redesigned seats, 16-inch staggered rear wheels, an additional gear for the SMT gearbox, updated suspension tuning, and a new underbody bracing for structural stiffness, the MR2 Spyder received a mild refresh for 2002. A Torsen limited-slip differential was optional in 2003, and the ride height increased little. The MR2 Spyder’s final model year in the United States was 2005, however cars continued to be offered overseas until 2006. The MR2 Spyder is the rarest model of all MR2s, having only 27,941 units sold in the United States.
Toyota MR2 Highlights
Rare MR2 variations with enhanced performance are available. The Mark 1 MR2’s single all-wheel-drive Group B rally prototype, known as the “222D,” started in Japan but never saw completion due to the race class’s abolition in 1986. The vehicle is currently housed in the collection of the Japanese Toyota manufacture. For a brief while, Mark II MR2s could be factory modified to resemble the widebody TRD2000GT race cars that competed in Japan’s GT-C series, but due to excessive expense, Toyota Technocraft Ltd. only ever produced 35 of these modifications. For the U.K. market, only a small number of turbocharged Mark III MR2s were produced, although Japanese customers could order a model with a new design from the Italian design firm Zagato.
Toyota MR2 Buying Tips
The Mark I MR2s are the most common in the U.S., but they are also the oldest, and because they have long had low second-hand prices, many of them have been mistreated beyond the point of recovery. The best of these vehicles, particularly the rarer supercharged models, have recently begun to appreciate in value. Unfortunately, Mark II MR2s were very popular among tuners in the 1990s and 2000s, making it challenging to locate a stock, untouched model in good condition. The Mark III MR2 Spyder is the newest model, making it the simplest to locate in good condition. It was also the least popular with the aftermarket crowd, leaving many original specimens. Values for any MR2 will be highest for cars with manual transmissions, the majority of which were constructed with.
There are how many MR2 Spyders?
Which contemporary, compact, lightweight, and sporty convertible can you think of? You are most likely to hear Mazda Miata as the answer. How about all those qualities plus an engine that is situated in the middle? The solution to this one could take a little more mental sleuthing, but it’s probably Porsche Boxster. But in the years leading up to the new millennium, Toyota Corporation made the choice to focus less on its assembly lines producing boring Corollas and Camrys and more on creating a small number of sporty, fun to drive vehicles.
Every ten years or so, they typically do this. They immediately had the Miata in mind and went about creating a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive, incredibly lightweight, and reasonably priced roadster. Did they succeed in competing with or surpassing the powerful Miata? Although there is strong disagreement on this, the MR2 Spyder undoubtedly caught the attention of Mazda engineers and forced them to be alert.
Desirability:
Although this Spyder didn’t have a lot of sales success, it wasn’t for want of functionality or design. When the MR2 first entered North American showrooms in 2000, it had a smaller overall footprint than the Mazda, weighed 137 pounds less, had a better power to weight ratio, and was competitive on both the racetrack and the open road. Its armor did, however, also have a few dents in it. It was around $2500 more expensive, had no trunk room, and was therefore less useful. Additionally, some aficionados may argue that the Spyder’s 138 horsepower four-cylinder engine isn’t nearly enough to make it the ideal autocross hero and that it sits too high off the ground.
An accessible turbocharger package, lowering and stiffening components, and who needs a trunk anyway when your goal is to go fast may fix all of these problems for a weekend racer. However, some auto reviewers hailed this Spyder as the best-handling roadster available, regardless of price.
The compact, light-weight, primarily British roadsters from the middle of the 20th century created a hole in the automotive landscape that is filled by the Miata and this Spyder. The only comparable vehicle in this class is the modern Lotus Elise, however it is far more expensive. The appeal of this Spyder is not universal, but in the modern era, where there is a greater focus on high-end amenities and expensive safety equipment, it is unclear whether a roadster that weighs close to 2000 pounds is even feasible. This distinguishes and adds intrigue to the MR2 Spyder.
Rarity:
A total of 27,941 Spyders were produced for six years and sold in North America (reference Production Numbers). Like with other niche vehicles, there were numerous upgrades and lower manufacturing numbers in the years after the vehicle’s inception. In 2002, the MR2 gained a clutchless Sequential Manual Transmission (SMT), and 5,109 units were produced in total. The SMT had both advantages and disadvantages. It had a slower 0-60 mph acceleration, but once moving, it rewarded the driver with shifter buttons positioned on the steering wheel and throttle blips during downshifts. 3,249 Spyders were produced in 2003, the year it received a facelift and an extra gear.
For the 2004 model year, a limited slip differential was included, and 2,800 of those were made. Naturally, the final modificationthe 6-disc CD changerwas applied to the 780 cars of the last production year. Up to nine exterior and four interior color options were available, and they combine to create some unusual and uncommon color combinations. There were sizable populations of the European and Asian versions in addition to the production figures for North America. Although later model years with more desirable features are hard to locate, this automobile is not extremely unusual.
Verdict:
There are a number of extremely low mileage and perfectly maintained vehicles listed under “used cars,” including three Spyders with less than 20,000 miles and one with only 3,500. In comparison to a comparable Miata, the typical asking price for an MR2 Spyder is much more (by about 15%). Reliability is not an issue because there are automobiles with more than 150,000 miles on them.
There are also vehicles with substantial tuning and modifications, so keep an eye out for this and make sure the enhancements are properly documented. A great driver’s car, the MR2 Spyder is destined to keep its appeal.
What is the remaining Toyota MR2 fleet?
1) The MR2 was initially intended to be a two-person, fuel-efficient commuting vehicle. However, the project was refocused to become a cheap sports car, a modern iteration of Toyota’s classic Sports 800, when this was thought to be too avant-garde for conservative purchasers.
2) Despite using the engine, chassis, and transmission from the modern Corolla to simplify mass production and cut costs, the MR2’s configuration made it the country of Japan’s first mid-engine production vehicle.
Midship Runabout 2-seater is what the term MR2 stands for, although it should be noted that the initials MR also represent for the vehicle’s mid-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration.
4) In the UK, the first-generation MR2 was first sold in a single, well-equipped grade that was roughly comparable to the G-Limited grade in Japan. Metallic paint was the sole choice.
5) In August 1986, face-lifted automobiles were unveiled in Japan. The T-bar roof option, initially seen on the SV-3 concept car of 1983, was also made available globally. The T-bar setup increased the MR2’s kerb weight by 30 kg.
6) From 1985 to 1989, 13,580 vehicles of the first-generation MR2 were sold in the UK, considerably exceeding forecasts. The car was so well-liked that we got up to 20% of the global output.
7) The first- and second-generation MR2s were built with five bulkheads to feel sturdy in all driving situations: behind the radiator, at the front and back of the cockpit, behind the engine, and behind the baggage compartment.
8) Toyota engineers improved the suspension and steering of the second-generation model in the UK to better fit British preferences and road network in acknowledgement of our position as the MR2’s second-largest export market outside of the USA.
9) A 2.0-liter 3S-FE basic model of the second-generation MR2 was only available in the UK market (also used in the contemporary Carina). This model, which was offered until the fall of 1992, can be recognized by its lack of front fog lights and rear spoiler.
10) The second-generation MR2 gave birth to two extremely limited production models: the open-top Toyota Technocraft Spider and wide-bodied TRD 2000GT. The first-generation MR2 opened the door for the potential of a four-wheel drive rally version.
11) The second-generation MR2 was manufactured for ten years, which is nearly twice as long as the first. The model underwent a number of small revisions over this time, each of which is typically distinguished by the exact time period in which it was constructed, from Revision 2 through Revision 5.
12) At the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show, the first design concept for the upcoming Toyota Prius and the first design concept for a probable third-generation MR2 were both unveiled. The MRJ (Midship Runabout Joyful) had a 2+2 seating configuration.
13) The third-generation MR2 overcame what was dubbed “being smaller in every significant aspect, including proportions, engine size, power, kerb weight, and price, during the cycle of growth.
14) Because the third-generation MR2 did away with the back luggage area, a fifth bulkhead was not necessary. This reduced weight and made it possible to channel the exhaust more effectively.
15) The top of the cloth convertible roof was made to fold down and function as a tonneau cover. There was, however, a lightweight, fiberglass hard top variant that weighed only 18kg.
16) The first Japanese vehicle with a sequential gearbox was the third-generation MR2. This automated manual gearbox, also known as SMT, did away with the clutch pedal and let the driver to select gears without lifting their foot off the accelerator.
17) The third-generation MR2 was the first Toyota car to be formally offered with a body package as an option in the UK. Due to its popularity, identical products are also offered for modern Yaris, Celica, and RAV4 models.
18) The 2004 release of the Red Collection model (shown above), which features graphite grey paintwork with red leather accents and a red fabric roof, has made it one of the most sought-after vehicles today.
19) In 2006, the TF300 special editions were used to sell the final 300 copies of the third-generation MR2. Each high-end vehicle had a unique vehicle number that was hand-stitched into the seatback and was constructed to order (see below).
20) A total of 45,161 Toyota MR2 vehicles were sold in the UK. Sales began to be tracked in March 1985, and thanks to sales of 4,053 units, 1991 was the model’s finest year in the UK. Here, the final third-generation vehicle was sold in 2007. Thus, the MR2 was offered for purchase for a total of 22 years.
21) Less than 11,000 MR2 models (including legally provided and imports) are currently officially registered in the UK, according to the website How Many Left.
22) Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota, stated in a statement that he would like “Three Brothers are included in Toyota’s lineup of sports cars. The GT86/GR86 and Supra already occupy two of those slots. Does that imply that an MR2 spiritual successor could complete the trio? Time will only tell.