For the price of most performance-oriented mid-engine cars, you wouldn't expect to see something as affordable and uncommon as the second-generation Toyota MR2 in most markets. Among the three available generations the car itself changed drastically, and even within generations you can see a stark difference in performance, such as the second generation's offerings of both naturally aspirated and turbo models.
The Toyota MR2 was an odd car altogether. It was a two-door sports car with the layout of a supercar, reliability of a Toyota engine, and affordability you'd expect from a standard consumer vehicle. What is more intriguing is how uncommon the car was, both upon first production and even more so now in today's market, giving it an appealing aspect of rarity you'd expect from more expensive collector cars.
1989 - 1999 Toyota MR2 W20 (Second Generation)
- Mid-engine platform made the car stand out for it's handling ability and weight distribution
- T-bar roof available on the Turbo after 1993
- Referred to as the "poor man's Ferrari" because of similar styling and handling at a more affordable price-point
- Engine/Motor: 2.2-liter or 2.0-liter turbocharged
- Horsepower: 130 hp (2.2-liter) or 200 hp (2.0-liter turbo)
- Torque: 200 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: RWD
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
- Responsive handling
- Lots of aftermarket support
- Affordable mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive platform
- Notorious snap-oversteer
- Minimal cargo space
Second-Gen MR2's Engine Options
Throughout the second generation of the mid-engine platform, there were two notable powertrain options. The first was the more common base model with a naturally aspirated 2.2-liter 5S-FE engine mounted in the rear, offering the driver a reasonable 130 hp. The sportier option, however, was the MR2 Turbo, which, as you may have guessed from the names, claims a turbocharged 2.0-liter 3S-GTE with a significant jump in power to 200 hp.
While that may not sound like much, especially by today's standards, paired with the clever weight distribution and minimal curb weight, this 2-door was and still is, surprisingly nimble.
The Ultimate Affordable RWD, Mid-Engine Platform
The second-generation Toyota MR2 maintains the reliability that Toyota has become notorious for, with a few minor changes that made a big difference. Unlike other affordable, more consumer-focused cars in the brand's lineup, the Toyota MR2 benefited from a mid-engine placement for improved weight distribution and handling, as well as rear-wheel drive, making it as much of a true sports car as any.
The exterior styling featured some aerodynamic choices and otherwise fit in well with the designs of the early 1990s — many of which became popularized more and more in the early 2000s as the Fast and Furious franchise began to highlight the value of these cars (even if it didn't take the same spotlight as more popular choices such as the Toyota Supra).
Performance And Handling Ability
The second-generation Toyota MR2 has the performance and handling ability you'd expect from more expensive European cars that feature the same layout. The light-weight nature of the car paired well with the mid-engine weight distribution and rear-wheel-drive output, giving the car a competitive edge while maintaining Toyota's reliability and cost of ownership. With the introduction of the Turbo model, the car became more refined, and while it won't be winning any drag races down a straight stretch of road it does hold its own around bends and corners, gripping them with surprising agility even at higher speeds.
Interior Space, Quality, And Technology
This two-seater doesn't provide much space for passengers but may not be as cramped as it appears from the outside. Unlike the Lotus Elise the MR2 is a bit more friendly for taller passengers but equally difficult to get in and out of because of how low to the ground this roadster actually sits. The seats are comfortable and do well to hold the driver and passenger snuggly when the car takes sharp corners without the discomfort of sportier performance seats.
The textile choices are basic to keep the cost of the car down and by today's standards is pretty lack-luster, but it does offer the bare minimum that a driver could want from a fun and reliable sports car. Air conditioning and heating, a radio and speaker system, and adjustable seats were all provided for by the second generation MR2, and chances are you'll have so much fun driving it that you won't really notice that the car doesn't offer much else.
How Much Can You Buy A Second Generation Toyota MR2 For Today?
Although they are far from the original MSRP, the second-generation Toyota MR2 did hold a surprising portion of its value. In today's market, you can find them in various conditions ranging from $5,000 to upwards of $10,000 in good condition with low mileage. They are, however, relatively uncommon on the streets and even harder to find on the market for sale, giving them a slight edge of collectibility and rarity not so common to older sports cars of this price range.
Even today the second-generation Toyota MR2 holds its own amongst affordable mid-engine cars, with the same benefit of easy maintenance that allows buyers to continue to enjoy this sporty and well-handling cars. What sets it apart for the price is the performance, mid-engine layout, and how uncommon the car is altogether, making it one of the most affordable rare mid-engine cars you can find.