Inspired by the success of several small, affordable mid-engine sports cars such as the Porsche 914, Lancia Scorpion, and Fiat X1/9, Toyota jumped into the fray with its own mid-engine sports car introduced at the 1983 Tokyo auto show.
One year later the production model Toyota MR2 (Midship Rear-drive 2-seater) W10 debuted with several impressive features, including a Corolla engine, MacPherson struts, and suspension components fine-tuned by Lotus.
The second-generation MR2 W20, released in 1990, improved on styling and performance. Often referred to as "the poor man's Ferrari," design changes imitated exotic-car styling and, a 200-horsepower turbocharged engine provided enough power to beat a Toyota Supra, BMW M3, Ferrari 348, and an Acura NSX in a quarter mile race.
Then, it is no surprise that Toyota did not rest on their laurels, introducing the third-generation MR2 in 2000 as a convertible only "Spyder" with superior performance characteristics. The new MR2 was less powerful than the W20 but lighter than the W10 and offered responsive handling, a durable gearbox, and excellent brakes, making it a sheer pleasure to drive.
1999-2007 Toyota MR2 W30
- Mid-engine design
- MacPherson Struts suspension
- Automated Sequential Manual (SMT) Transmission
- Convertible
- Engine/Motor: 1.8-liter in-line four 1ZZ-FE
- Horsepower: 138 hp
- Torque: 125 lb.-ft.
- Drivetrain: RWD
- Transmission: 5 and 6-speed manual and SMT automatic
- Mid-engine promotes excellent handling
- Lightweight improves performance
- Affordable Price
- Cheap-looking interior
- Small cabin space for tall drivers
MR2 Sideways Mounted Mid-Engine
Toyota offered only one engine option on the third-generation MR2. A close twin to the 1998-2007 Corolla powerplant, Toyota chose to mount the 1ZZ-FE sideways behind the driver. The all-aluminum 1.8-liter inline-four employed DOHC with 4 valves per cylinder uses the VVT-i system for adjustable intake camshaft timing.
While the MR2 Spyder generated a paltry 138 hp at 6,400rpm and 125 lb.-ft. of torque, the significantly lower curb weight of 2,195 lb. (996 kg) for manual transmission models compared to the curb weight of 2915 lb. (1322 kg) of the W20, compensated for the lower power.
The MR2's closest competitor, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is also equipped with a 1.8-liter engine rated at 142 horsepower. However, like most traditional sports cars, the Miata has a front-mounted engine with power going to the rear wheels.
MR2 Automated Sequential Manual Transmission
Toyota offered a 5-speed manual in the U.S. and a 6-speed manual transmission in Europe with RWD as standard equipment on the W30. The car manufacturer also offered a non-traditional 5- speed automatic transmission, the Automated Sequential Manual (SMT).
Upgraded to six speeds for the 2003 model year, the SMT changed gears when the driver tapped the shift lever forward or backward or pressed steering-wheel-mounted buttons. The single electro-hydraulic clutch engagement is automatic, including downshifting automatically to second and then first gear when slowing down.
Cruise control was standard for the SMT-equipped cars but was never offered on the manual transmission models.
Mid-Engine Sports Car Performance And Handling
While the MR2 Spyder's power rating of 138 hp might seem inadequate for a sports car, it is plenty to provide a respectable acceleration. The MR2 reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.8 to 8.7 seconds and the quarter mile in 15 seconds, depending on the transmission option. An experienced driver can launch and shift a manual transmission much faster than the SMT automatic, resulting in faster times.
The MR2 Spyder's performance compares favorably with one of its closest competitors, the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The 2000 base Miata accelerates to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds and reached the quarter mile in 15.1 seconds.
The MR2 Spyder possesses the responsive and nimble handling characteristics typical of mid-engine sports cars. With the heaviest components centrally positioned, reduced inertia at the car's nose and tail make it easier to change direction.
Road-gripping performance is further enhanced with the Spyder's low-slung, long-wheelbase platform and low center of gravity supported by MacPherson struts at each corner. Add to the suspension a highly responsive electric hydraulic power steering system and this convertible sports car is exciting to drive when negotiating curvy mountain roads.
A Budget Interior
Toyota designed and built the MR2 with the budget-minded weekend day-trip traveler in mind. The engineers focused on exterior appeal and exceptional handling at a budget price, leaving very little for interior comfort.
Just getting in and out of the Spyder is a challenge. The low-slung cockpit includes relatively high sills that impede entry and exit. Once seated, the over-6-feet-tall driver would find the cabin space somewhat limiting with thinly padded seats and pedals positioned too close together for large feet. While the cowl and short hood provide a clear view ahead, taller drivers will find visibility restricted with the top up.
The MR2 Spyder total cargo room measures a meager 1.9 cu. ft. with most of the space concentrated in a bin with dual locking covers behind the seats.
Even though Toyota offers leather seats with Alcantara inserts (mostly on special editions0, the cabin has a budget appearance. But who is looking at the interior when pushing the envelope on a curvy road with the sun out and the top down?
An Affordable Sports Car
While the sports car enthusiast would never confuse a Toyota MR2 Spyder with a 2000 Ferrari 360 Modena (entry-level model) for aesthetics, performance, or sheer prestige, the sports car is still a blast to drive, and it costs a lot less.
Toyota offered the new MR2 Spyder in 2000 for a base price of $23,000. Today, a previously owned model in decent condition sells for less than $10,000. The prices compare well to the 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata with an MSRP of $21,695 and today's resale models go for under $10,000.
The 2000 Ferrari 360 Modena sold new for $138,225 and has an average resale price of $51,100 in today's market.