From the definitive 80's wedge to the excellent handling of the last Roadster incarnation this popular mid-engined two seater has accumulated many fans over the 36 year span of the three models presented here.
| Model and years | Engine size / gears | Body Styles | Notable features | Current approx costs |
MR2 Mk1a & Mk1b 1984–1989 | AW10 - 1.5L Petrol AW11 - 1.6L DOHC 5 speed manual, 4 speed auto | Hard top and T-Bar | Super charger on some Japan domestic cars | £300 project to £7,000 mint |
MR2 Mk2 GT Coupe and GT T-Bar 1989–1999 | SW20: Various 2.0L some Turbos | Tin top and T-Bar coupe. Also unbranded Spyder version | Rear Spoilers lots of after markets body kits and goodies. | £300 project to £5,000 mint or special racer |
MR2 “Spyder” and “Roadster" 1999–2007 | SW30: 1.8L Petrol 5 or 6 speed gearbox | Softtop with removable hard top option | SMT paddle gear shift option | £300 Project to £7,000 mint |
Mk1 A & B 1984 - 1989
The Toyota MR2 (midship runabout) was introduced at the Toyko motor show in October 1983 and launched the following year to the UK and USA markets. Using a fuel injection, 4 cylinder DOHC design generating just over 100HP, weighed in a just over a tonne. The sprightly car could easily out run both of it's contemporaries the Fiat X-19 and USA Pontiac Fiero. The MX5 appeared a few years later as a soft top from the start.
A super charger was introduced a couple of years later to the Japan and US markets but was not sold directly in the UK. The supercharger was belt-driven but actuated by an electromagnetic clutch, so that it would not be driven except when needed, increasing fuel economy.
Worst feature: MK1's rust from the inside out due to aerial (Mk1a) and roof drains sending water into the sills.
when engine is operated the heat warms the moisture which causes condensation in lower sills, which settles over rear arches and box sections. They then rot out. Earlier engines were less robust with smaller internal components such as crank and rods. Brake calliper and discs were smaller in earlier cars and suspension components less durable.
Drivers opinion. from Overtake films “When I first saw it I remember think wow that design is so right. The engine really likes to rev with a red lines a 7750 rpm making about 123 hp. It comes alive as soon as you sit in it. It feels agile. It has no ABS or power steering but it feels lighter than a front wheel drive Peugeot 205. The more you work the car the more it does for you. It feel way more sorted and capable and planted than a modern car.”
Also See 1987 Toyota Mk1 MR2 AW11 Review and Drive - Why it's a little bit of Magic on 4 wheels https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rSvzch7Fis
Mk2 Coupe 1989-1999
The MK2 version of the MR2 moved to a more rounded body style from the very wedge Mk1 and introduced larger 2.0L engines. The new car was larger, weighed 159 to 181 kg more than its predecessor due to having a more luxurious and spacious cabin, larger engine sizes, sturdier transaxle, and a more durable suspension setup. The overall design of the automobile received more rounded, streamlined styling, with some calling the MR2 SW20 a "baby Ferrari" or "poor man's Ferrari", since the car did have several design cues borrowed from Ferrari.
There were no turbo models officially offered to the European market but many Japanese import models were sold and re-sold via the grey JDM import market. This car extensively adopted by the racing and moving scene of the early 00’s with a proliferation of after market parts and upgrades available directly from Japan and other suppliers.
Worst feature : Snap oversteer on early models during in-corner liftoffs like many mid and rear engined car. Finally the "hose from hell" - a coolant hose so buried in the mid engine bay and surrounded on all side that it requires an engine drop to replace.
Drivers opinion. from Rex H. “Has a small throw clutch and short throw shifter. You can feel everything that engine is doing. The steering is sharp and there are no plastic creeks and noises. Overall driving experence very nice casual drive and aggressive as you want to be. Handling all the bumps very well. Interior is big enough for up to about six foot three. ” Youtube on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMaP6e6G0Vg or
See also Five things to know about a MR2 Turbo. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgOA_P6EkVQ
Mk3 Roadster 1999 - 2007
The final car of the sequence is the round Mk3 version that continued the mid engine format but lightened the weight and moved to 1.8L Twin Cam engines. Unlike its predecessors, however, the engine was placed onto the car the other way round, with the exhaust manifold towards the rear of the car instead of towards the front. The retractable soft and optional removable hardtop replaced the fixed and T-bar top-lines. The MR2 Spyder chief engineer Harunori Shiratori said, "First, we wanted true driver enjoyment, blending good movement, low inertia and light weight. Then, a long wheelbase to achieve high stability and fresh new styling; a mid-engine design to create excellent handling and steering without the weight of the engine up front; a body structure as simple as possible to allow for easy customizing, and low cost to the consumer."
Some owner switched out the 1ZZ-FE engine in exchange for the 141 kW; 189 bhp; 192 PS 2ZZ-GE found in the US-market Celica GTS
Worst features : Very small luggage space and digests own pre-cat from exhausts manifold.
Drivers opinion. from Doug DeMuro “Everything is nice and well put together, nothing is extremely luxurious or special, looks durable. Clutch and shifters are easy. Flooring it - it moves but not tremendously quickly. It could have been a little faster. It’s a little harsh. I am surprised how precise the steering and the handling is very responsive. It’s nice being in an open top car roof down being that guy. It really is Toyota take on a sports car, durable and quick handling. This car is cool.”
See more at ... Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW0v505p60U
For the Racers: The 750 Motor club has runs a MR2 challenge series with entries for all the versions. Double race weekends are run seven times ( in normal years) at top UK circuits. For car race gamers the Toyota MR2 appears in every main Gran Turismo game to date since the original Gran Turismo. Although initially not available in Gran Turismo Sport, the 1997 MR2 GT-S was later introduced as part of Update 1.13, released on February 28, 2018. The first and third generations are available in every game starting from Gran Turismo 2.
Future collectability : The march of time is eating many of the early cars with a combination of rust and racing making finding a good original version harder over time. Engine parts are generally still available but trim and special parts are getting hard to locate. Many of the sources of after market upgrades have moved on to new models but have left a rich heritage to be discovered in the recycle market. The 80s are swinging back into fashion with fast Fords from that era pushing prices sky-high maybe it’s time to look around for other desirable cars from that time.
Acknowledgements : Wikipedia, YouTube and MR2 Owners club sites.
May 2020.