If there have been one phrase we might use to explain the Toyota MR2, it will be – ‘cool’. When Toyota launched the two-seat mid-engine financial system sports activities automobile again within the 80s, it was a success. There was no automobile prefer it available on the market on the time. To at the present time, the MR2 is really the only affordable mid-engine Japanese sports car obtainable within the U.S., and it’s still a desirable sports car.

Let’s be sincere, if you’re MR2s, you are not cross-shopping with the Honda NSX. We’ll go away that one out of the dialogue for now. The MR2’s true rival has been and all the time would be the Mazda Miata. You might check with the MR2 as a quirkier and extra distinctive Miata. Yet, the third-generation MR2, referred to as the W30 or MR2 Spyder, has all the time been the odd one out. Yet, might this be the very cause it is now extra fascinating than ever? Well, let’s discover out.

The 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder

The 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder is a charming sports activities automobile. It was Toyota’s tackle the roadster revival development. The mid-engine design and light-weight normally interprets to a really enjoyable drive. The compact engine provided usable efficiency and the convertible fashion simply added that little bit of additional aptitude. The MR2 Spyder was an reasonably priced entry-level sports activities automobile that aimed to supply a driving expertise that will rival costlier fashions.

Building on the MR2 Spyder’s attract, its agile dealing with and responsive steering made it a standout within the roadster class. The 1.8-liter engine, whereas modest in displacement, produced sufficient energy to make sure a full of life efficiency that will not scare inexperienced drivers, whereas on the similar time having the ability to provide extra seasoned ones a great deal of sporting enjoyable. This was a car that did its greatest to seize the essence of a pleasurable driving expertise, creating an in depth and intimate connection between automobile and driver.

Exterior Dimensions

(Source: Toyota)

Specifications And Performance

In MR2 circles, the W30 era goes by the doted nickname of “Frog”. Stare on the entrance finish lengthy sufficient, you may get it. Sold from 2000 to 2005 mannequin years, it was a really totally different automobile in comparison with the earlier MR2. The second generation MR2, known as the SW20, ceased U.S. gross sales in 1995. In California-emission states, you could not even purchase a Turbo mannequin after 1994.

Although a compelling driver’s automobile, the SW20 had some main oversights that killed it in the long term. It was too costly and too heavy because it used Toyota Celica elements. It was a posh automobile, affected by its many idiosyncrasies. Thus, when Toyota reintroduced the mannequin into the U.S. 5 years later with a brand new era, adjustments have been main. The Spyder left the Celica platform for the cheaper and lighter Corolla platform.

As a consequence, the W30 harkened again to the unique AW11 MR2 from the 80s. It emphasised simplicity and low weight as its recipe for fulfillment. The Frog was a staggering 700-odd kilos lighter than its predecessor. At a curb weight of two,195 kilos, it’s even lighter than the unique AW11 by a few dozen kilos. So you’ll be able to perceive what Toyota is laser-focused on regarding design.

Yet, there have been compromises made to make this low-weight simplicity a actuality. The SW20 Turbo made 200 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. Yet, Toyota obtained strangled by emissions laws for the brand new era. Thus, the W30 would obtain a single engine configuration: the 1.8-liter 1ZZ four-cylinder. The 1ZZ within the MR2 Spyder produces 138 horsepower at 6,400 RPM and 125 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 RPM.

Performance Specifications

(Source: Toyota)

This was an aggressive lower from the SW20 Turbo. The 1ZZ was a greater all-around engine than the non-turbo 5S-FE possibility discovered within the SW20, however it was the one alternative. As a consequence, this left a bitter style for a lot of MR2 fanatics. You all the time count on the latest mannequin to be the quickest, however this was not the case with the Frog.

The SW20 Turbo would smoke the W30 in a straight line, nearly a second quicker within the dash to 60 mph. Yet, due to the W30’s spectacular low weight, it might nonetheless handle a 6.8-second 0-to-60 time.

While the MR2 Spyder’s power output is just not its sturdy go well with, the chassis is superb. The Spyder retains the nice mid-engine dealing with character of the earlier generations. Yet, gone is the snap oversteer tendency made infamous by the earlier two fashions. By far, the W30 is probably the most balanced of all obtainable MR2s.

The brakes are able to dealing with sporty drives of any form. They really feel sturdy due to the low weight of the Frog. As far as two-seat sports activities vehicles go, the Spyder may be very simple to drive. It will likely be pleased to hum round at 70 mph. It is a delicate chassis that may be a pleasure to connect with. Certainly extra character than a Miata with the identical dimension and enchantment.

Interior Technology, Luxury, And Comfort

The Spyder’s inside is snug for a two-seat sports activities automobile. It is a Toyota in any case. And in the Toyota way, excels in its simplicity. Although easy, at no level is the motive force uncared for. The perforated leather-based steering wheel is fantastic in your arms. The leather-based shift knob and brushed metallic pedals are high quality models. No, it isn’t a luxurious automobile, however each fabric and leather-based seat choices look good and are ergonomic.

It isn’t any shock that the MR2 Spyder is missing in cupboard space. There is a mini compartment behind the seats and within the “front”. Don’t count on a lot although. A comparable Mazda Miata has thrice the storage. We aren’t even exaggerating. Yet, the Spyder nonetheless boasts three cupholders. That is a couple of beverage per passenger!

Technology

Let’s say you need cruise management in your Spyder. You’ll want the SMT (sequential guide transmission). The SMT was obtainable for the 2002+ mannequin years. Shifting was potential from a chrome central knob. No clutch, however nonetheless a “manual”. This was a time earlier than paddle shifters. If you wished to maintain your arms on the wheel whereas shifting, there have been two steering wheel-mounted buttons. Yet one other fascinating characteristic of the Spyder.

Yes, the SMT is lackluster in comparison with fashionable dual-clutch transmissions. Even an automated ZF 8-speed is best in each regard. Although downshifts are crisp and fast, upshifts are missing in pace. In this case, the correct guide is quicker than the SMT.

Let’s not neglect that is expertise from 20 years in the past. There have been only a few W30s produced. Even much less with these transmissions. Since this was the one automobile in the whole Toyota line-up to ever obtain the SMT, it’s a specialised, costly unit. Although cool and a novelty of some kind at the moment, the safer guess is to stay with the 5-speed manual as a substitute.

Toyota MR2 Spyder Versus Its Competitors

The pure competitors for the Toyota MR2 Spyder is the NB Mazda Miata. Even over twenty years later, this truth nonetheless has not modified. They each provide an analogous enchantment and entice the identical viewers. Let’s preserve it easy, in a contest between these two automobiles, there is no such thing as a loser.

How The 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder Compares To The 2001 Mazda Miata

• 	2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder	2001 Mazda Miata
  Model	Toyota MR2 Spyder	2001 Mazda Miata
  Engine	1ZZ 1.8-liter 4-cylinder	1.8-liter BP6D inline-4
  Transmission	5-Speed guide, 5-Speed SMT, 6-Speed SMT	6-Speed Manual, 5-Speed Manual,
  Horsepower	125 lb-ft. @ 4,400 RPM	143 HP
  Torque	138 @ 6,400 RPM	125 pound-feet
  Driveline	RWD	RWD
  MSRP	$24,645 (est)	$21,660
  0-60 MPH	6.8 Seconds	8.1 seconds

The MR2 Spyder is a Mazda Miata for many who do not desire a Mazda Miata. If the Miata is the blueprint, then the MR2 Spyder is totally different sufficient that it feels particular and has its personal character. Yet, each of those automobiles solely have one actual objective: enjoyment.

The solely appropriate methodology of comparability is discovering out which one makes you smile extra. The one you dream about driving. As lengthy as you’re sincere with what you need, you’ll be able to’t miss between these two fashions.

How Much Does A Toyota MR2 Spyder Cost?

When new, a 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder offered for $24,645. The similar 12 months NB Mazda Miata offered for $21,280. Here is an enormous distinction between the 2, Toyota made means fewer W30s than you suppose. There have been solely 27,941 offered within the U.S. of their five-year span. Mazda offered thrice as many NB Miatas in the identical time.

By the 2005 mannequin 12 months, gross sales of the Spyder had dwindled under 1,000 models. It was unlucky that it didn’t promote nicely. These numbers led to the fast demise of the MR2, marking the top of U.S. gross sales in 2005. Now, the average price of an MR2 Spyder is $13,929 during the last 5 years. A few years in the past, you can discover them a dime a dozen for below $10k. Nobody wished them. It was “the other one”, keep in mind?

For comparability, the uncommon SW20 Turbo averages prices above $20,000 in at the moment’s market. Naturally-aspirated manual SW20s go for about $12k. If yow will discover an excellent situation W30 for below $10k, that may be a good purchase. As with most vehicles, the later mannequin years are probably the most fascinating possibility.

(Source: Toyota)

Is It Worth Buying A Toyota MR2 Spyder?

In the case of the MR2 Spyder, we suggest the 2003+ mannequin years. The pre-cat system in early fashions is a identified difficulty. Early mannequin years even have some oil-burning points. Looking for a tough high, i.e. a detachable arduous high for the Spyder. OEM hardtops are at the very least $2,500 if yow will discover one in your shade. Even aftermarket choices are nonetheless at the very least about $2,000. As with most convertibles with vinyl roofs, they’re liable to cracking with age and use.

So is the MR2 Spyder a steal even in at the moment’s market? There are rumors that even an MR2 successor may be in the works. Yet, we will assure it will not be the identical as those of outdated. It is probably going that Toyota won’t ever put a naturally-aspirated engine behind an financial system sports activities automobile once more. With fashionable vehicles averaging two tons, how will they obtain the loopy low weight? Modern security requirements and design say in any other case. So, it’s protected to say the W30 is a relic of its time.

The MR2 Spyder is just not a quick automobile, however it might probably go quick. It is just not luxurious, however it’s sturdy. It is just not lovely, however it has allure. Consider this proverb. I’ve a long-time buddy who has owned each era MR2. The largest MR2 head I do know by far (to not point out, a hell of a driver). He owned at the very least 4 or 5 AW11s and SW20s. He offered all of them and now has a Spyder. He has owned it for years, loves it, and does not plan on going again. Is he forward of the curve or simply plain loopy? Sometimes it’s a must to discover out for your self.