Topic: Modern Classics: Toyota MR2, 1984-1995

[Autos_Editor]

The first two generations of Toyota’s mid-engined MR2 sports car were sold in Canada, but sadly, the third gen MR2 Spyder, was not, says Jeff Burry.  The second gen MR2 “baby Ferrari” has proved more popular as a collector car.

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[initial_D]

Mister2, one of my favorite Toyota's. Still like the looks of them. 

As a former Fiero GT, and had some issues with the Pontiac That ownership experience would be more enjoyable with the Toyota. ... maybe. 

[CanuckS2K]

I had an red 86 MKI for 13 years.  It was the most reliable car I've had. Other than routine maintenance, the only issue I had during my 13 years of ownership was a cracked manifold.  Such a fun little car, wish I still had it some days. 

[troy berlinghoff]

The 1985-88 was rated at 112 HP, and the supercharged version wasn't offered until 1988 if memory serves me correctly. I owned a 1987 black t-roof model for 5 years. Also had the opportunity to drive a supercharged 1989 and a 1993 Turbo (that was awesome!)

[normancw]

I had an red 86 MKI for 13 years.  It was the most reliable car I've had. Other than routine maintenance, the only issue I had during my 13 years of ownership was a cracked manifold.  Such a fun little car, wish I still had it some days. 

I had a red 86 MK1 as well.  It was so much fun, with the 7500 rpm redline and joystick shifter.  I could even fit a set of golf clubs in the rear trunk. 

When looking for a replacement, I test drove a used supercharged 89 MK1.  It was great, but was sold before I could make an offer.  Supercharged MK1s were extremely rare in Ottawa - I eventually gave up my search and bought a 92 Miata.

Compared to the MR2, the Miata was just as much fun to drive and more balanced.  Around turns in the snow, oversteer was easier to induce and control with the throttle with the Miata.  In the MR2, oversteer could get really scary - I once found myself looking down the road on the 417 through my side window   But if I was given an opportunity to drive a Miata or MK1 MR2, I would choose the MR2.

My brother had a red 91 MKII (non-turbo).  It was nice, but not nearly as fun: lower redline, mushier shifter, and much less tossable.

[blur911]

For the last few years, and again this summer, my club is hosting an MR2 motorsports weekend this July.  We get them from all over Canada and the US.  Track day and autocross stuff, lotsa fun.

Believe it or not, this is THE thing to beat in Ontario.

[Mozeby]

The first gen were supposed to be good cars, although the styling was typical '80s Japan.  The 2nd gen were way better looking and performing but I too remember reading about the scary handling in slippery weather.  I think it was Car and driver who had a long term tester, and they crashed it in the winter.  Said the car would spin easily going around corners.

[tpl]

Mid engined cars were always a bit easy to spin in the days before stability control.

[blur911]

Mid engined cars were always a bit easy to spin in the days before stability control.

Low polar moment.  I spun the MR1.5 pictured above the first time I tried it.

[Erik]

What a sweet little car. Definitely prefer the mark 1. About as perfect a sports car as anyone has ever made.

[ktm525]

First generation  supercharged please.

[safristi]

Mister2, one of my favorite Toyota's. Still like the looks of them. 

As a former Fiero GT, and had some issues with the Pontiac That ownership experience would be more enjoyable with the Toyota. ... maybe. 

'''" as a former Fiero GT" !!!! that musta been a TRANSFORMATIVE experience......

[Winterpeg]

I first gen were supposed to be good cars, although the styling was typical '80s Japan.  The 2nd gen were way better looking and performing but I too remember reading about the scary handling in slippery weather.  I think it was Car and driver who had a long term tester, and they crashed it in the winter.  Said the car would spin easily going around corners.

In dry weather MR2's were a blast to drive....but come rain or worse yet, snow/ice....look out baby!!!
A friend of mine had first gen and proceded to wrap the car around a lamppost one winters night here in the 'Peg. 

[safristi]

 ...farkin' unintended imbibation..................

[chrischasescars]

For the last few years, and again this summer, my club is hosting an MR2 motorsports weekend this July.  We get them from all over Canada and the US.  Track day and autocross stuff, lotsa fun.

Believe it or not, this is THE thing to beat in Ontario.

Ha! What does that thing weigh? About 1,500 pounds, maybe less?

[geoff]

I enjoyed owning an '85 for 13 years.  Drove it though Montreal winters which is why it started to rust through, I imagine.  The car was not the most reliable thing I've ever owned, in truth.  Brakes were an ongoing issue. Some electrical problems.  Wheels/tires lost air in the winter.  (After that experience I've never run alloys in snow and salt.)  Oh yeah, the worst feature of the car was the anemic heater, Which was only encountered after year 4.  Rather than getting it fixed, I bought a big parka, which I still wear.  Still, a fun ride, and that engine could really be wound up.  Believe Yamaha developed it for Toyota, and the current Lotus Elise uses a variant of it.  It was a good image car for stodgy Toyota, but I guess it didn't comply with their master plan to build safe predictable cars.  Say..wait a minute...

[rrocket]

For the last few years, and again this summer, my club is hosting an MR2 motorsports weekend this July.  We get them from all over Canada and the US.  Track day and autocross stuff, lotsa fun.

Believe it or not, this is THE thing to beat in Ontario.

Wait a sec..I though YOU were the thing to beat in Ontario? 

[Mozeby]

The 3rd gen which we never got here in Canada was probably the worst of the bunch.  Funny styling, NA 140HP corolla engine.  Convertible only.  It's handling was good, but who cares when the rest of it is sorely lacking. 

[rrocket]

The 3rd gen which we never got here in Canada was probably the worst of the bunch.  Funny styling, NA 140HP corolla engine.  Convertible only.  It's handling was good, but who cares when the rest of it is sorely lacking. 

Well Edmunds picked it over the Miata in a face off...quite an accomplishment, since the Miata is such a good sports car.  And the aftermarket support is great too!  Turbo kits (250 HP on 12 psi!) and body kits, wheels, etc..

I LOVE the APR Widebody MR2 Spyder

[Benhaze]

It was worse for the folks who liked the sporty nature of the first two generations because otherwise it was actually quite nice in its last 1-2 years of production. Now why on Earth can marketing folks think you can badge a completely different animal under the same name will always be a mystery to me.

I loved the second generation (turbocharged). Just a gorgeous car, probably one of the nicest looking ever produced by Toyota. It just got too pricey when it was it its best.