Automotive Blogger

Toyota’s two seat sports car, the MR2, first debuted in 1985. At the time it really had no direct competition. Fiat’s X1/9 had already outlived its usefulness, and all the other mid-engine cars on the road were of the much more expensive exotic Italian variety. Well there was the Fiero, but unless you wanted to invest in a good Nomex suit and fire insurance most people avoided the Pontiac. By 1989 the old wedge body design was getting long in the tooth so for 1990 Toyota unwrapped a new second generation MR2, dubbed the SW20, that was slightly larger with a curvier body that gave the MR2 some much needed sex appeal.

The layout of the MR2 was the same familiar setup that made it such a great car to begin with. The combination of a small light chassis with a mid-mounted four cylinder engine and four wheel independent suspension was a certain recipe for a fun and great performing vehicle. The more spacious interior was also more luxurious than its predecessor with options like leather seats, air bags, a 7 position tilt-wheel and variable-assist power steering. The body work was also a giant leap from the first MR2 with exotic looking body complete with Ferrari style rear fender scoops and a swoopy rear wing.

There were two different power plant options for US spec cars. The majority of the MK IIs received a naturally aspirated 2.2 liter twin-cam four cylinder that produced a respectable 135 horsepower and 145 lbs-ft of torque. This N/A engine was peppy enough to give the MR2 a low seven second 0-60 time, but anyone who wanted real seat-pinning performance need to buy the turbocharged version which sported 3S-GTE motor putting out a mammoth 200 horsepower. With that much power on tap the 2300 lb Toyota becomes an over steer machine. In fact if you aren’t used to mid-engine cars a turbo MR2 can be down right dangerous, especially in the rain.

Handling characteristics are pretty much what you would expect from a light mid-engine Toyota. Early on the second generation MR2 was heavily criticized for being too twitchy, but in 1993 Toyota revised the rear suspension with enough tweaks to really settle the MR2. Post ‘93 the Toyota’s work very well. Even with a mid-engine they can be worked to the limit and still feel quite predictable and easy to handle. Turn-in is also light and easy, and while the car isn’t quite 914 nimble, it can get through a twisty stretch of road with the best of them.

The good news for MR2 fans is that this more luxurious SW20 version of Toyotas tiny two-seater is extremely affordable. Good clean versions with the naturally aspirated engine range from $2000-$5000. Turbos will fetch a bit more and are getting hard to come by but there are plenty of people who have swapped turbo motors into non-turbo cars. While these cars are pretty bullet proof, there are plenty of MR2s out there that have been thrashed around pretty hard. A thorough mechanical inspection is highly recommended and it is important to be extra-wary of any vehicles that have had engines swapped into them. But if you can find a nice clean example this is great way to own a fun sports car with Toyota dependability.

-Bill Mertz

Toyota, MR2, over steer second generation, sport car, mid-engine