1991-1995 Toyota MR2: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1991-1995 Toyota MR2 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Noise
- Cargo room
- Ride
Vehicle Highlights
After a half-decade on the market in its prior form, Toyota's mid-engined, rear-drive sports car earned a redesign for 1991. Dubbed "Mister Two," the 2-seater skipped the 1990 model year completely. The reworked version arrived in spring of that year, as an early '91 model. Bigger and racier in appearance than its predecessor, the 1991 MR2 displayed Ferrari-like styling and offered more power than before. Base models got a 130-horsepower, 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine, borrowed from Toyota's Celica GT/GT-S. A turbocharged, 200-horsepower 2.1-liter engine, also used in the Celica All-Trac Turbo, went into the Turbo MR2. Both engines were dual-overhead-cam designs with four valves per cylinder, mounted transversely behind the 2-passenger cockpit. A supercharged engine, available in 1989, was not used in the new generation. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard, with 4-speed automatic optional for nonturbo models. Unequal-size tires and wheels were installed: 195/60 on 6-inch wheels up front, versus 205/60 on 7-inch wheels at the rear. T-bar roof panels were available on the Turbo and the base MR2, but an optional pop-up/removable moonroof could be installed instead. Riding a wheelbase that had been increased by 3.2 inches, measuring 9.3 inches longer overall, the new MR2 weighed 350 to 400 pounds more than its predecessor. A driver's airbag was standard, and antilock braking was a new option. So was electro-hydraulic power steering.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Toyota MR2 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 1 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 36 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1991-1995 Toyota MR2. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1991-1995 Toyota MR2.
Year to Year Changes
1992 Toyota MR2 Spyder:
Following a full redesign for 1991, the new MR2 was virtually unchanged in its second season.
1993 Toyota MR2 Spyder:
An updated MR2 debuted in March 1992, as an early '93 model. Suspension revisions were intended to reduce rear-end breakaway in hard cornering. Changes included reduced ride height, higher-rate springs and shock absorbers, stiffer bushings, and longer rear toe-control arms. Tires grew wider and bigger in diameter (now 15-inch). Alloy wheels got a fresh design, and the base engine grew from 130 to 135 horsepower. Both models gained a larger front air intake. All Turbo coupes now had the previously optional T-bar roof. Turbo coupes gained an 8-speaker audio system as well as standard air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, and power door locks.
1994 Toyota MR2 Spyder:
A passenger-side airbag joined the driver's airbag for 1994. Both MR2 models got revised taillamps and minor tweaks to the suspension components and shock absorbers. The base model added standard air conditioning and a newly designed one-piece rear spoiler. Previously, spoilers were reserved for Turbos. Air conditioning switched to non-CFC refrigerant.
1995 Toyota MR2 Spyder:
Toyota's midengine coupe entered its final season without change, except that the base model with T-bar roof gained a Power Package (power windows and door locks) as standard equipment. Steadily escalating prices and high insurance premiums had contributed to serious declining MR2 sales. Several years later, as the new century began, Toyota would revive the MR2 name for its new midengine Spyder convertible.
Our road test for the 1991-1995 Toyota MR2 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1991-1995 Toyota MR2 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1991-1995 Toyota MR2 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
High in fun quotient, the MR2 isn't too bad in practicality, either. Performance is a plus, especially with the Turbo, which accelerated to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. A stick-shift base model, in contrast, took 8.5 seconds to reach that velocity. A turbocharger isn't necessary to enjoy the merits of an MR2, because the base model is nearly as much fun--and markedly cheaper, even today. With the engine sitting right behind your ears, you're sure to hear a lot of mechanical noise. Road rumble also may be prominent, due to the aggressive tire-tread design of the original high-performance tires. With a firm suspension and wide tires on the MR2, you'll feel most bumps and endure some harshness on washboard surfaces and heavily patched pavement, where the ride can become jiggly. Making up for that drawback, you'll be able to scoot around corners practically like a Go-Kart. You can expect crisp turn-in and a virtually flat cornering attitude when the car is driven assertively. Braking is swift and stable, too. Watch out for the tendency of the rear tires to suddenly skid sideways under hard throttle in a sharp turn. That's not unusual behavior for a rear-drive sports car, but it can be tricky for the less-experienced driver. Suspension modifications for 1993 helped, but it's still necessary to be wary in later models. Turbo fuel economy disappoints. We got only 19.6 mpg overall when the car was new. Cargo space divides between nooks around the spare tire in the nose (about 1 cubic foot) and a deep, oblong trunk behind the engine (5.5 cubic feet). Obviously, you'll need to travel light. The low-slung cockpit looks snug, but provides more than adequate adult-size room and good outward visibility.
Value for the Money
Billed as an "affordable exotic," the MR2 was a slow seller. Soaring prices helped kill it, and they remain relatively high today. Because no one else offered a 2-seat midengined sports car in its price class, however, if that's what you want, Toyota is the only game in town. Fortunately, Toyota's reputation for solid workmanship makes the MR2 a better value.
Billed as an "affordable exotic," the MR2 was a slow seller. Soaring prices helped kill it, and they remain relatively high today. Because no one else offered a 2-seat midengined sports car in its price class, however, if that's what you want, Toyota is the only game in town. Fortunately, Toyota's reputation for solid workmanship makes the MR2 a better value.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Toyota MR2 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 1 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 36 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Toyota MR2 Spyder includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Toyota MR2 Spyder .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Audio system:
Several problems with the sound system including CD player that skips or fails to play due to lens distortion (1992), CD skips or displays "ERR" (1992-92), cassette tapes will not eject (1990), whining noise from the speakers produced by alternator (1991), sound cuts out in cold weather (1991).
Audio system:
The dome light may not work, the door speakers may cut out or quit working, and/or the radio may quit working because water gets into the wiring harness and causes corrosion in the terminals. (1991)
Steering problems:
If power steering pump relay fails, power steering assist may become excessive. (1991-95)
Vehicle noise:
A clicking or ticking noise, that sounds like a speedometer cable problem ,is caused by the drive-motor circuitry requiring replacement. (1991)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $810 |
| Alternator | $295 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,125 |
| Brakes | $330 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $575 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,100 |
| Exhaust System | $345 |
| Radiator | $635 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $950 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $265 |
Our price chart for this generation Toyota MR2 Spyder details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1995 | |||
| MR2 | $3,100-3,800 | $2,400-3,000 | $700-900 |
| MR2 Turbo | $4,300-5,300 | $3,600-4,400 | $1,500-1,800 |
| 1994 | |||
| MR2 | $2,600-3,300 | $1,900-2,400 | $500-700 |
| MR2 Turbo | $3,500-4,500 | $2,800-3,600 | $900-1,200 |
| 1993 | |||
| MR2 | $2,200-2,800 | $1,600-2,000 | $400-500 |
| MR2 Turbo | $3,000-3,700 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-900 |
| 1992 | |||
| MR2 | $1,800-2,400 | $1,200-1,600 | $300-400 |
| MR2 Turbo | $2,500-3,100 | $1,800-2,300 | $500-700 |
| 1991 | |||
| MR2 | $1,500-2,100 | $1,000-1,400 | $200-300 |
| MR2 Turbo | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Toyota MR2 Spyder include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 94.5 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 164.2 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.9 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 48.6 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2657 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 6.6 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.3 | |
| Seating Capacity | 2 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.5 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.4 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
As the name suggests, Turbo coupes got a turbocharged engine: a 2.0-liter unit that made 200 horsepower, borrowed from the Toyota Celica All-Trac Turbo. Also borrowed from the Celica, the 2.2-liter base engine was rated at 130 horsepower, increased to 135 for 1993. A 5-speed manual gearbox was standard, and the only choice for Turbos. A 4-speed automatic transmission could be installed in nonturbo models.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.2 / 132 | 130-135 | 140-145 | 5-speed manual: 22/29 4-speed automatic: 21/28 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| Turbocharged dohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 200 | 200 | 5-speed manual: 20/27 | 5-speed manual: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse mid-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Toyota MR2 Spyder include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1991-1995 Toyota MR2 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1991-92:
Driver's occupant protection system (steering wheel and airbag) exceeds thorax criterion in NHTSA crash tests.
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