2000-2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
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2000-2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder ▼

  • Price Range:  $6,400 - $15,000
CG Rating

43

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2000-2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Acceleration
  • Instruments/controls
  • Brake performance
  • Steering/handling

Cons

  • Entry/exit
  • Cargo room

Vehicle Highlights

Borrowing a name from the recent past, Toyota launched a mid-engined, rear-drive, two-passenger sports car as a late 2000 model. The name and configuration had last been seen in 1995, in the form of an MR2 coupe. This time, Toyota made the MR2 a Spyder convertible instead. Priced to go against the popular Mazda Miata roadster, the MR2 Spyder also competed against the more costly BMW Z3-Series and Honda's S2000. Built on a modified version of the Corolla sedan platform, the MR2 held a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, adapted from the one in the larger Celica sport coupe. Tuned to deliver 138 horsepower, the engine came only with a five-speed manual transmission. The folding soft top contained a glass rear window with defroster provision. No lift-off hardtop was available, so the MR2 Spyder was strictly a convertible. Standard equipment included all-disc antilock braking, air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, power mirrors and locks, power mirrors, a CD/cassette stereo system, and 15-inch alloy wheels. No factory options were offered, but a Toyota dealer could install a tonneau cover, front-end mask, and wheel locks. Toyota intended to limit availability to about 5,000 cars per year.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Toyota MR2 Spyder Rating
Performance 6
Fuel Economy 7
Ride Quality 3
Steering/Handling/Braking 9
Quietness 3
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 4
Room/Comfort (rear) 0
Cargo Capacity 1
Value within Class 3
Total Score: 43
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2000-2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2000-2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder.

Year to Year Changes


2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder: Because the MR2 Spyder had been launched late in the 2000 model year, nothing changed for 2001.
2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder: Technology took center stage for 2002, as a unique new transmission became available. Working without a clutch, the optional sequential manual gearbox had no conventional "H" pattern shift lever. Gears could be changed by moving a floor lever forward to upshift, or back to downshift. Or, the driver could use an optional pair of steering-wheel buttons to accomplish the same task. No automatic-shifting capability was provided, and no automatic transmission was available for the MR2 Spyder.
2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder: The sequential manual transmission was upgraded from 5 speeds to 6 for '03. Exterior changes included a reshaped nose, new headlamps and taillights, and color-keyed instead of black side air intakes. MR2 also got restyled gauges, chrome and metal-look interior trim, standard fog lights, and a power antenna in place of a fixed mast type. Wheel size stayed 15 inches in front, but grew to 16 inches in the rear, where slightly wider tires are fitted as well. Cruise control was a new feature with the SMT.
2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder: New for '04 is the availability of a limited-slip differential on the MR2 Spyder.
2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder: This midengine 2-seat sports car is essentially unchanged for 2005, which is its final year.

Our road test for the 2000-2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2000-2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2000-2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Razor-sharp reflexes combine with adequate power to make the MR2 Spyder feel like a big Go-cart. Toyota claimed the MR2 could accelerate to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, but a test car needed nearly 8 seconds. Happily, a smooth, light clutch and a precise short-throw gearshift extract all the available performance. Also pleasing is the fact that the MR2 is as frugal as a Corolla. When new, a test model average 26.5 mpg, despite hard driving, using regular fuel. Firm damping, a short wheelbase, low weight and somewhat limited wheel travel translate to a "busy" ride. Though not uncomfortable for a sports car, some sharp bumps can cause momentary skipping. Virtually no body lean is evident in curves, and the MR2 handles very nimbly on twisty roads, helped by quick and direct steering. Beware in fast wet-road cornering, because this mid-engined car is slightly tail-heavy. Braking is powerful, with virtually no nosedive in hard stops. Expect a noisy experience except in gentle cruising, where tire thrum takes over. Wind rush is copious with the top up, but wind buffeting is modest, thanks more to the low seating than the standard flip-up plastic wind deflector. Luggage space is minuscule, so travel light. Only 1.9 cubic feet of cargo space is provided, and most of that is behind the seats, with dual locking covers. Seating is bathtub-low, sills are high and wide, and door openings aren't that large. Taller occupants get only adequate head and leg room. Getting in and out isn't easy, either. Controls are easy to see and reach, including simple climate and audio controls. Seats are upholstered in grippy fabric, but padding seems skimpy. The low cowl and short hood give a clear view ahead, and top-up visibility isn't bad.
Value for the Money
Nimble and eager, the MR2 delivers genuine sports-car thrills. Compared to the more practical Miata, however, it's more of a short-haul commuter or weekend toy. Workmanship on an early test MR2 was disappointing for Toyota, prompting several squeaks and rattles.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Toyota MR2 Spyder Rating
Performance 6
Fuel Economy 7
Ride Quality 3
Steering/Handling/Braking 9
Quietness 3
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 4
Room/Comfort (rear) 0
Cargo Capacity 1
Value within Class 3
Total Score: 43

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.

Brake noise: Original-equipment brakes make clicking noises. (2000)

Hood/trunk: Some hoods may be hard to open because of poor spring effort. There is a new hood latch with new springs to correct the problem. (2000-01)

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 $395
Alternator $535
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $790
Brakes $455
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $390
Constant Velocity Joints $850
Exhaust System $650
Radiator $405
Shocks and/or Struts $1,300
Timing Chain or Belt $560
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
2005
MR2 Spyder $15,200-16,500 $13,800-15,000 $9,600-10,400
2004
MR2 Spyder $13,300-14,500 $12,100-13,200 $7,800-8,600
2003
MR2 Spyder $11,500-12,500 $10,400-11,300 $6,300-6,900
2002
MR2 Spyder $9,800-10,800 $8,800-9,700 $5,100-5,600
2001
MR2 Spyder $8,300-9,300 $7,500-8,400 $4,300-4,800
2000
MR2 Spyder $7,200-8,100 $6,400-7,200 $3,500-4,000
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 convertible
Wheelbase, in. 96.5
Overall Length, in. 153.0
Overall Width, in. 66.7
Overall Height, in. 48.8
Curb Weight, lbs. 2195
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 1.9
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 12.7
Seating Capacity 2
Front Head Room, in. 38.5
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.2
Rear Head Room, in. --
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

In 2000-01, all MR2 Spyders had the same powertrain: a dual-overhead-cam, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine working with a five-speed manual transmission. A 5-speed sequential manual gearbox became available for 2002 and was upgraded to 6-speeds in '03.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
dohc I4 1.8 / 109 138 125 5-speed manual: 25/30
SMT manual: 25/33		 5-speed manual: 26.5
SMT 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%.


No Recall History is available at this time.


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