2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder: Road Test
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2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder ▼
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- MSRP: $23,585
- Invoice: $21,344
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Our road test for the 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder help you decide if a 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.7 |
Toyota pegs 0-60 mph at 6.9 sec., but our well-used test model took almost 8. Happily, precise, short-throw gearbox and smooth, light clutch help extract all the performance available.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.1 |
As frugal as an everyday Toyota Corolla. We averaged 26.5 mpg despite hard charging--and on regular gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 3.5 |
Not uncomfortable for a sports car, but busy, thanks to firm damping, short wheelbase, low weight, rather limited wheel travel. Some sharp bumps cause momentary skipping.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 9 | 6.8 |
A Razor scooter with four wheels, with steering that's direct and quick. Rear weight bias demands care in fast wet-road cornering to avoid unwanted tail sliding. Emergency stops impressively short and flat.
QUIETNESS
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 3.2 |
Engine is right behind your ears and thus loud except in gentle cruising. Plenty of tire thrum and top-up wind rush. Modest top-down buffeting owes more to low-set seats than the small wind deflector.
CONTROLS
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 5.6 |
Everything's close and readable in Spyder's cozy cockpit. Climate and audio controls are large, intuitive, well placed.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4.3 |
Low-slung cockpit has only adequate 6-footer space, thinly padded seats, pedals set rather close together. High sills further impede entry/exit. Low cowl and short hood give a clear view ahead, and taller drivers can just see the rear corners top-up.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 0 | 1.5 |
(No rear seating.)
CARGO ROOM
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 1 | 3 |
A mere 1.9 cu. ft., most of it in a behind-seats bin with dual locking covers, though you might stuff a T-shirt or two around the spare tire up front.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 4.6 |
More a short-haul commuter or weekend toy than its natural rival Mazda Miata, which is just as much fun but more practical day-to-day--and a better value: Though MR2 lists for about the same as Miata, only 5000 are available each year and usually sell at above sticker price.
Total Score
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 46 | 44.3 |
Total Score: 46
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