2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder: Road Test
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2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder ▼
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- MSRP: $23,735 -$24,515
- Invoice: $21,479 -$22,185
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Our road test for the 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder help you decide if a 2002 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. We haven't had an opportunity to test the new sequential manual transmission.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.1 |
As frugal as an everyday Toyota Corolla. We averaged 26.5 mpg, even with lots of aggressive acceleration--and MR2 uses regular gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 3.5 |
Not uncomfortable for a sports car, but busy, thanks to firm suspension, short wheelbase, low weight, and rather limited wheel travel. Some sharp bumps cause momentary skipping.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 9 | 7.4 |
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 are 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 | 5.5 |
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 | 4.5 |
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 | 2.9 |
A mere 1.9 cu ft, most of it in a behind-the-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 | 5.2 |
The nimble MR2 delivers genuine sports-car thrills, but compared to its natural rival, the Mazda Miata, it's a short-haul commuter or weekend toy. Miata is more practical day-to-day--and a better dollar value.
Total Score
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 47 | 45.5 |
Total Score: 47
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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