2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder: Road Test
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2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder ▼
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- MSRP: $24,645 -$25,645
- Invoice: $22,302 -$23,207
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Our road test for the 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder help you decide if a 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.9 |
Toyota pegs 0-60 mph at 6.9 sec, but manual-transmission test model took almost 8. Happily, precise, short-throw gearbox and smooth, light clutch help extract all the performance available. Have not yet tested a 6-speed SMT model.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.1 |
As frugal as an everyday Toyota Corolla. Test MR2 averaged 26.5 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests. MR2 uses regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 3.5 |
Not uncomfortable for a sports car, but often jiggly, 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 | 7.7 |
Go-Kart agile, abetted by quick, direct steering. Minimal cornering lean, but rear weight bias demands care on wet roads to avoid unwanted tail sliding; wider rear tires may make '03 more secure. 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 small standard wind deflector.
CONTROLS
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6 |
Cozy cockpit, so everything's up close and readable. Climate and audio controls are large, intuitive, well-placed.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4.7 |
Low-slung cockpit has only adequate 6-footer space, thinly padded seats, pedals set rather close together. Relatively high sills also impede entry/exit. Low cowl and short hood give a clear view ahead, and taller drivers can just see the rear corners with top up.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 0 | 1.1 |
(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 | 6.1 |
The nimble MR2 delivers genuine sports-car thrills, but compared to its natural rival, the Mazda Miata, it's more a short-haul commuter or weekend toy. No car for sale in the U.S. has less cargo space. Miata is more practical day-to-day--and a better dollar value.
Total Score
| Base, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 47 | 47.3 |
Total Score: 47
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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