2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Freshened styling and a revised transmission highlight this small sports convertible for 2003. The "Mid-Rear-engine 2-seat" MR2 Spyder uses a 1.8-liter 4-cyl engine and comes with a conventional 5-speed manual transmission or a sequential manual transmission. The SMT is now a 6-speed unit instead of a 5 speed. Toyota's SMT uses computer control to eliminate the clutch pedal. A floor-mounted lever moves forward for upshifts, back for downshifts; steering-wheel shift buttons are a separate option. The SMT has no automatic shift mode, and no conventional automatic transmission is offered. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard, but side airbags are unavailable. MR2 has a manual-folding top with heated glass rear window. For 2003, exterior changes include a reshaped nose, new headlamps and taillights, and color-keyed instead of black side air intakes. MR2 also gets restyled gauges, chrome and metal-look interior trim, standard fog lights, and a power antenna in place of a fixed mast type. The optional leather upholstery, black or tan, is newly color-keyed to match the top. Wheel size stays 15 inches in front, but grows to 16 inches in the rear, where slightly wider tires are fitted as well. Cruise control is a new feature with the SMT.

COMPETITION

This class features an interesting mix of hard-core performance models and more luxurious touring convertibles. Our Best Buys give you a little of both worlds. Chevrolet Corvette is fast, comfortable, and reasonably affordable, but it doesn't beat you up with a hard ride, and it will cruise quietly at highway speeds. Our other Best Buy, Mazda Miata, is a bare-bones roadster with few frills at a great price. For weekend fun on a twisty back road, it's hard to beat.

A Recommended selection, Honda S2000 offers up all the performance and thrills of a traditional sports car without the intimidating price tag. Audi's TT is solid, stylish, and loaded with features making it fit for the Recommended list as well. Like no other in its class, TT offers the all-weather advantage of available quattro AWD at a great price. New this year is the Nissan 350Z. It offers heart-stopping performance and civility at a very reasonable price. After additional tests we may well move this vehicle to a Best Buy.