2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

This midengine 2-seat sports car is essentially unchanged for 2005, which is its final year. MR2 teams a 1.8-liter 4-cyl engine with 5-speed manual transmission or an available 6-speed sequential manual transmission. The SMT uses computer control to eliminate the clutch pedal. A floor-mounted lever moves forward for upshifts, back for downshifts; steering-wheel buttons can also control shifting. Toyota's SMT has no automatic shift mode, and no conventional automatic transmission is offered. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard, as is a manual folding top with heated glass rear window. Leather upholstery and limited-slip differential are optional. Side airbags are unavailable. Reflecting minuscule U.S. demand in recent years, Toyota says MR2 ended production in January 2005, with sales continuing until inventory is exhausted.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. The Sporty/Performance Car class consists of two-seat roadsters, 4-cyl hatchbacks, and V8 muscle cars. Regardless of configuration, all have an emphasis on affordable performance.

Our Best Buys include the Mazda Miata, and Pontiac GTO. Our Recommended picks are the Acura RSX, Ford Mustang, Honda S2000, Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z, and Scion tC.