Toyota MR2 Spyder - Exclusive Review by Glenn Gould

Exclusive Carweb.com Road Review
by Glenn Gould

2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder

Splish, splash.

The sky was black and already a few large, juicy raindrops were splattering against the windshield. We gave our 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder more gas hoping to out run the impending deluge. No luck, a moment later a curtain of water overtook us. We jabbed the MR2's brakes and skittered to a stop at the roads edge. We grabbed the manual top's handle and tugged the roof up. Within seconds we were as-snug-as-a-slightly-damp-bug-in-a-rug.

Even the downpour did not dampen our enthusiasm for the Spyder. Although the MR2 is a "genuine" mid-engine sports car, its rain-slicked road manners were impeccable. The front and rear tires held firm to the pavement no matter how hard the torrents came down. The Toyota's precise electro-hydraulic power-assisted steering allowed us to dodge deep puddles and swing around downed branches with ease. Also, a series of rain slick turns were taken with nearly a bobble from the cars suspension.

Of course fair weather motoring was a pleasure in our 2001 MR2. The drop-top Toyota had a standard folding wind deflector. This device kept the draft off your neck and also made open-air conversation easier. Even though the top was manually operated, it took minimal effort to raise and lower it. Also, when down, it partially tucks under a hatch behind the seats. So you don't have to waste valuable sun-time snapping on a top-boot.

Sunny weather was also the best time to step back and take a look at our Spectra Blue Mica Spyder. Coming or going, there is no question that it has a Porsche Boxster look to it. Both are mid-engine sports cars and the MR2 has a large functional side air intake just rear of the doors, as does the Boxster. Although equally aggressive, the MR2's styling is crisper and less rounded than the Boxster. Two huge taillight pods dominate the rear of the MR2. They reminded us of the red-hot exhaust of a jet fighter.

You sit low in the MR2 and with the top up your vision to the rear is restricted. However the top has a real glass rear window. It is heated, so we had a clear view to the rear despite the damp interior. Also, the MR2 is a "true" 2-seat roadster. There is no occasional rear seat or even a package shelf. There are however, two small lockable storage compartments behind the seats. The MR2 takes the minimalist approach to open-air motoring. There is virtually no trunk in the car. You can get a small briefcase under the front hatch, but the operative word here is small. That space is shared with the spare tire. You won't find luxurious leather upholstery or exotic wood accents in the MR2, either.

Don't let that rain on your parade though; the MR2 is not a stripper. The steering wheel and gearshift lever are leather covered. Also, it has sporty drilled aluminum pedals. White-faced instruments, three spoke steering wheel and other dull-aluminum appointments also enhance the MR2's sports car look. Also standard are, power windows and power door locks and a deluxe 3-in-1 AM/FM ERT/Cassette/CD with 4 speakers. The MR2 has a standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), too.

Rain or shine the 5-speed manual transmission was smooth shifting. Admittedly the MR2 Spyder is not a pavement pounding super sports car a'la Viper. However, weighing in at only 2,195 lbs the MR2's 135hp 4-cylinder engine provided plenty of zap. Pour on the power and accompanying the acceleration is the enjoyable clamor of the engine from just behind the seats. The MR2 feels and sounds like a sports car should. Although we would have liked a louder rip from the Spyders's exhaust. It was a lot of fun zipping around in traffic or cruising the country lanes. On the roads we drove on the MR2's body structure felt solid and rattle free top up or down.

Although the weather was stormy for part of our test ride there was a pot-of-gold at the end of rainbow, the MR2's price. With a list price of $23,098 the 2001 Toyota MR2 is a very affordable sports car. The MR2's specification sheet reads like that of exotic sports cars costing three to four times as much as it does.

Don't sweat the dark rain clouds, put the top down. You won't melt and neither will the MR2.

-Glenn Gould

CHEERS
1. It's fun
2. It's affordable

JEERS
1. Lack of storage space