shot in Hungary by Roshake 77
We’ve had numerous gen1 MR2’s and several gen2’s, but to the best of my knowledge, never a gen3 (W30), known in the US as the MR2 Spyder. It was a considerable change from what had come before, due to being a roadster. Undoubtedly the great success of the Miata influenced that decision. And it was smaller and lighter than the gen2 version, in that regard it was closer to the brilliant little wedge that started the lineage.
I always thought it was something of a 7/8ths Porsche Boxster, which had arrived in 1996 to a lot of acclaim and strong interest. Like the first Boxster, the MR2 Spyder was not exactly brimming with power, given its 138 hp 1.8L four mounted transversely midships. But like the Boxster, the MR2 Spyder was was superb handler, the best of the line and about as good as any sporty car of its time. It wasn’t much of a sales success, but it did had devoted fans that couldn’t get enough of its fun-to-drive qualities.
I was rather strongly attracted to it in its day, significantly more so than a Miata. I liked its proportions and stance, and have always been a fan of rear and rear-mid engines. Bring out the tail! All it needed was swing axles to really make it a modern reincarnation of the very first Porsche 356.
The fact that they were so much less common than the ubiquitous red Miata, the generic mid-life sports car of our times, was of course another reason I liked it. It’s an outsider.
The Miata had lost its pop up lights so they were little less desirable to me when these were released. I really liked the MR2 Spyder but Toyota decided not to sell them in Canada not that I could have afforded or justified one at the time. But they remain rare in Canada beyond the rare example someone imported from the US or Japan.
Both the MR2 and the Miata were great little cars. This version cameandwent so fast I rarely saw one. When I did – it was this color.
I really enjoyed the Miata I had, and I really enjoyed the MR2, first generation as well. I can understand the fandom both generates. I agree with you Paul that the MR2 Spyder is the best of both. It is even as good as the Miata’s bigger siblings.
At the time I preferred the Miata for its more conventional layout. Knowing what I know know, I agree that this is the more compelling choice.
If the Anti-Miata (MR2 Spyder) and Miata were to collide, would they annihilate each other and release a tremendous amount of energy? ;o)
I prefer these to the Miata as well but I find the Gen III styling direction questionable, I think they were going for a boxy Boxter kind of look but it strongly reminds me of the Mercury Capri roadster more than it or the wedgy Gen 1 MR2.
Already not really partial to mid-engine dynamics, the interior design of this car absolutely killed any chance of me consider it. Was just not a fan at all – and I owned one of those Capris.
Great car for autocross and you can dump a V6 into it and now you got the car Toyota should have built.
The CC effect continues?
I sometimes get in trouble when posting cars that are for me a little on the exotic side. 🙂 But I came across what I assume is a gen 3 MR2 in Vancouver a few weeks ago. I checked CC when I got home, but seeing a number of MR2’s didn’t upload it.
Pics in the Cohort, today’s date.
MX5s are everywhere thanx to ex JDM imports lots of them being Eunos branded and automatic MR2s are rarer and more sought after and consequently more expensive
I’ve wondered that with so many FWD drivetrain packages out there, why this layout isn’t more popular. From X1/9 to MR2 to Fiero, none of them proved long-lasting.
A new version with the 300+ hp Camry V6 would be wonderful. A mass-market Lotus Evora. Or another version with the Camry Hybrid drivetrain. A 200+ hp, 87-octane sipping 50 MPG mid-engine wonder.
It’s a pity the original Mazda Miata didn’t go down this route (with a transplanted 323 drivetrain) But if it did, maybe it would have been long gone by now like the others.
I’ve only driven first generation MR2s and was really impressed with them. I didn’t care for the second generation style and kind of lost interest. I see spyders around here on occasion but they seem so different than what I liked about the first generation. Of course I haven’t driven one either but I’m sure they are a kick. I can’t justify owning something like this at this time but maybe later. Thanks for reminding me that they exist.
Here’s a local Yellow 2002 on Craigslist if anyone is interested.
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/d/pleasant-hill-2002-mr2-spyder-speed/7350517977.html
This one hangs out on my summer bike route coming home from the beach.