1997 TOYOTA MR2 SW20 2WD
1997 TOYOTA MR2 SW20 2WD
1997 TOYOTA MR2 E-SW20
1997 TOYOTA MR2 E-SW20 2WD
1999 TOYOTA MR2 SW20 2WD
1998 TOYOTA MR2 SW20 2WD
1997 TOYOTA MR2 SW20
1994 TOYOTA MR2 E-SW20
1994 TOYOTA MR2 E-SW20 2WD
1999 TOYOTA MR2 SW20 2WD
1994 TOYOTA MR2 E-SW20 4WD
1998 TOYOTA MR2 2WD
1995 TOYOTA MR2 E-SW20
1995 TOYOTA MR2 E-SW20 2WD
1995 TOYOTA MR2 SW20 2WD
Buying Guide
Toyota first launched the MR2 in 1984 with a trendy and sporty design at that time. The name MR2 is an acronym for “mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-seater”. From the time of its launch until today, car enthusiasts often call the MR2 the nickname "baby Ferrari" because of its design and engine configuration. Let's deep down to know what makes MR2 so special:
A Brief Of Toyota MR2
Toyota MR2 is a sports car sold by Toyota from 1984 to 2007, spanning three generations: W10 (1984–1989), W20 (1989–1999) and W30 (2000–2007).
Regarded as a small, economical and sporty car, the MR2 bears straightforward design elements, including fully independent MacPherson strut front and rear suspensions, four wheel disc brakes, and transverse-mounted inline-four engines. To understand more about this sportscar line, let’s go through 3 generations:
Generation | 1984-1989 | 1989-1999 | 2000-2007 |
Also called | Toyota MR | Toyota MR | Toyota MR2 or Toyota MR-S (Japan) |
Body style | 2-door coupé or T-top | 2-door coupé or T-top | 2-door convertible |
Engine |
1.5 L 3A-LU I4 (AW10) 1.6 L 4A-GE DOHC I4 (AW11) 1.6 L 4A-GZE supercharged I4 (AW11) |
2.2 L 5S-FE I4 (SW21) 2.0 L 3S-FE I4 (SW20) 2.0 L 3S-GE I4 (SW20) |
1.8 L (1,794 cc) 1ZZ-FED I4 (ZZW30) |
Transmission |
5-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
5-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
5-speed manual 6-speed manual (Europe) 5-speed AMT 6-speed AMT |
Curb Weight | 1,035 kg - 1,131 kg | 1,179 kg - 1,250 kg | 996 kg |
Even though production stopped in 2007, the MR2 is still one of the most common models by racers. Through 3 generations of innovations aimed at enhancing customers' driving experience, each generation created its successes and milestones at that time, however, one of the generations that is popular among car enthusiasts is the most sought after, especially in the US market, is the models from the 2nd generation (1989 -1999). Spend your time with us to find out about this generation:
Toyota MR2 1989 - 1999: A Detailed Review
Car From Japan sells mostly the second generation (1989 - 1999), which was the pinnacle of sports cars of the old time before the new millennium.
Specification
Production | 1989 – August 1999 |
Body style | 2-door coupé or T-top |
Chassis | Coupé |
Seating capacity | 2 |
Class | Sport car |
Drivetrain | Transverse mid-engine, rear-wheel drive |
Transmission |
5-speed manual |
Engine |
2.2 L 5S-FE I4 (SW21) |
Maximum power | 200 bhp (203 PS; 149 kW) at 6,000 rpm |
Fuel economy | 31 mpg |
Wheelbase | 2,400 mm (94.5 in) |
Length | 4,171 mm (164.2 in) |
Width | 1,699 mm (66.9 in) |
Height | 1,234 mm (48.6 in) |
Curb weight | 1,250 kg |
Ground clearance | 130 - 140 mm |
Exterior
As a compact sports car, the Toyota MR2 (W20) has overall dimensions of length x width x height of 4,171 mm x 1,699 mm x 1,234 mm, with a wheelbase of 2,400 mm and a weight of 1250 kg. In the world, the MR2 is often famous for its "transformations" into special supercar models such as Lamborghini Murcielago SV, Lamborghini Veneno, Ferrari 250 GTO, Ferrari LaFerrari,...
There are none of those outdated hard lines and sharp edges from the older Toyota MR2 sports cars generation. The 2nd generation Toyota MR2 has an athletic stance with pretty little two doors, a mid-engine, Targo top, and well-balanced proportions. It’s hard to believe after two decades those lines and trims can still ride well on the road without an outdated feel, but classic vibe instead, which we have seen a lot in old racing movies.
The front view features a pair of massive headlights which can be raised when needed at night. These unique pop-up headlights are interestingly controlled independently, and the driver can control the up-and-down of those big headlights to look like wild winking on a human’s face. Those are the most impressive on the front view, looking intriguing, but sporty, and give a likably thrilling feel to any auto-heads. It gives the enthusiasts a pride that they can utilize to impress anyone they may pick up on the street. The contour and pointy head design form a lower, sleeker, aerodynamically faster Toyota MR2 beast.
Interior
One of the MR2's best features is its interior, which can accommodate two people in supportive, comfortable seats. Inside, you will find yourself in a tight cockpit, the sports seats fit human anatomy and posture, with everything within easy reach. The steering can be adjustable for height, not reach, but the seat is fully adjustable. The bliss of a simple instrument and control layout are intended for a focus on speed driving. Storage space is never the strength of sports cars so you will not want a lot of luggage on a weekend picnic trip.
The coupe came with a fully functional dashboard that manipulates power windows, central locking, fog lamps, high-mounted stop lamps, and AM/FM stereo sound. The steering wheel, gear shift knob, and sound system are all upgraded with the 1994 facelift.
Operational excellence
European Toyota MR2s are exclusively installed with Toyota’s 4A-GE engine, which has already been used in the AE86 Corolla – the one that inspired today’s GT86 coupe. MR2 engine displaced 1587cc and was fitted with Denso electronic port fuel injection. Toyota’s T-VIS variable intake system was also fitted and that was advanced technology on a small and affordable sports car. Power outputs varied from market to market, but UK-spec cars produced up to 122bhp. Even a five-speed gearbox was sexy with sports cars such as the Triumph Spitfire. MGB is still warm in their graves.
Performance and driving experience
Follow the Toyota service schedule and the Toyota MR2 will give you little trouble. Stray away from the recommendations and you risk problems. Regular changes of the engine coolant are recommended, but be careful to bleed the system properly. Airlocks in the system caused by bleeding the system incorrectly will almost certainly lead to engine damage and overheating.
The cam-timing belt needs to be changed every 100,000 km or five years. But the engine is a free-spinning design. While a broken belt can leave you stranded by the roadside, the engine won’t be internally damaged.
The clutch is relatively heavy-footed. Clutch life can also be shortened if the car is driven carelessly. Generally, it’s possible to drive for 100,000 km before replacing the clutch, but hard driving can cut that to about 80,000 km. The gearbox is generally decent, but there are reports of notchy gear shifts. Using higher-grade oil in the gearbox is the most common fix.
Price
Since the beloved Toyota MR2 ceased production in 2007, its price is largely determined by factors like model year, condition, mileage, and overall collectability. Here's a glimpse into the price range you can expect:
- Lower Range: You might find MR2s in fairly good condition, with moderate mileage and earlier model years, starting around $5,000.
- Average Range: Expect to pay around $15,000 to $20,000 for well-maintained examples with desirable features and lower mileage, particularly from the later years.
- Higher Range: Pristine condition, low mileage MR2s, especially the rarer turbocharged models, can reach $30,000 or even higher, depending on their collectability and specific features.
Remember, these are just estimates, and the actual price can vary.
Ready to embark on a thrilling journey in a piece of automotive history? Browse our extensive selection of Toyota MR2s at Car From Japan and discover the perfect one to ignite your passion!