Affordable, reliable, mid engine, lightweight, quick steering rack, easy on consumables. Easily, my biggest regret ever selling, especially after adding chassis braces. Nothing like it since.

There’s actually a pretty big community of spyders out there, and one of the most common mods is swapping out the 1zz engine for a 2zz engine so for under $15k you can have pretty much 90% of a lotus

Paul’s just butthurt that this car is better than his boxster

Paul wants no part of Todd comparing his beloved Porsche to a Toyota! Hahaha!

Tight steering rack, great handling, easy car to swap 2zz motor in, gets 30mpg on average, reliable, looks great with the right mods. I love mine :)

It was smaller than the existing MR2 as the car’s chief engineer Tadashi Nakagawa described it as breaking the ‘cycle of growth’ of the car industry - a concept that a quarter century on only rival Mazda seems to understand..

Ugly? No not at all! Take from a guy who loved his Omni GLHS! Seriously though I've liked these for a long time simply because they have capabilities that its easy to overlook because of the looks. This makes it a niche car for someone who wants to appreciate the inherent character, and that makes it beautiful to the right buyer/enthusiast. There are still a ton of these running competitively at SCCA Solo II autcross events.

I own a 2003 MR2, and I can assure you that until you drive one, you won't understand what makes these cars fun to drive.

Paul was waaaaay obnoxious in this piece.

Criminally underrated car. Many people snubbed their nose because it didn't come with the 'right' engine and it was slower than the 2nd gen turbo. But on its own it's a super fun lightweight sports car that handles great. I had a DSM and a Skyline before I had my current '01 MR2, and I don't regret buying that car at all. I'm now actively looking for any excuse to run errands so I can get in, put the top down and just get a few miles in.

"I don't think anybody mods this thing..." The mr2 Spyder community: 😔

I considered getting one a couple years ago for $10k and walked away because that was too much at the time. Last time I saw one virtually identical it sold for $14k. The hell is the market right now.

lol "you're not pouring money into this", Everyone k swapping or 2ar swapping these to be the fastest vehicle on track.

I have pretty much stopped riding my bikes as this car is so enjoyable to drive. Feel like a teenager every time I get behind the wheel . . . .

Todd needs to go watch Smoking Tire's One Take of the 2zz swapped MR-S. No amount of this owner's praise will convince anyone compared to Matt Farah's take on this car post-swap. All that to say, I love my poor man's Elise. 😂

If you drive this car and question why toyota took a step back with power etc then you either a) didn't drive it properly or b) have no clue what driving is really about. Fuck speed and power, if this thing gives me a huge thrill at the speed limit on a b Road then that's what I want to drive

Todd has been living under the rock, it's hilarious.

As someone who loves a convertible (and has owned 4 of them), I've wanted one of these for a long while as a second/weekend back road cruiser because it is cheap, lightweight, and mid-engined. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, we all know. I like it. Your recent podcast episode with the GT350 R owner highlighted a problem I have, but solved on my own. I got a screaming deal on a Kia Stinger GT2 in the early part of the pandemic when everyone was panicking. Carmax and Carvana are both willing to pay slightly more than I paid for it. The temptation to say I got paid to drive my "affordable dream car" for a bit more than a year was strong for a couple of weeks. But unlike that Mustang, this is an eminently practical car with the hatch. And, frankly, I've been in love with the idea since they debuted the GT4 Stinger concept back in 2014 when I was still driving my 2010 Genesis Coupe 3.8 GT. I never thought I'd end up being a Korean car guy, but here I am apparently. I'd about give my left arm for that Genesis G70 Shooting Brake to come here.

I good reason to want this over a Boxster, is that it weighs hundreds of pounds less

The whole MR2 is probably up in arms 😂, there is plenty of supporr for the car. It's hard to find one bone stock

One upgrade for this car is to replace the engine with the 180hp 2zz. You guys didn't mention the total lack of storage space.

4th gen MR2 with the yaris GR turbo 3? Yes please!

I bought one, both of my brother in laws bought and one of my best friend just bought one. Its like a go kart on the rd and don’t matter if gas goes to $10/gallon lol I feel richer everyday driving my MR2. Ive own multiple sports car then went and got a range and a tundra but I get excited driving this go kart daily…get one while they’re cheap. They are getting expensive. Going to get the 2zz soon..can’t wait

I wish Paul would let Todd get his point across instead of talking over him to keep pointing out that Toyota doesn't have enough horsepower.

Nobody modding? Damn (nervous laughing), I spent only on mods, new engine, Transmission, TRD parts, braces, S2000 seats, suspension, interior and exterior parts, etc. 15K, I have the car for a year now, only drove it 100 miles, I am waiting for it be finished for 10 months now. But in couple of weeks, I will have my ultimate joy machine, no regrets! I am keeping this pocket monster forever!

If these were just a bit more affordable, the choice would be this or the equivalent corolla. It's insane to me that the AE86 is so revered and yet these are so forgotten.

No cal shake, no weight, handles well, fun to drive, toyota reliability, and there's a bunch out there for these.. Honestly in the market for another toy, and thinking this is the best bargain out there..

Porche Automotive Company invited Toyota engineers to Germany to teach then how to make an affordable sports car, the result was the Porche Boxter, and not long after some of the Toyota engineers who went to Germany, assisted in the production of the MRSpyder. Toyota MR2's are toyota's first and only commercial mid engine car's. One of my favorite Toyota's that's why I have owned a AW11 from 1986 and I now am the proud owner of a 6 speed original Japanese MRSpyder from 2003.

I have always been intrigued by these! Thanks for the review!

Get the 2003 and newer for the suspension and chassis upgrades! At 180 kmiles, the front rotors are still original, and the rear rotors was changed at 178 kmiles. The light weight and mid-engine are the magical ingredients. This is the best overall car I’ve ever driven. I love driving my 2003 than my 2008 BMW M5 V10

I LOVE YOUR COMMENTS ON THIS CAR. IT'S GREAT TO HEAR 2 "CAR" GUYS talking about the pleasures of driving a car that is FUN to DRIVE. Back in 1971 I got a 1964 MGB roadster. It was a BLAST TO DRIVE, BLISTERING FAST. My car before this,my FIRST CAR was a 1959 VW BUG with "36hp" so that MGB was BLISTERING FAST in comparison.😳😉👍😂 It handled pretty good especially after the "BUG" with its swing rear axle when pushed HARD, was kinda SCARY when pushed HARD. AFTER the MGB I got a good deal on a 1974 Fiat X1/9 (first model year). It was a GREAT little car that got good gas mileage and handled OUTSTANDING considering the skinny tires (145RS-13s), they don't make them that small anymore. Unfortunately it was a SNAIL off the LINE but once off the LINE it did OK especially since it had a 1300cc engine and 4speed manual where 4th gear was a slight OVERDRIVE. ONCE I replaced the skinny tires with 185/60VR-13, it was like driving a over GO-KART.😯😃😉 IT WOULD STEAL YOUR BREATH AWAY IN THE CURVES, you would try to HOLD FOR DEAR LIFE. The car stuck to the road like it was on rails. It was just SLOW off the LINE but could cruise at 90 no PROBLEMS because it was so AERODYNAMIC in shape especially for that time and price. It was my 3/4 scale Ferrari as far as handling and its sleek body style but lacked POWER. It was HARD to get into TROUBLE with the lack of POWER. YOU GUYS KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GETTING PEOPLE TO RESURRECT an older SPORTS CAR.😉😁👍

I have a 2ZZ engine in mine, the one in the Lotus Elise. Believe me is a lot more fun.

the reason he dont like it cause its a bit like a boxster just another porsche badge snob really !! i had a mr2 roadster i know have a boxster dont think there is much in it boxster is faster and more expensive to run and service mr2 was just as much fun to drive 2 be honest !!!

I have been waiting for this one! Trusted opinions from a Cayman and Lotus owner( the best ever mid engine non super cars). I think the Spyder's interior feels like what you would expect from the 1st Gen aw11. But the Aw11 is comfortable and we'll equipped in a way I wish the Spyder was.

KMA! I love the look of the 3rd-gen MR2. I enjoy driving a car that everyone does not have.

This is a car that came out before social media hit hard. KZfaq, Instagram, and Meta probably would've made this hugely successful. That and a 2ZZ-GE.

These cars are all about the lateral G: get your foot down on some tight bends. Btw, that particular engine sounds rough. They’re still cheap in England. I’ve had two, and the facelift version post-2003 has 6 gears and bigger rear wheels, the latest being a 2005 that cost me £2700. Plus it looks best in dark grey and black.

They say that clothes make the man, well, along those lines colors make the car and it's interesting that the MR2 Spyder, mid-engine interloper compared to the finer of the breed, in silver it resembles a Porsche Boxster from some angles in its nature; then, in yellow it takes on the feel of a Lotus Elise, again, from some angles. In other colors it looks like its own creation, however, in those two colors mentioned it is interesting how the inspiration from Porsche and Lotus come out. This said, I'm sure to be banned from Everyday Driver having the unmitigated nerve to compared an MR2 to a Porsche or Lotus anything. 🙂 That said, I think for mid-engine with a 2ZZ swap, this is the play.

Maybe you guys should try a Spyder with a Honda K20 (or K24). Either is a popular "mod" among the cognizant fans.

I still remember when my roommate bought one of these 20 years ago when it came out. Was fun to drive but we both spun that thing when the roads got slippery. Plus it was a pretty harsh drive. He outgrew it and ended up selling it 🤷‍♂️

Not mentioned in the video. The driver seats can go lower by adjusting the knobs on left side of the seats. Doing so will lower the drivers overall setting position almost 1 to 2 inch. Tall guys will never pick the Miata over this if they just knew. 🤫

yadi yadi yada, blue shirt has big mouth, small brain. guys, if you want to watch a video of someone who truly appreciates and understands mrs, watch one that is made from 3 years+ ago.

They are funny. "Hold on to the plumbing."

you definitely need to keep an eye on the oil level in an mr2 mk3 😂😂 one thing that little 1zz engine does incredibly well is burn oil 😄👍🏻 trust me 🙂

I love my 2003 MR2 Spyder! Yes, we mod the MR2 Spyder!

Just wish it continued the Gen2 styling

I wanted to buy one of these in '02 new....but the one I wanted was $25K. You guys are making a pretty good case for getting one now (or in a few years).

Paul was super annoying in this video. Talking over Todd, came in with a “my PORSCHE is better” attitude that makes the few compliments he gives fall flat, and didn’t even try to enjoy the car for what it is.

I still want one. Its a Toyota. It will last long

i had an NA 94 mr2 and it was so fun, im seriously considering one

Best handling mods? Ps it’ll be on springs

If Toyota teamed up with Lotus for a 4th gen MR2 how fast would Todd buy it?

Your better going for the face lift 6 speed lsd . The also tweaked the handling. Change the wheel configuration. Fixed all the issues with engine and exhaust. I know the 6 speed is rare in the US . They are coming for 20 years old now and our British weather is unforgiving on th chassis so there are a few specialist breakers who would send out a six speed . Great car bags of fun.

From the driver's seat, I believe it to be more like the 1950's Porsche 356 speedster. It even looks the part with the raised fender line and the dashboard. I cannot afford the Speedster, so my MR2 just suits me fine...and it' safer.

Drive this car on twisty, narrow fast European roads and the driver focused design will make complete sense. Nimble, light, fun to drive. Top speed and horse power is meaningless on twisty 60mph roads.

back in 1980 i own a triumph tr8 with the 318 v-8. that was without a doubt the best sports car. but british leyland only made it for two years. if they had stayed with it and worked out all the little bugs it could have ended up a MUCH better car than the jag. i recently test drove an mr-2 spyder and fell in love with it. i made a huge mistake and listened to my wife and did not buy it. i absolutely agree here that this car must be updated and brought back. i would be the first in line with cash in hand and feel like a kid on Christmas Day. i hope toyota is listening.

I love it have been wanting one for a few years now definitely going to be my next car as soon as I feel like I can afford to buy one

It was an era of Japanese engineering for Japanese sensibilities

Get one of these and wack in a 2ZZ and you suddenly have 95% of the Elise's performance, with AC, a proper soft top, and a slightly better interior. Can't complain about that.

I love my black Spyda with 1zz 6speed smt turbo, TRD body kit, oem hardtop, c-one spoiler, etc...I should upload a video of it

Being that this was issued only one year ago which is not that long ago I figured it's worth it for me to make a comment as there's a good chance that it will be seen. Yes the MR2 of that generation does resemble a Porsche Boxster there's no denying that, however the interior, the Oddity of the interior such as in between the seats the way the storage just is completely flat & vertical, the weird design of the leather covering the seats certainly unique and I will tell you what it looks like in just a second and I think once I reveal this it will all make sense and you will agree. The dashboard setup and again the strange flatness of the stereo system and above and below it as well as the seating position the mid engine layout and how light it is at 2,200 lb which is something just completely unheard of after that point in time for a full production vehicle the only way any other vehicle is ever going to be 2,200 lb or around that are kit cars. Before I reveal what I wanted to say which I think most people either don't know or forget I want to just comment on what you guys were saying in relation to how Toyota went the opposite direction making that generation MR2, and how it may have caused the death of it. As you have stated every generation has to be bigger and better. But though that is correct I agree, I think if we look at many examples not just Automotive but we could even take an example of movies, and rock and roll albums, it is almost always by a huge margin the first generation and introduction of a completely new car for a company's lineup is the one that captures the most emotion and the one that creates the fanbase for the second and third generations and so forth the same way that movie sequels are Never As Good As the original and the third edition of a film is almost certainly to be a flop, however that does not mean that the first edition of hennything did not capture the emotions and hearts of that first crowd of people that fell in love with whatever the first edition maybe, and so like a rock and roll band their first album will always have a special place in the hearts of every acquired fan and though they will never admit it the more albums Albans comes out with the worse they are. Now there's always exceptions of course and it really depends on what decade the original came out and what decade the next version follows. For example, I think many of us can agree that the first MR2 was the best and even though the Next generation was certainly the one that captured of what it meant to be a refined version of itself there is something about the first MR2 that will forever be and never forgotten by any fan. Now it's my opinion that there are many examples of Originals being the best and every generation thereafter by the 3rd Generation especially sucks and lost its essence. Couple of examples look like this; the first Z car was out-of-this-world styling and Beyond its time and they remain that way in my opinion all the way up to the wonderful 90s when we had this fantastic selection of state-of-the-art cars. Something for everybody. And the 300ZX in the mid-90s to me that's a 300ZX what came afterwards the 350Z was not I owned a 2004 350Z and it was definitely not a Z card it was a Altima wrapped up in a pretty package. The only thing it had going for it on other than it was sexy looking in certain angles and certain colors the only real thing it had going for it was the beautiful exhaust note that the G35 also had which I owned the G35 coupe and that engine work a lot better in that particular body but the exhaust note on a 350Z was absolutely beautiful. But like I said it was nowhere near a real is seek are these 1004 350Z that I had had a muesli 274 horsepower and a little more torque than that. That is absolutely pathetic. Now at least we have the new Z car which is a throwback to the 280 and the mid-90s and the 350 and a V6 twin turbo manual with analog - gauges even though it's digital it's to look like analog and that is a real thing. Let's take another car as an example I would nominate the Toyota Celica the first generations of the Celica and the height of it with the pop-up lights and the flat roundish knows that was a beautiful car and it was the Pinnacle for the Toyota Celica and after that came a watered-down ugly generic version which quickly disappeared. I'll even go as far to say that this is what happened as well with Mustangs and Camaros after the fox body F cars the 5.0 Mustang and the same years Camaros then they went on to 1994 which was the ugliest Camaro I've ever seen and they just got worse and worse from there the Mustang was a little bit better but never really as great as the fox body and they never will be no matter what. It's actually quite ironic and funny when you think about it because all these examples of once Great and Powerful and respected cars from the past are now just Bordertown generic versions existing really only in small design choose and mostly just in the name and if you think about it it directly correlates to the same way our each generation of children are coming to be the pussification of not only our Automotive artistic abilities but also are very Society. You want an example there's too many of them just look at the new Ford Bronco that's not a Bronco just look at the new Land Rover Defender that's not a Defender just look at the new Honda Pilot that's not a pilot they are all just water down weak examples of greatness. Now let me reveal to you what I was getting at in the very beginning you actually mentioned it towards the end you were talking about the Lotus Elise and how these evereve engine that is in that car is the same that is in the least. That MR2 or rather I should say the MR2 before the MR2 you have in this video, I would say the real MR2 was actually designed by lotus engineering Lotus and Toyota work closely hand-in-hand that is why the previous-generation MR2 from the one in this video looks so much more like a real sports car and had real sports car potential as well as modification Galore. Now the MR2 that you are testing in this video is actually a after example of the Lotus Elan M100. Now if you take a look at that Lotus Elan M100 in the mid-90s it is extremely similar to the MR2 that you are testing in this video. Matter of fact it's the same interior for the most part the same kind of seats the same weird 1970s British leather at overlay criss-cross design on the seats as well as the completely vertical dashboard in the middle and the back and of course mid-engine and of course how light it is as well. And it would have had pop-up lights if it wasn't for the regulations Banning pop-up headlights. And although the Lotus Elan M100 which I just want to throw out was a front-wheel-drive masterpiece, when it stopped being sold in the United States it was sold in huge numbers with the Toyota engine in it to Asia where it was rebadge as a Kia. I just thought of one last thing that I wanted to mention, obviously the horsepower figures and toward figures of this MR2 come off as pathetic I do want to say sure it is not a fast car by any means but it is nimble and quick and therefore Factory how easy it is to drive and how responsive it is and what a wonderful feel and gives then you got yourself a wonderful Sunday morning top down taking a drive with your wife through some twisties for an hour or two it is zen

Lotus had the 2ZZ engine, that MR2 you have there has the 1ZZ unless its been swapped out for the 2ZZ?

I would love for you guys to review a MR2 Spyder with a 2ZZ motor and a C64 transmission just like the Lotus. Maybe even some coil overs.

These can be reasonably quick on the straights. I N/A tuned mine to about 160hp and got a decent quarter mile drag time (for a 1zz). see my video for more details: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fZuJjc6lm8e5foU.html Basicly I modded the stock air intake pipe & airbox, added a sports air filter, upgraded the manifold and cat pipe + installed a remapped engine chip (unichip). Mine is the heavier facelift model, with no weight reduction

nice vid guys ik like the seat covers

I have an o5 automatic same color as this one wouldn’t sale it for nothing

With a suspesion drop, and racing wheels, these actually look really cool

Paul is so prejudiced here though generally he's fair. Porsche charges even more by giving u a strap to close the door n it would be called 'genius'. For the price Ferrari, Alfa, Porsche would not have been able to build anything half comparable. I hated the design of this generation but looks is really subjective...but u got to give this car some credit.

It's an incredible chassis but that engine is just sad. Thankfully there are lots of swap options like 2ZZ and K20/24 or even VR6. The suspension setup is great, the chassis is fantastic, the weight distribution is good, it just needs a good engine. I am planning on swapping in a built turbo K24 paired with DSG transmission and making it a dedicated track car. This chassis has plenty of potential that people overlook bc of the stock engine. With a built K series it can keep up with supercars on track.

Great review, im looking for an MR2 or SLK or etc etc

This is exactly the opposite of a car you should or would not modify. These things WAKE UP if done right. Even with just minor modifications. Let's say springs, header, exhaust and a C60 with one more gear and LSD is worth it any day. If something is a good, cheap platform to build on, then the MR-S.

Test drive new vs hard used Todd, doesn't that equal feeling lighter (and looser, sloppier) than new?

It’s like a Porsche has a love affair with a Yaris and refused to pay child support.

Such a beautiufl vehicle: midengined ensures a level of exoticism.

Presently, the prices of these MR2's are inflated by about 200%. Will that stick around after the auto industry recovers? Maybe...

This car makes sense when you see it as a budget Lotus Elise

Man, Paul is really insufferable in this review. Constantly interrupting Todd to complain about something.

I do find it very atractive looking

what year is that?

Yes there could be more power. I guess that is the reason why some peope swap their engine for a 3.5 Liter V6 from the Lotus Evora. Some even take the supercharged version. I heard that there are plans to bring back the MR2 in 2025. Unfortunatelly it is planned with a 1 Liter turbocharged 3 Cylinder

my engine sounds like that too lol. nothing to write home about. a good exhaust makes a big difference though

Did the MR2 Spyderco come with a limited slip diff as stock? I’m strongly looking at a 2004/2005 manual mr2 spyder and would absolutely want to ha very and LSD.

Can be this car the "poor man" NSX?

$7,500 challenge? Where was this car $7,500, especially two years ago?

Too bad this car never came with the 2zz.

They mod the hell out of these

This car is getting more and more attention worldwide now. Think again, what happen to the stock AE86 engine. This car is super light weight and also 50:50 weight distribution. The only light car which is RWD!

Its to bad they never made a TRD version of this, with a 2zz

I had an 89 MR2 turbo G1 for the latter 90s, loved it. Wanted a new one for the 2000s but then I saw the Spyder noted no turbo option and quickly moved on. I think ED is onto something in bringing back the MR2 to settle in between the Supra and 86. Just don't bring back the G3 looks... 😆

Too many RPMs at highway speed was a deal breaker for me

monday news: toyota and porsche partnership to bring back the MR2 name plate! jk... but why not?! supra is a BMW, GR86 is a Subaru

Champagne 🍾 life style on lemonade money 💰

I have one, and almost nobody can identify it.

Love me my little broke-man's boxster.

Yours does sound raspy to me. I have a 2000 with 50k miles on it.

Best in class period. And hell yes people modify them wtf. Man being uneducated on Toyota is not good

Engines with Toyota designed heads (2jz notwithstanding): they wish you just wouldn't (rev them) 🤣 so true. I had to explain to my dad why I didn't like his highlander hybrid. One reason is the engine is just grumpy. That V6 would make power, but it sounds like it's irritated you asked. The 3rd gen MR2 is the one that appeals to me the most. But I can't buy a car when I don't like then engine. My first car was a meh car with a great engine, so for me, the drivetrain is always the first thing to evaluate.

A great car

Bruh sometimes shut up about the style we get it it's ugly I'm looking for a fun car to drive that's cheap in this economy lol I don't really care how it looks !

Did Paul's wife make him sleep on the sofa the night before filming? He is just not in the mood to be there.