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Photo of a Toyota MR2

Toyota MR2

Two seats. Engine amidships. Japan's first mass-produced mid-engine passenger car.12

Researched October 29, 2026 from 35 sources

Also called

  • Mister TwoUsed as a familiar name in Car and Driver's 1988 MR2 Supercharged test.3
  • baby FerrariGiven to the SW20 for design cues resembling the Ferrari 308 GTB/GTS and 348.4
  • poor man's FerrariThe SW20's rounded styling drew comparisons with the Ferrari 308 GTB/GTS and 348.4
  • Baby BoxsterUsed for the W30 convertible, whose contemporary rivals included the Porsche Boxster.5

At a glance

0150300
82–245 hpPower
0510
6.3–8.2 s0–60 mph
0125250
171–229 km/hTop speed
0200400
118–304 N·mTorque
07501,500
920–1,322 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.247910

Engine
W10 1.5/1.6 L I4 (SC option); W20 2.0/2.2 L I4 (turbo option); W30 1.8 L I445
Layout
All three: transverse mid-engine, rear-wheel drive5
Gearbox
W10/W20: 5MT/4AT; W30: 5/6MT or 5/6-speed SMT4511
Built at
Central Motors, Sagamihara, Japan4
Units built
W10 generation: 163,8452

The story

Toyota set out to make a fuel-efficient commuter for two, then recast it as an affordable sports car. MR2 means Midship Runabout 2-seater; its mid-engine, rear-drive recipe spanned W10, W20 and W30 generations from 1984 to 2007.46

1976: Project middie begins19761983: SV-3 previews the production MR219831984: June 8: Japan meets the MR219841986: Roots boost and a T-bar roof19861989: W20 arrives with a ceramic turbo19891992: 98 mm longer links tame the rear19921999: W30 loses the fifth bulkhead19992003: Six speeds for manual and SMT20032007: July: MR2 production ends2007 Toyota SA-X prototype (SA-X): 1981Toyota SV-3 concept (SV-3): 1983Toyota MR2 first generation (W10 (AW10/AW11)): 1984–1989Toyota MR2 Roadster / Spyder / MR-S (W30): 1999–2007W30 19801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones1245
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1981Toyota SA-X prototype (SA-X)
1983Toyota SV-3 concept (SV-3)
1984–1989Toyota MR2 first generation (W10 (AW10/AW11))
1999–2007Toyota MR2 Roadster / Spyder / MR-S (W30)
1976Project middie begins
1983SV-3 previews the production MR2
1984June 8: Japan meets the MR2
1986Roots boost and a T-bar roof
1989W20 arrives with a ceramic turbo
199298 mm longer links tame the rear
1999W30 loses the fifth bulkhead
2003Six speeds for manual and SMT
2007July: MR2 production ends
  1. 1976

    Project middie begins

    Toyota's middie study targets a light, fuel-efficient two-seater; the oil crisis delays its development.5

  2. 1983

    SV-3 previews the production MR2

    The SV-3 reaches the Tokyo Motor Show after the 1981 SA-X; only the front and rear spoilers change for production.27

  3. 1984

    June 8: Japan meets the MR2

    The MR2 goes on sale as Japan's first mass-produced mid-engine passenger car, then wins the 1984–1985 Car of the Year Japan.128

  4. 1986

    Roots boost and a T-bar roof

    The MR2 adds a Roots blower that engages through an electromagnetic clutch only when needed, plus an optional two-panel T-bar roof.12

  5. 1989

    W20 arrives with a ceramic turbo

    The second generation arrives October 17, replacing 1.5–1.6 L engines with 2.0 L units led by the intercooled 3S-GTE turbo.49

  6. 1992

    98 mm longer links tame the rear

    The updated Turbo lengthens its rear lateral links by 98 mm and raises trailing-arm mounts 3 mm to cure cornering toe changes.10

  7. 1999

    W30 loses the fifth bulkhead

    A roadster-only third generation starts at 960 kg, saving weight by deleting the rear trunk and its fifth bulkhead.57

  8. 2003

    Six speeds for manual and SMT

    UK Roadsters gain six-speed manual and SMT gearboxes, a standard Torsen LSD and 16-inch rear wheels.11

  9. 2007

    July: MR2 production ends

    The 1,000-car MR-S V Edition Final Version follows the UK's 300-car TF300 farewell of 2006; production ends in July.51213

Every generation

  • Toyota Sports 800
    Toyota Sports 8001960s
  • Toyota MR2 first generation
    W10 (AW10/AW11)1984–1989
  • Toyota MR2 Roadster / Spyder / MR-S
    W301999–2007

Power over the years

From 82 hp to 245 hp in 13 years.

0100200300 198419861988199019921994199619982000 hp 1984 · 82 hp · Japan AW10 1.51984 · 128 hp · Japan AW11 1.6 (gross)1986 · 143 hp · Japan AW11 Supercharged1988 · 145 hp · North America Supercharged1989 · 163 hp · Japan G 2.0 3S-GE1989 · 222 hp · Japan GT 2.0 Turbo1991 · 130 hp · North America 2.2 L 5SFE1991 · 200 hp · North America 3SGTE Turbo1994 · 242 hp · Japan Gen 3 3SGTE Turbo1997 · 245 hp · TRD 2000GT, phase one1998 · 197 hp · Japan BEAMS 3SGE VVT-i1999 · 138 hp · W30 1.8 1ZZ-FE 245 hp TRD 2000GT, phase one 82 hp Japan AW10 1.5
1234571415
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
198482Japan AW10 1.5
1984128Japan AW11 1.6 (gross)
1986143Japan AW11 Supercharged
1988145North America Supercharged
1989163Japan G 2.0 3S-GE
1989222Japan GT 2.0 Turbo
1991130North America 2.2 L 5SFE
1991200North America 3SGTE Turbo
1994242Japan Gen 3 3SGTE Turbo
1997245TRD 2000GT, phase one
1998197Japan BEAMS 3SGE VVT-i
1999138W30 1.8 1ZZ-FE

Versions

8 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    MR2 Roadster / MR2 Spyder / MR-S

  • MR2 Turbo / GT / GT-S

    Performance

    MR2 Turbo / GT / GT-S

  • Limited

    MR2 Super Edition

    1988–1989

  • Modellista Caserta / VM 180 Zagato

    Limited

    Modellista Caserta / VM 180 Zagato

    2000, 2001

  • MR2 TF300 / MR-S V Edition Final Version

    Limited

    MR2 TF300 / MR-S V Edition Final Version

    2006–2007

  • TOM’S T020

    Performance

    TOM’S T020

    235 hp
  • MR2 Spider (SW20)

    Limited

    MR2 Spider (SW20)

    1996–1999

    91 built

  • TRD 2000GT

    Limited

    TRD 2000GT

    1997

    35 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • First generation: a sharp wedge, pop-up headlights and black A-pillars.218
  • First generation: a notchback tail with short, abruptly ending C-pillars.2
  • Second generation: rounded panels and body-integrated side air intakes.9
  • Second generation: pop-up headlights above a low, sharply tapered nose.915
  • Third generation: folding soft-top with a glass rear window; a removable hardtop was optional.616

Year by year

  1. 1987 (Mk1b)

    Most trim became body-colored; the front bumper changed and most markets got new taillights. T-bar roof availability spread.24

  2. 1989 (W10)

    Mirrored T-bar glass replaced smoked panels; mirrors and handles became body-colored, with an LED brake light in the spoiler.2

  3. 1991–1993 (North America)

    Rev 1 wore 14-inch wheels and a smaller front lip; Rev 2 switched to 15-inch wheels and a larger lip.15

  4. 1994–1997 (SW20 Rev 3–4)

    Rev 3 gained round rear lamps and a one-piece wing; Rev 4 added diamond-cut wheels and fender indicators.1517

  5. 1998–1999 (Rev 5)

    The final SW20 gained an adjustable rear wing and a new 15-inch wheel design.15

  6. 2003 (UK Roadster)

    Dual-bulb headlights, oval rear-lamp graphics, a trapezoid bumper with round fog lights, body-color intakes and 15-inch front/16-inch rear wheels.11

Against its rivals

  • Pontiac Fiero Formula

    MR2 vs Pontiac Fiero Formula

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    MR26.5 s
    Pontiac Fiero Formula7.5 s
    19

Prices

Value today $11.6K–$26.0K262728

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K$80K 1990200020102020 Value today: $11,550–$26,000 1988 · $16,418 · US SC 5-speed base1988 · $19,750 · US Supercharged as-tested (est.)1992 · $25,500 · US Turbo as-tested (est.)1995 · $32,942 · US Turbo, equipped sticker total2000 · $23,558 · US Spyder base 2022 · $9,285 · 1985 MR2 5-speed, BaT2025 · $71,000 · 1995 MR2 Turbo 5-speed, 8k miles, BaT2026 · $11,550 · 1985 MR2 5-speed, 137k miles, BaT2026 · $17,800 · 2005 MR2 Spyder 5-speed, 18k miles, BaT2026 · $26,000 · 1988 MR2 Supercharged 5-speed, 113k miles, BaT2026 · $16,000 · 2003 MR2 Spyder 5-speed, 30k miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $20,000 · 1991 MR2 Turbo 5-speed, 106k miles shown, Bring a Trailer2026 · $32,014 · 1995 MR2 Turbo 5-speed, 85k miles shown, Bring a Trailer2026 · $21,500 · 1989 MR2 Supercharged 5-speed, 70k miles shown, Bring a Trailer2026 · $18,000 · 1986 MR2 5-speed, 174k miles shown, Bring a Trailer $71.0K BaT, 2025
310151926272829303132333435
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1988Price when new$16,418US SC 5-speed base
1988Price when new$19,750US Supercharged as-tested (est.)
1992Price when new$25,500US Turbo as-tested (est.)
1995Price when new$32,942US Turbo, equipped sticker total
2000Price when new$23,558US Spyder base
2022Auction sale$9,2851985 MR2 5-speed, BaT
2025Auction sale$71,0001995 MR2 Turbo 5-speed, 8k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$11,5501985 MR2 5-speed, 137k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$17,8002005 MR2 Spyder 5-speed, 18k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$26,0001988 MR2 Supercharged 5-speed, 113k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$16,0002003 MR2 Spyder 5-speed, 30k miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$20,0001991 MR2 Turbo 5-speed, 106k miles shown, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$32,0141995 MR2 Turbo 5-speed, 85k miles shown, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$21,5001989 MR2 Supercharged 5-speed, 70k miles shown, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$18,0001986 MR2 5-speed, 174k miles shown, Bring a Trailer
2026Value today$11,550–$26,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 8 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 12 stories from its legend
    • “222D: the rally MR2 stopped by the rules”
    • “Five wins from six, then another title double”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 5 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 35 sources
  1. 75 Years of TOYOTA | TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | Vehicle Lineage | In-depth Vehicle Information, Specification toyota-global.com
  2. Toyota MR2 W10 Guide — Supercar Nostalgia supercarnostalgia.com
  3. Tested: 1988 Toyota MR2 Supercharged caranddriver.com
  4. Toyota MR2 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  5. Toyota MR2: A Guide To Every Generation | CarThrottle carthrottle.com
  6. 22 Toyota MR2 facts you might not know | Toyota UK mag.toyota.co.uk
  7. Toyota MR2: a Midship Runabout 2-seater history | Toyota UK mag.toyota.co.uk
  8. TOYOTA ANNOUNCES NEW SPORTY-TYPE PERSONAL CAR, THE TOYOTA MR2 | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website global.toyota
  9. TOYOTA COMPLETELY RENEWS ITS MR2 | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website global.toyota
  10. Tested: 1992 Toyota MR2 Turbo caranddriver.com
  11. MR2 Roadster – 2003 Model - Toyota Media Site media.toyota.co.uk
  12. Toyota MR2 Roadster TF300: It’s The Final Countdown - Toyota Media Site media.toyota.co.uk
  13. TOYOTA、MR-Sの特別仕様車を発売 | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website global.toyota
  14. 75 Years of TOYOTA | TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | Vehicle Lineage | In-depth Vehicle Information, Specification toyota-global.com
  15. The Ultimate SW20 Toyota MR2 Buyers Guide canadiangearhead.com
  16. 75 Years of TOYOTA | TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | Vehicle Lineage | In-depth Vehicle Information, Specification toyota-global.com
  17. ＭＲ２（トヨタ）の車両情報 | トヨタ認定中古車 | トヨタ自動車WEBサイト toyota.jp
  18. Toyota MR2 Mk1 (1984 - 1989) – driving a lightweight Japanese sports car icon | evo evo.co.uk
  19. A Toyota MR2 SC lost out to a Fiero in Motorweek’s comparo, thanks in part to its eye-watering cost | Japanese Nostalgic Car japanesenostalgiccar.com
  20. Toyota MR2 Mk3 – review, history, prices and specs | evo evo.co.uk
  21. 【TMSF2006】成瀬弘「オレを殺す気か!」…トヨタミッドシップスピリット | レスポンス（Response.jp） s.response.jp
  22. Toyota 222D: the story of the secret WRC car | Toyota UK mag.toyota.co.uk
  23. 【忘れがたき銘車たち】“職人”が情熱を注いだ『つちやMR2』と土屋春雄さんからのお誘い／番外編（AUTOSPORT web） | 自動車情報・ニュース - carview! carview.yahoo.co.jp
  24. トヨタMR2の魅力を深掘り！『頭文字D』で敗北のミッドシップマシンの実力とは？ - 【公式】頭文字D＆MFゴースト initiald.bestcarweb.jp
  25. IGCD.net - Internet Game Cars Database igcd.net
  26. No Reserve: 1985 Toyota MR2 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $11,550 on May 6, 2026 (Lot #241,310) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  27. No Reserve: 30-Years-Owned 1988 Toyota MR2 Supercharged 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $26,000 on September 2, 2026 (Lot #261,059) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. 8k-Mile 1995 Toyota MR2 Turbo 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $71,000 on September 11, 2025 (Lot #209,399) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder First Drive caranddriver.com
  30. 18k-Mile 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $17,800 on June 9, 2026 (Lot #246,615) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. One-Family-Owned, 30k-Mile 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $16,000 on October 22, 2026 (Lot #269,830) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 1995 Toyota MR2 Turbo 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $32,014 on August 31, 2026 (Lot #260,582) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $20,000 on October 14, 2026 (Lot #268,503) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 1989 Toyota MR2 Supercharged 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $21,500 on August 28, 2026 (Lot #260,280) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. No Reserve: 1986 Toyota MR2 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $18,000 on May 26, 2026 (Lot #244,490) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • toyota-global.com
  • supercarnostalgia.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • carthrottle.com
  • mag.toyota.co.uk
  • global.toyota
  • media.toyota.co.uk
  • canadiangearhead.com
  • toyota.jp
  • evo.co.uk
  • japanesenostalgiccar.com
  • s.response.jp
  • carview.yahoo.co.jp

Photo credits

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