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Toyota MR2

AW11 · First gen (4A-GE)1984–1989

Mid-engine on a Corolla budget. Three takes, all worth it.

8 reviewers · 17 videos

Generations
AW111984–1989SW201989–1999ZZW301999–2007
// 00 the verdict

Reviewers strongly agree on its performance and handling, but split on daily drivability and value.

across 8 reviewers

// scorecard at a glance
// where reviewers split
Daily drivability
3 say · liveable

"Fuel economy is quite good on the MR2 with ratings of 24 city and 30 highway."

MotorWeek · ▶ 7:12
1 say · critical

"for Street use it's just a little bit too bumpy and stiff"

Zygrene · ▶ 17:26
Value
5 say · liveable

"But if you want something that is again similarly priced but feels far more special and unique... then you go with the AW11 MR2."

Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 37:04
1 say · critical

"the supercharged MR2 begins at $16,400. Our car was loaded and tipped the price sheet at just over 19,000."

MotorWeek · ▶ 8:58
// the categories
// 01

Performance

4.0/58 of 8 reviewersstrong consensus

0 to 60 was a very fast 6.5 seconds on our 30° day.

positive · MotorWeek · ▶ 3:26

it still doesn't have a very good power to weight ratio and I think the 0 to 60 time is advertised uh around low to mid 8C range

Zygrene · ▶ 13:57

With a glorious 8200RPM redline, this MR2 is a perfect example of a relatable and attainable project car.

positive · ThatDudeinBlue · ▶ 0:00
// 02

Handling

4.5/58 of 8 reviewersconsensus

the initial turn in just feels so so precise and when you get off when you let off the throttle a little bit mid Corner the rear end just swings around um very nicely

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 23:36

My favorite part about the car is actually literally just the steering. It is so alive and talkative.

positive · Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 15:22

At peak cornering power, the tail can unexpectedly twitch around, and the car is so throttle sensitive that it's hard to apply just the right amount to keep the car composed.

mixed · MotorWeek · ▶ 6:12
// 03

Fun to drive

4.5/58 of 8 reviewersconsensus

I think out of all the cars that weigh under 2400 lb this might be my favorite handling wise

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 33:51

If you don't care about big numbers, you just like the driving enjoyment, it doesn't get a whole lot better than this.

positive · ShootingCars · ▶ 7:22

It's a car that I would say is best enjoyed at five or six-tenths and below.

positive · Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 9:03
// 04

Daily drivability

3.5/58 of 8 reviewerssplit

for Street use it's just a little bit too bumpy and stiff

critical · Zygrene · ▶ 17:26

Fuel economy is quite good on the MR2 with ratings of 24 city and 30 highway.

positive · MotorWeek · ▶ 7:12

There's a good degree of compliance, but still these are older cars... there is a little bit of harshness on impact.

Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 13:37
// 05

Value

3.5/58 of 8 reviewerssplit

the supercharged MR2 begins at $16,400. Our car was loaded and tipped the price sheet at just over 19,000.

critical · MotorWeek · ▶ 8:58

But if you want something that is again similarly priced but feels far more special and unique... then you go with the AW11 MR2.

positive · Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 37:04

For a nice normally aspirated one, you're probably looking at about 8 to 10 and then if you want a supercharged one, a nice supercharged one, 15 quite easily.

Car Throttle · ▶ 7:59

Hear it in the reviewer’s words

Regular Car Reviews
Posted Nov 18, 2025Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
ShootingCars
Posted Aug 21, 2025Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
ThatDudeinBlue
Posted May 13, 2025Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
More Toyota MR2 reviews
▶ play all (9)
Head to head
▶ play all (5)
From the press · 0 articles

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