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Toyota MR2

SW20 · Second gen (Turbo)1989–1999

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

5 reviewers · 9 videos

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

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

across 5 reviewers

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

"I can already tell you this one's the most comfortable."

Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 30:07
1 say · critical

"I probably wouldn't want to daily drive this car... it doesn't ride all that smooth over over cracks in the pavement"

Zygrene · ▶ 6:44
// the categories
// 01

Performance

4.0/55 of 5 reviewersconsensus

This V6 MR2 is lighter and makes more power than a naturally aspirated fourth gen Supra.

positive · Regular Car Reviews · ▶ 7:04

it keeps building all the way to the red line so I really like that aspect about it

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 10:09

Wow, tons tons more power, as well.

positive · Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 23:30
// 02

Handling

4.0/55 of 5 reviewersstrong consensus

Steering here isn't quite as feelsome as the AW11, but it's far more direct. You have more confidence.

positive · Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 27:02

it's just really really satisfying but more importantly because it's so analog and so light it's actually really easy to drive

positive · Throttle House · ▶ 10:02

there's very minimal body roll in the corners and it feels very planted

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 14:30
// 03

Fun to drive

4.5/55 of 5 reviewersconsensus

it's easy it's fun I love it

positive · Throttle House · ▶ 5:36

So, if you get the chance to drive a 2GR swapped MR2, please do. It's one of the greatest experiences you'll have.

positive · Regular Car Reviews · ▶ 37:32

I love the drama of the turbo yeah and the sound it makes is just awesome

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 13:58
// 04

Daily drivability

3.5/55 of 5 reviewerssplit

I can already tell you this one's the most comfortable.

positive · Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 30:07

It is actually much more comfortable and quiet and refined than the Mark 1, isn't it?

positive · Car Throttle · ▶ 12:15

this is an everyday sw20 lightly breathed on and totally functional

positive · Regular Car Reviews · ▶ 7:07
// 05

Value

4.5/55 of 5 reviewersconsensus

bang for your buck it's a great car if if it's within your budget of 10K or so

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 20:20

I can't believe a car like this is 5 grand for a mid engined naturally aspirated popup headlights Toyota sports car

positive · Throttle House · ▶ 10:12

The 2GR became a popular MR2 swap because of price.

positive · Regular Car Reviews · ▶ 25:26

Hear it in the reviewer’s words

Regular Car Reviews
Posted Jun 8, 2026Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
Throttle House
Posted Nov 15, 2020Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
Zygrene
Posted Oct 7, 2015Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
More Toyota MR2 reviews
▶ play all (4)
Head to head
▶ play all (2)
From the press · 0 articles

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