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Toyota MR2 SW20

Second gen (Turbo)1989–1999

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

17 reviewers · 32 videos · 6 hours watched

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

Reviewers are split on performance and handling.

across 17 reviewers

// scorecard at a glance
// where reviewers split
Performance
14 say · liveable

"this car does not handle anymore it goes straight... because it makes 750 rear-wheel horsepower"

ThatDudeinBlue · ▶ 3:58
2 say · critical

"At 138 horsepower and 125 pound feet of torque engine performance was less than underwhelming."

LV2PLA · ▶ 7:08
Handling
13 say · liveable

"the 94 steering is perfectly weighted and its superb feel inspires tremendous confidence in fast corners"

MotorWeek · ▶ 3:50
1 say · critical

"It's not nimble footwork Even if you step on the gas on the exit it doesn't go up quickly"

Best MOTORing official ベストモータリング公式チャンネル · ▶ 12:22
Fun to drive
15 say · liveable

"The spider delivers maximum points for fun without putting points on your license."

LV2PLA · ▶ 12:12
Daily drivability
10 say · liveable

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

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

"Underpowered underappreciated and impractical."

LV2PLA · ▶ 12:27
Value
14 say · liveable

"if you really really want my advice on a car to buy that I think is almost guaranteed to appreciate this is it"

JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 1:22
1 say · critical

"if any one factor proves fatal to the mr2 it will most certainly be the price"

MotorWeek · ▶ 5:09
// the categories
// 01

Performance

4.0/517 of 17 reviewerssplit

“this car does not handle anymore it goes straight... because it makes 750 rear-wheel horsepower”

positive · ThatDudeinBlue · ▶ 3:58

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

positive · Regular Car Reviews · ▶ 7:04

“At 138 horsepower and 125 pound feet of torque engine performance was less than underwhelming.”

critical · LV2PLA · ▶ 7:08
// 02

Handling

4.5/517 of 17 reviewerssplit

“the 94 steering is perfectly weighted and its superb feel inspires tremendous confidence in fast corners”

positive · MotorWeek · ▶ 3:50

“it's little it's low and it's light and so you really feel like you're in an immense amount of control of this car”

positive · Doug DeMuro · ▶ 18:05

“The spider is a slow car that feels fast... I get to explore the envelope and it leaves this print right on my face.”

positive · LV2PLA · ▶ 10:40
// 03

Fun to drive

4.5/517 of 17 reviewerssplit

“The spider delivers maximum points for fun without putting points on your license.”

positive · LV2PLA · ▶ 12:12

“we applaud Toyota for producing a mid-engine car that's stable predictable and so much fun to drive”

positive · MotorWeek · ▶ 6:49

“I'm in love did I love this so much”

positive · ThatDudeinBlue · ▶ 16:30
// 04

Daily drivability

3.5/516 of 17 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

“Underpowered underappreciated and impractical.”

critical · LV2PLA · ▶ 12:27
// 05

Value

4.0/516 of 17 reviewerssplit

“if you really really want my advice on a car to buy that I think is almost guaranteed to appreciate this is it”

positive · JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 1:22

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

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 20:20

“if any one factor proves fatal to the mr2 it will most certainly be the price”

critical · MotorWeek · ▶ 5:09

Hear it in the reviewer’s words

Regular Car Reviews
Posted Jun 8, 2026Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
Roads Untraveled
Posted Jan 31, 2026Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
Doug DeMuro
Posted Dec 10, 2023Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
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Head to head
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