When was the last time the phrase “mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive” and “affordable” went together in the same sentence? Can’t tell off the top of your head? Let’s head back to 1995. Any bells ringing yet? Ahh, the Toyota MR2. Yes, that was it.
The 1991-1995 Toyota MR2 represents one of Toyota’s biggest marketing flops and most innovative product introductions. While the MR2 itself was not a “new” car, the redesign of the MR2 in 1991 took it from being an ultra lightweight pocket rocket into a modern, streamlined, sexy sports car with the horsepower to back up the statement that it’s rather ambitious styling made.
My 1991 MR2 non-turbo turned turbo.
The biggest difference between the MR2 of the 1980’s and the MR2 of the 90’s was power. In the 80’s, the MR2 sat at around 140 horsepower (if you got the supercharged version). For a car that small and that light, that amount of power was more than enough to flog it around with ease. However, the new body and chassis of the later generation MR2 meant that 145 horsepower wasn’t very much at all. No, if Toyota wanted the MR2 to be fast it had to up the ante.
And it did. It added 60 horsepower to the mix, creating the MR2 turbo: a 205 horsepower turbocharged four cylinder car that was plenty fast for its day and is still plenty fast today. The 1991 MR2 turbo would run the quarter in 14.7 seconds, but the true beauty of this vehicle was its balance. It stopped well, accelerated well, took corners well, and responded well. Like its predecessor, it was a well-balanced machine that was truly a sports car.
At that time there were not a lot of vehicles available to the typical person that were sports cars. The Dodge Stealth was a GT car, and the Mitsubishi Eclipse/Plymouth Laser/Eagle Talon triplets were more sport compacts than they were sports cars. The MR2, with it’s two-seat goodness and T-Tops, was the only affordable sports car you could buy. Unfortunately, the public didn’t see it that way.
Sales and Availability
With more power and a new, sexier look, the cost of the MR2 had also gone up as well. In 1991 the typical MR2 turbo sold for around $20,000- compared to the $14,000 to $16,000 for a 1988 MR2 it was much more expensive. As well, the new MR2 was more expensive to run: a turbocharged engine meant more frequent oil changes, tire replacement (obviously), and premium gasoline. Lastly, the new MR2 was very much a niche vehicle: the market for mid-engined two-seaters wasn’t terribly big to begin with.
Three inches off the ground at most.
So, it’s no surprise that the second generation MR2, powered by the revolutionary 3SGTE 2.0L turbo, was not a sales success story. Rather, it was a halo car that brought attention to the brand and its capabilities. No other vehicle, outside of the Supra GT, represents Toyota’s capability more than the MR2 turbo.
Driving the Car
A surprisingly spacious interior meant that the two occupants were comfortable. Once you’re actually in the car you’re greeted with plenty of visibility, and as soon as you’ve put the car in motion you’re testing that incredibly smooth gearbox. Put the pedal to the floor and you’re off- the turbo spools in mere moments, and with it comes 205 horses and 205 foot-pounds of torque.
The car is balanced and capable, though it was known for snap over-steer. In later model years (1993 and up) the car received bigger bakes and bigger stabilizer bars to reduce this occurrence.
Nice bum!
Without question, the MR2 was fast, and the 3SGTE proved to be an engine that was more than happy to up the ante. Feed it more boost and the stock CT-26 turbo adds more power. Change out the turbo for a bigger unit and hope that you can hold on! For the enthusiast who loves modifying their car, the MR2 was a dream come true. The availability of parts is excellent, and the chassis itself seemed to beg for more and more horsepower.
My car is sitting at just under 300 horsepower to the ground (with more coming this spring). It runs the quarter mile in 13.7 flat and it looks pretty darn good while doing it.
The Obsession
Once you’ve owned an MR2 you’re hooked for life. The dynamics of the vehicle, combined with its timeless good-looks and unique personality, makes the car an absolute thrill to own and drive. Plus, seeing as how there are very few of them still on the road, the rarity factor works as well. I see more Corvettes and Porsche’s than I do MR2’s.
Maybe it’s just me (and thousands of others like me), but my MR2 won’t be leaving the family.
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