Car Lines
by Larry Mason
2001 Toyota MR2

Journalism | New Car Reviews

He's baaaack! Yes Mr. Two is here the second time around with a whole new attitude, style, and performance envelope. In some respects it's like déjà vu, and in others it's like re-defining what a two-seat sports car should be. Styling is cool and edgy, convertible top operation is a snap, and this car has the quickest steering this side of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. All right, enough talk, let's have some action.

The first thing I noticed when driving the MR2 was the cat quick steering response. The closest thing to compare the steering ratio to would be a racing go-kart. A wee tug at the wheel and you're instantly pointing in that direction. Although it has variable assist power rack and pinion steering, the feel is still too light at higher rpm. In a parking lot, the steering feels like a toy - All you need is one finger to operate it. Handling is quite predictable for this mid-engine car. A little bit of understeer at first transforming to a tail out drift depending upon throttle and steering inputs. It's all fairly easy to control but be prepared for some tank slappers. The suspension allows for a bit more body roll than I prefer and if you get that pendulum swinging, the return trip happens in a hurry.

As quick as the steering was, the heel and toe downshifting capabilities are even better. This is the best street car on the market that I've driven to date when it comes to pedal placement. The pedals are exactly where you need them to be able to roll the ball of your foot from brake to gas to snatch that high-revving downshift. Speaking of high-revving, the engine in the new MR2 is ready willing and able to rev quickly and often to its 6,500 rpm redline. It makes good top-end power (138 hp @ 6,400 rpm) and a wonderful sound but is a bit underpowered (read torque, 125 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm) when it comes to accelerating from a standing start. Also, there's too much engine vibration at idle. Perhaps that's to remind the occupants that they're in a "near racecar".

Interior styling borrows from the outer look with "golf ball like" dimples on the dash and armrests. You have baseball glove like grip holding you in the seats for hard cornering. The manual top is super easy to operate from the driver's seat - whether you're putting it up or down. When driving on the freeway with the top up or down, you'll find about the same amount of road noise. With the top up, you hear the engine and road quite a bit. With it down, you hear the wind a wee bit more. Other interior disappointments include the cheap looking plastic pipe style looking grab handles. The plastic flashing seam is readily visible to make you think you're in an unfinished plastic toy model. Most of the interior ergonomics are good as far as gauges and controls that are easy to find, however the one blunder Toyota engineers made is the location of the cupholder. With a plastic water bottle in there, it interferes with you changing the radio station. Don't try to pack heavy in the MR2 - there's a dearth of trunk space. On the other hand, there are a couple of really cool locking compartments right behind the seats that hide valuables from prying eyes. Anytime you have a convertible; you need to have a stereo with enough power to overcome the road/wind noise. The bass and treble of the MR2 are up to the task, but there's not enough mid-range to have that high-quality sound we've become accustomed to in Toyota products.

Exterior styling reminds me of the million dollar McLaren F1 super car. The front end is aggressive and carries that golf ball-esque dimpling to the front air opening and side radiator inlets. Smallish overhang front and rear and a wide track let you know that this car is capable of some serious fun if you want it. The nice thing is that it's quite economical at the same time.

Is the MR2 for you? Well you'll have to ask yourself some serious questions like. Am I fun-loving? Am I a sun worshiper? Do I want to look cool cruising down by the beach? Am I willing to give up trunk space for the sheer fun of driving? If you answered yes to the majority of these questions, then you better visit your Toyota dealer soon. At $23,615, your fun is actually affordable!

The Toyota MR2

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Larry Mason