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2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder

Date: 9 December 2000	Miles: 1,200
The reincarnation of Toyota's Mister-Two was widely anticipated and this spunky little vehicle doesn't disappoint. Stoplight-to-stoplight acceleration from the small 1.8-liter inline-4 is brisk thanks mostly to a well-matched 5-speed manual and an ultra-light weight chassis. It only has to move 2200 pounds. Not surprisingly fuel use is fairly light too, with 27.3 miles per gallon after our initial 1200 miles of work. Both numbers should grow since after only a month this is already one of our most popular long term cars.
Date: 24 March 2001	Miles: 4,200
The ride is firm yet seldom jarring. The cockpit is surprisingly roomy, as long as you don't carry too much extra baggage. Which, as we've said before, has no place to go. Toyota quality once again shines through with no mechanical faults after 4,200 miles and 4 months of the keys being tossed between some 20 different drivers. Mileage has remained healthy for a sports car, at 25.5 miles per gallon. So soon, when the roads dry out, and the air heats up, you can color us and this little yellow road runner... gone.
Date: 12 May 2001	Miles: 6,000
We love sport sedans, sport coupes, and naturally sports cars! No doubt that's behind our affection for the 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder. A neater package of slick styling, point-and-shoot handling, and open air motoring doesn't exist. No, it's not the perfect car. The "sports" in sports car means that not everyone will fall in love with its low slung seating, pavement following ride, and especially with the Spyder, lack of cargo space to carry anything larger than a briefcase. But then the MR2 is some 20 inches shorter than our Porsche Boxster S long termer, and at less than half the price, a much closer match on driving fun. Make that pretty frugal driving fun. After 6,000 miles in 5 months, we've managed a very respectable 28.3 miles per gallon. We've had only one mechanical fault, a broken fuel door release. Our log books provide a balance of comments on driving praise and suggestions for improvements. For instance, the slot car like handling would be even more appreciated if the metal-look foot pedals weren't so incompatible with wet shoes. And, while the large controls fall easily to hand, you have to keep your coffee cup in your hand, rather than in the cup holder, so as not to block their access. But then if you want to drink coffee, maybe you should stop at Starbucks since the MR2 is a keep-two-hands-on-the-wheel driving machine that raises your spirits, while just as quickly, erasing your stress.
Date: 14 July 2001	Miles: 9,300
The Toyota MR2 Spyder wears a tight-fitting fabric top that, like most in its class, has large rear blind spots. But unlike some competitors, it does have a heated glass rear window for 4-season driving. To drop the top, undo two latches, and let it flop. It then snaps into place, not needing a tonneau cover to keep it secure. Very nice.Our MR2 delivers sensations that are about as close to a sport motorcycle as you can get with street legal 4-wheels. It's very nimble and quick, but could use better steering feel. Fuel economy is better than expected, 29.9 after 7 months and nearly 9,300 miles.
Date: 7 September 2001	Miles: 12,500
Our 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder has been compared to the Boxster many times, and is considerably more affordable. But, you do get what you pay for. Under the low slung exterior, and behind its well utilized cockpit, is a small, mid-mounted 1.8-liter inline-4 with just 138- horsepower. But then during a summer of gyrating gas prices, the Spyder's very frugal 31.7 mile per gallon economy was more appreciated than a discount at Disney World. But if you are planning any long trips, you might want to go alone, since the MR2 sports little cargo room. Like all Toyotas, however, the Spyder is completely reliable. Fault free after 10 months and 12,500 miles. No one knows quality in motoring like these folks. So, if a car can be securely fun, the MR2 Spyder is it. And we're glad it's staying a while longer.