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Toyota MR2

AW11 · First gen (4A-GE)1984–1989

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

13 reviewers · 27 videos

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

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

across 13 reviewers

// where reviewers split
Daily drivability
6 say · liveable

"visibility in this car is absolutely incredible it really is picasso's goldfish bowl in here"

JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 6:35
2 say · critical

"for Street use it's just a little bit too bumpy and stiff"

Zygrene · ▶ 17:26
Value
9 say · liveable

"But if you want something that is again similarly priced but feels far more special and unique... then you go with the AW11 MR2."

Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 37:04
1 say · critical

"the supercharged MR2 begins at $16,400. Our car was loaded and tipped the price sheet at just over 19,000."

MotorWeek · ▶ 8:58
// the categories
// 01

Performance

4.0/513 of 13 reviewersstrong consensus

0 to 60 was a very fast 6.5 seconds on our 30° day.

positive · MotorWeek · ▶ 3:26

it still doesn't have a very good power to weight ratio and I think the 0 to 60 time is advertised uh around low to mid 8C range

Zygrene · ▶ 13:57

With a glorious 8200RPM redline, this MR2 is a perfect example of a relatable and attainable project car.

positive · ThatDudeinBlue · ▶ 0:00
// 02

Handling

4.5/513 of 13 reviewersstrong consensus

my favorite part about the car is actually literally just the steering. It is so alive and talkative.

positive · Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 29:39

the initial turn in just feels so so precise and when you get off when you let off the throttle a little bit mid Corner the rear end just swings around um very nicely

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 23:36

this thing is about as go-kart as a road car gets. And a big part of that is it feels like your bum is the pivot point for the direction of the car.

positive · ReDriven · ▶ 3:21
// 03

Fun to drive

4.5/513 of 13 reviewersstrong consensus

I think out of all the cars that weigh under 2400 lb this might be my favorite handling wise

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 33:51

nothing new feels as deliciously engaging yet as completely approachable and just as fun to drive as the MR2.

positive · ReDriven · ▶ 38:55

If you don't care about big numbers, you just like the driving enjoyment, it doesn't get a whole lot better than this.

positive · ShootingCars · ▶ 7:22
// 04

Daily drivability

3.5/513 of 13 reviewerssplit

for Street use it's just a little bit too bumpy and stiff

critical · Zygrene · ▶ 17:26

Actually, quite a bit. It's almost like a miniature NSX in terms of the cockpit view. You know, the NSX being inspired by the F-16. And I actually have more leg room here.

Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 20:08

visibility in this car is absolutely incredible it really is picasso's goldfish bowl in here

positive · JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 6:35
// 05

Value

4.0/513 of 13 reviewerssplit

But if you want something that is again similarly priced but feels far more special and unique... then you go with the AW11 MR2.

positive · Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 37:04

the supercharged MR2 begins at $16,400. Our car was loaded and tipped the price sheet at just over 19,000.

critical · MotorWeek · ▶ 8:58

good MR2 prices are only going to go one way, and that's up.

positive · ReDriven · ▶ 21:39

Hear it in the reviewer’s words

ReDriven
Posted Aug 2, 2026Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
Regular Car Reviews
Posted Nov 18, 2025Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
ShootingCars
Posted Aug 21, 2025Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
More Toyota MR2 reviews
▶ play all (18)
Head to head
▶ play all (6)
From the press · 0 articles

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