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Toyota MR2

SW20 · Second gen (Turbo)1989–1999

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

10 reviewers · 25 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 10 reviewers

// scorecard at a glance
// where reviewers split
Daily drivability
7 say · liveable

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

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

"it is extremely difficult to work on That is one of the downsides of it because you literally have to work over the car"

The Car Care Nut · ▶ 13:50
Value
8 say · liveable

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

Zygrene · ▶ 20:20
1 say · critical

"that's a big price to pay for small two-seater even one as confident as the MR2"

MotorWeek · ▶ 6:37
// the categories
// 01

Performance

4.5/510 of 10 reviewersconsensus

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

it keeps building all the way to the red line so I really like that aspect about it

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 10:09
// 02

Handling

4.5/510 of 10 reviewersconsensus

in this latest MR2 Toyota has raised mid-engine handling to new heights of security

positive · MotorWeek · ▶ 1:43

Steering here isn't quite as feelsome as the AW11, but it's far more direct. You have more confidence.

positive · Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 27:02

it's just really really satisfying but more importantly because it's so analog and so light it's actually really easy to drive

positive · Throttle House · ▶ 10:02
// 03

Fun to drive

5.0/510 of 10 reviewersstrong consensus

I'm in love did I love this so much

positive · ThatDudeinBlue · ▶ 16:30

it's easy it's fun I love it

positive · Throttle House · ▶ 5:36

So, if you get the chance to drive a 2GR swapped MR2, please do. It's one of the greatest experiences you'll have.

positive · Regular Car Reviews · ▶ 37:32
// 04

Daily drivability

3.5/510 of 10 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

it is extremely difficult to work on That is one of the downsides of it because you literally have to work over the car

critical · The Car Care Nut · ▶ 13:50
// 05

Value

4.0/510 of 10 reviewerssplit

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

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 20:20

I can't believe a car like this is 5 grand for a mid engined naturally aspirated popup headlights Toyota sports car

positive · Throttle House · ▶ 10:12

The 2GR became a popular MR2 swap because of price.

positive · Regular Car Reviews · ▶ 25:26

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
furiousdriving
Posted Apr 15, 2022Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
More Toyota MR2 reviews
▶ play all (18)
Head to head
▶ play all (4)
From the press · 0 articles

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