1985 Toyota MR2 & Toyota Corolla GT-S | MotorWeek Retro Review

[@chieftp]

a rear wheel drive corolla. you'll never see that again.

[@applepoop10]

chieftp yup that and that SR5 Corolla.

[@forestalmo2417]

My old man had one of these beast back in the day it was so awesome , he use to do donuts with it

[@marcsmoo]

;(

[@Madcracka]

chieftp in recent years the Avalon

[@TorutheRedFox]

m8 have you not heard about the GT86?

[@desimo147]

The Japanese cars of the 80's were incredible. The build quality was tremendous, they were fun, efficient and looked good (both inside and out). I miss those days.

[@Joshua_N-A]

All of that motorsports experience are used in R&D to make the cars. No wonder they're good.

[@cookieroller]

find one and buy it my friend! ive purchased three this year lol

[@madfiat8932]

"A little bit of trailing throttle tail twitch"... isn't this what everyone loved about that car?

[@thetreblerebel]

It's what made the car what it's famous for.. drifting. It fuggin drifts

[@MrWolfSnack]

@@thetreblerebel Drifting didn't exist when this car or this video came out. Not until years later. It didn't catch on in America even later still until Y2K.

[@frwystr]

@@MrWolfSnack you’re a noob

[@frwystr]

@@MrWolfSnack yep, that’s why your comment is edited because noobs can’t spell

[@theguywithanobjective482]

@@MrWolfSnack drifting was a thing since the 70s with Kunimitsu Takahashi

[@creepinwhileyousleepin]

9k for a brand new trueno? shutup and take my money

[@AngelofZul]

9k for a new AE88?!?? I’ll take 3 plz

[@dcdude345]

damn only $21k in 2019 money @@AngelofZul

[@HandIeThese]

@@dcdude345 DAMN!!! (profile picture)

[@HandIeThese]

@@dcdude345 Imposter!

[@annonymousghostdetector8425]

9k for a brand new trueno, you shut up and take my 11k instead of 9

[@Trades46]

Can't believe that in 1980s one of the world's most boring nameplates would be etched on one of the world's finest example of a pure lightweight 2dr affordable RWD sports coupe. I'd give anything today to get a mint 1985-86 Corolla GT-S coupe.

[@cameltow2451]

Trades46 Check with me in about 10-15 years, when I MIGHT be too old to drive mine, lol. I'm the original owner of this one. www.1985ae86hatchback.blogspot.com

[@djhero0071]

May god bless your fucking soul man. That's too cool. 86s are harder then hell to find in good condition in the US. Thanks to drift nuts and Initial D fans,I'm stuck never getting the opportunity to drive one of these God cars. You at least took good care of yours old timer (and nice 3 spoke wheel. It was a nice touch)

[@TassieLorenzo]

+Trades46 No love for the MR2, being a real mid-engined sportscar not a commuter hatchback? :)

[@Trades46]

TassieLorenzo Just about as good. But the MR2 used the engine which was derived from the 85 Corolla GT-S as well; without the 86 there would be no MR2.

[@ドリフト180X]

+TassieLorenzo I'd rather have the mr2. Especially the 1988 with a t-top.

[@azul3648]

I own a 1987 mr2 and LOVE IT! 200000 miles and still kickin!

[@mrolskul]

I know what you mean. My '85 GT-S has over 275K on the original engine and it still runs strong and catches many, who dismiss it as a little old car, off guard. They obviously don't know about power-to-weight ratios.

[@hearsedriver1968]

1984 Celica GT...red....love it...331k...got it restored....still lovin it

[@nateoverthehorizon1176]

I have a 1985 Mr2 that looks like the one in this review!

[@agentnuget]

I wish I had a MR2... But I need a rear seat for the tiny one x.x

[@davedave1966]

Same man, my dad bought it new in 1987 it has 126k miles and still going strong

[@mrolskul]

I still own the red GT-S my brother bought new back in 1985 (along with all the factory, dealer and sales documents). Although far from stock, it still has the original interior, paint and drive train with over 275K miles and still going strong.

[@showtaito1075]

Mr Ol Skül that is bloody amazing please keep it forever

[@mistamontiel00]

Let us seeee

[@IrishWannabe]

Amazing, never sell it cuz you might not be able to afford it in the future

[@mrolskul]

@@IrishWannabe It's not going anywhere. She now has 295K miles and still rolling along.

[@mrolskul]

@@mistamontiel00 You can see it on my IG channel, @mr olscool.

[@rscott2187]

Had a tough decision to make in the fall of 1984 , 85 Z-28 which I had always wanted or the Corolla hatchback? Never regretted buying the hatchback, had the same colors, sunroof. Had a ball in that vehicle drove it to Florida, California etc., put over 200k on it and was still perfect!!! The Z-28 would have never done that! Still love Toyota's.

[@RallyLancer95]

You guys better not damage the tofu or Bunta is going to be pissed

[@Joshua_N-A]

Or spill a drop from the cup.

[@MEANlowGREEN]

The MR2 was a great midship sports car at a relatively low price but the Trueno has achieved cult status. Back when these were new I would have chosen the 2 seater MR2 but I would have made the wrong choice. The Corolla GT-S is the balanced, lightweight car to have. I remember a schoolmate of mine buying one of these new and I wondered what was he thinking? Turns out he knew something I didn't know. Kudos to him!

[@Joshua_N-A]

Poor man's Ferrari, isn't it?

[@EC-ol8nz]

@@Joshua_N-A 🤣 but more reliable

[@wholespeed]

This comment has aged liked a smelly fart in a crowded room

[@someblokeidk8565]

​@@wholespeedYou didn't have to describe the stench of your room in a youtube comment section 😂

[@PantomimeHorseMusic]

Two of the best cars from the 80s. Thanks so much for this!

[@PoorManMods]

1:47 why the heck is the stop watch guy so into stopping the watch? lol

[@ChuddleBuggy]

+Poor Man Mods I'm guessing it's the same reason why the girl suddenly felt the urge to write at 0:13, lol.

[@mindspinn311]

There’s a lot of drama from the sideline actor tester people in these old videos. It was a thing back then. No idea why.

[@joro8604]

Stop watch? I think he's just trying to squirm his package into those '80s skinny jeans.

[@RockandrollNegro]

I guess you've never been around a race track, or at least back in the eighties/nineties. Before everything went digital, it was customary for the timer to make an umpire move to signal to the driver that the pass was complete. Stupid NHRA thing.

[@SolamenteVees]

I like the emphatic roof-slapping at 1:37

[@Hi.Im.Andrew]

It's amazing how the specs are so tame. 112HP, disc brakes, 185 width wheels! And how twin cam technology was so revolutionary.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

It was - American auto makers were spewing out ancient engines from yesteryear just like institutional food in a hospital: Eat it, enjoy it, and don't tell us about your complaints because we aren't going to do anything about it.

[@penguinpie5056]

it was a very low weight car, which makes a difference both in handling and acceleration. about 1000kg. the new 86 is still 200-300kg heavier than this car was. you don't need as much engine power or as much rubber with less weight. The new 86 though does have a lower center of gravity which is an improvement.

[@9inchpp]

For comparison, neither of the big 3 had any commercial cars with DOHC back then. Hell the first American car that used a DOHC engine, had them built by Yamaha

[@fadzlenkadir6014]

And still today American still uses pushrod on their modern engine

[@thetreblerebel]

It's about the revs baby...

[@lundsweden]

Love the mid 80s Toyota styling, very minimalist and clean.

[@jrq3rq]

motorweek winning some huge points with the car fans!!! love these videos

[@bleensteen9331]

'Instant and long running sports car fan demand' yup got that right

[@palebeachbum]

Thank you so much for this, MotorWeek! I love watching these old MotorWeek reviews. So fun to see what these cars looked like brand new and how much auto technology has changed over the years.

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

Love to see the '88 Supra Turbo on your flashback days. I used to own one and it sure would be sweet to see it in action again.

[@Motorweek]

We have that...you'll be reunited soon

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

Thank You!

[@CBLounge2112]

I loved riding in your Supra Steve, what a beautiful car that was!!!

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

Can't wait to see the review Reed! Excited!!!

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

Still waiting

[@eldom20]

The "Fujiwara Tofu Shop" drift machine!

[@adhamghaly7256]

eldom72 ahah

[@marcsmoo]

sanosuke?

[@PhantomCheddar]

wrong car.

[@muchwithamouthdogepool255]

Fujiwara's Corolla is a Sprinter Trueno.

[@kotarojujo2737]

Much with a Mouth Dogepool well, technically this is a usdm spec trueno, with different name, different bumper and less powerful 4age. But, still, this is ae86

[@BigXSmoke1]

That Corolla GT-S still has the fastest Down hill on Mt Akina. ;)

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Wow! Your dad still has his cavalier rs!!?? Amazing! I loved my z24, it was pretty quick for it's time. I use to drive the hell out of it...lol! I got chased by the police for racing down the street, racing other cars, got fought of course, another time I was gonna be late for work, and I got fought doing 120miles down i55. Boy did I pay a stiff fine for that one" but then again I was young and ignorant and stupid for doing those things! And eventually smoked the engine to the weeds!! But I loved the car though!

[@seblo8462]

But its like a semi truck with full load going uphill haha....trust me ive owned an 86 for over 10years and even after a 4.7 rear gear change, port and polish head, trd head gasket, more aggressive cams, and fully ugraded ignition and i still get beat in the straight line by any modern minivan haha

[@smithsfan425]

Nah, record got broken by Keisuke’s protege not too long ago. He’s currently driving the new Supra.

[@Joshua_N-A]

@@smithsfan425 MF Ghost?

[@ahsan7416]

30 years later its still making an impact

[@rightlanehog3151]

Evey 40 years or so Toyota sends us a cool Corolla. For 2022 we are getting the GR 😁

[@cadsux]

Thank you Mr. Davis for these great Throwback/Flashback videos, as well as your current reviews. Even after 3 decades, you still have enviable enthusiasm and spirit. Who wouldn't when you get to enjoy so many cars.

[@Motorweek]

We're working on the graphics for Flashback Friday.

[@AM4project]

these are great - funny how an 82 camaro with a v8 had just 40 hp more than these 4cyl 1.6

[@blackericdenice]

***** Yes sirrr, I use to love running from the police n GT-Ss. Atlanta city police cars only ran 108mph and it ran 115mph.

[@mrolskul]

***** That must have been bone stock. Circa 2006, my TRD modified 1985 GT-S hit over 135 MPH and was still (gradually) climbing towards redline, when I figured the engine sound and exhaust note might give the Highway Patrol a reason to figure out where the melody was coming from and follow it, so I quit while I was ahead. That was a blast.

[@mrolskul]

***** That's what happens when smog regulations choke the life out of engines with ancient carburetor technology vs. multi-valve engines with electronic fuel injection controlled by a real ECU.

[@cameltow2451]

***** I've had mine up to 130 mph. With speedometer 2 mph error, that's 128, and that was at over 5,280 elevation just north of the New Mexico-Colorado border. :o) www.1985ae86hatchback.blogspot.com

[@grabir01]

One of the best cars ever. Front Engine and RWD, manual, fast and fun cars. Very reliable. This is a winning formula.

[@OutlawFarmersRC]

that MR-2 became even greater with the later year supercharger cars. Now show us some Omni GLHS or just a GLH-T would be great. I miss mine :-(

[@mega-hb4re]

remember these cars selling like hit cakes in Puerto Rico in that year.

[@ottodob]

i want that corolla. that just sounds strange today, but that one I really like.

[@kirbyswarp]

I want a Saab.

[@hendersonjohnson3750]

I use to work on those at Toyota, I had a chance to experience all the Supra, Celica, Corolla and MR2 cars. That was a good time.

[@ivanlopez4995]

The toyota GT-S knew since it was born that he was made for drifting 😍

[@gunnarkvinlaug9079]

The famous AE86!

[@2006gtobob]

That last bit, his prediction, nearly FORTY YEARS later is so true.

[@Taj-px4uq]

I constantly watch this video. It makes me wanna continue searching for a Corolla GT-S and buying one. A hard thing to do nowa days but see how common they used to be makes me sad that they’re pretty difficult to find.

[@epistte]

I had the 2 door coupe w/ a trunk. It was a fun little car, especially with a few TRD performance parts, and I put over 300K miles on it. The sunroof leaked, the rear wheel bearings didn't like bigger rubber, and the AC went belly up.

[@MrWolfSnack]

Those problems are all from lack of maintenance and driver ignorance.

[@vapsa56]

I remember these cars with fondness. I wish we had more choices like this as we did back then.

[@markmarshall39]

love these old school review's

[@spod2998]

"and long-running sports car demand" _no no, he's got a point_

[@broderp]

I mis5 my 85 MR2 - just like the white one in this review. A perfect driving machine and AWESOME daily driver. So much so that when the engine blew (literally- a hole the size of a large grape fruit while going down the road at 55 mph!) I bought an 89' to replace it. The fully decked out one with the two spoilers..... Even the 89 has been gone over 15 years now. No car has been like it since.

[@Duct_Tape.]

But can you slalom without spilling from the cup of water or ruining a whole batch of tofu?

[@damnhockey]

nice review, I bought a GTS. a that time, it was a wonderful car, quick (at that time) stylish, great MPG, reliable. I bought a loaded Honda Accord v6 and I regret the purchase as I should have kept the GTS for a few more years, nothing was mechanically wrong, the A/C stopped working and it was starting to rust.

[@IrishWannabe]

Damn... You sold a rare and a great looking car for a ugly accord V6 :(

[@Darksyne]

Pretty Impressive for the mid-80s

[@k9keo]

My uncle had a red Corolla GT-S. He didn’t know that his car 🚗 was popular nowadays. I remember how sporty the exhaust was from a stock car. He had two kicker 10” woofers in the back and I could remember my chest pounding from the bass. 🔈🔉🔊 Whoever bought it got a great deal.

[@NSX00000]

Wow, all 112 HP. That is a monstrous beast.

[@Joshua_N-A]

Heard the Japanese AE86's 4A-GE engine got 130 bhp right out of the factory.

[@ragequitter]

I began watching MotorWeek in the late 90s as a kid. I never knew it existed way before that

[@johnjones393]

A few years back I owned a mint 85 MR2 that was an exact clone of this silver test car. Had only 70k miles and it ran perfect. It was stupid fun on twisty mountain roads. I still kick myself for selling it.

[@bhop0073]

The stopwatch guy at 1:46 really got into his work.

[@roddydykes7053]

1:54 “The feeling of being in touch with the road” as you screeeeech coming to a halt on the brakes 😂

[@softhotty]

I had the 85 silver and black gts twin cam coupe, was stolen in 96. Bastards ! I loved that car.

[@sachahe7819]

"nice to drive a high performance small car" How long has it been since you could say anything like that about a corolla?

[@VieVentar]

About 20 years now, since the G6R. Rally team switch to the Yaris after that.

[@penguinpie5056]

@@VieVentar 2006

[@J3Fox00]

The '06 Corolla XRS

[@yeungscs]

@@J3Fox00 even then, the 'lift' came at the really high RPM

[@J3Fox00]

@@yeungscs Yea, that is it’s main weakness. But it can be fixed by fitting in a Matrix XRS ecu or getting a reflash from Redliner9K. That combined with full bolt-ons and it’s capable of well over 200 whp.

[@20_below]

Corolla is love, Corolla is life.

[@seinsmeld13]

I had this 85 GTS, great car. Thanks for this!!!

[@Porsche996driver]

Was stationed in West Germany when these came out. They didn’t sell them there but did American GI sales there. So a couple guys had their fun on the Autobahn ha.

[@MegaGuitar87]

LOVE THIS KEEP THEM COMING!!!!

[@Acc0rd79]

I love these, Thanks for putting another one out this week. We know you have the vaults, do 3 or 4 vids per week! I don't even care if were talking about some old dull cars either, its cool to see where we have come from, and sadly, what we have lost like the GTS and MR2.

[@MrCarGuy]

I figured there would be another Throwback type day. This is great.

[@truelegendinblack]

If Baja was still around we would have all the oldschool motorweek

[@dm919]

The guy with the stopwatch had me rolling

[@pwndizzy3873]

Im here from the year 2085 to let you guys know still waiting on a rear wheel drive Corolla.

[@ClassicTVMan1981X]

The 1984-87 Corolla Sport series was the last of the rear-wheel-drive line.

[@ericbritton8146]

All of the information in this video is correct except 1. I previously owned the t-top 88' MR2. Only the front disc were ventilated. The rear disc were solid which were the same for the Corolla GT-S that I also previous owned the 87 FX16 body style of.

[@D.T.W.]

The Corolla is my dream car but sadly i can't find the right one so im risk my life to get a mr2 supercharged

[@kmena05]

Ever since then the ae86 has become a legendary car 👀 back then everyone thought it was jus another econobox 😂 it made a name for itself through out time 👀

[@metaomicron72]

I couldnt stop thnking aobut the idea of a 458 in that time. They were so happy with them 9.7 sec 0/100

[@redneon06]

Oh your so kind Ben! ThankYOU for posting one of my favorite cars!

[@fabe4youth]

I’m probably the only weirdo that love and envy classic cars like this.. I love them so much that I don’t think I’ll ever own a modern car, up until I have children that is 😊

[@georgecortez2369]

I had both cars. they were both great drivers and some of the best sticks in the business. Northeast rust took the mr2 and I traded off the 86 for a 69 camaro...

[@marcellominghetti9507]

0:56 It's called TVIS, it's a flap that closes the second intake runner for each cylinder, runs off from a vacuum valve

[@johnhiram1207]

They were terrific cars! Rusted to heck here in New England.

[@403patriot3]

what a badass pair of platforms for a wee race car. i wish i could find one of either, nobody knew these were going to be sought after 30 years later

[@gtrzdaddy]

Corolla GT-S, aka AE86 Hachiroku, now a legend... and an ultimate classic

[@TheKorbie]

Love the flashback series.

[@aefwaefwe5737]

"A hair slower than a V6 Pontiac Fiero" Until it hits a turn...

[@JavierCR25]

I love this old reviews...

[@vangt858]

Great flashback video. I've always love ae86 and mr2

[@mcqueenfanman]

Without a doubt two of the funniest cars from the 80s. I wished they made something like that today. I see Budweiser was making a delivery during the corolla's slalom run.

[@daver53]

Thanks for posting these Motorweek. Gotta quibble about the mr2 roadfeel comment. The car talks pretty good.

[@BrasspineappleProductions]

The world knows Nothing of how badass these cars can be modified .

[@JDsHouseofHobbies]

Man, I would kill for a Hachi! And how true is that last statement?

[@mrolskul]

Which is why, much to my wife's dismay, I will never sell mine, lol.

[@cameltow2451]

Mr Ol Skül Me neither, lol. Not until I'm too darned old to drive it anymore!

[@benruether8294]

RIP to all the first gen mr2s that were spray painted and destroyed every Sunday at your local circle track. I was a kid in the 90s and the champ car of the $500 price limit banger races where always mr2s. Sad to see most gone

[@komit73]

Great engine! Next up '89 Taurus SHO!

[@penguinpie5056]

they should soup up Conan O'Brien's SHO and turn it into a tuner car but then leave those damn broken mirrors.

[@Artoliann]

The silver and black USDM Corolla GT-S is my favorite look for the stock AE86. It just looks so clean, much better than the overused tofu shop livery (I love initial d as much as the next guy, but every AE86 does not need to be a tofu car, lol). The "GT-S Twin Cam 16" decal on the doorside gives such a cool 80s feel. Awesome car, and I'm probably going to buy one someday when I graduate from high school next year. That is if I can find a shitty condition rusty GTS hatch for $5000 - $15000 that I can restore, that is.

[@DR-JOHN-DEJAVU-1984]

Back when cars used to be actually *FUN* to drive.

[@alwaysadawg6488]

Back in the day, I owned a 1985 Corolla GTS. I loved that car. Very reliable and fun to drive. Why can't we get simple, fun cars today? Today's cars are overengineered and overpriced.

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

I still want one of these cars. Rear wheel drive Corolla. MR2. I'll take either. Or both

[@beetbosozoku]

any car or motorbike can become a monster on the street not from the performance of the engine but who drives or riders it. So, the driver or rider is A REAL MONSTER 👽

[@rwall514]

You knew what you were doing when you put "Dorifto" at the end of the description.

[@paulhudson231]

My wife used to have one of the Corolla GT-s, 1985 also. Fun to drive but no low-end power. It also rode surprisingly well for such a small car. I did not like working on that car; it seemed like no matter what you had to get to, something else was in the way. At least the plugs were easy to change.

[@Drive571]

These retro reviews are so legit. Make a HQ DVD and take my money!!!

[@zenkitrueno6787]

Ah, I love my AE86. Coupe Trueno!

[@IrishWannabe]

Lucky man

[@artaylor8920]

The MR2 laid some impressive pavement stripes on that acceleration run. Really surprised!!

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

My nephew had one exactly like that one! Boy what a fun car that was! Toyota messed up when they did the Corolla front wheel drive!

[@skeleton1337]

This dude really remind me of the dad from drake and josh

[@DeathMetalThrasher]

My dad had a MR2 but had to give it up when I came along.

[@nsxt290]

These cars going into the early 90s were sexy, practical, fuel efficient & reliable cars...i don't really see any flaws w/ these beauties. Compared to today's stuff.. give me a 80s/90s Japanese car anyday of the week!

[@rwdplz1]

Overall, the two best cars Toyota ever made. Compare with the garbage they put out now, it's amazing how the mighty hath fallen.

[@AE86ofMtAkina]

They took a step in the right direction with the GT86 platform.

[@wawewawe1316]

rwdplz1 not the two. The Supra will have to be in the top two!

[@penguinpie5056]

no, that'd be the LFA and GT2000

[@zacharyk7225]

Yeah, like Mitsubishi.

[@oliviersavard8676]

WAWE What Are We Eating ThE SuPrA iS BeTTeR Seriously, no. The MR2 is better. It's not because the Supra is faster that it is better. The MR2 is better, the Celica GT-Four is better, the 2000GT obviously is better, there is no comparaison.

[@Korrupted8787]

I'd love to see a Celica Supra, not sure if you guys ever did review them.

[@Motorweek]

We have that too.

[@guyproulx1660]

***** i've been looking for a review of a 1988 celica gt-s, wonder if you might have that also, i had one and i so miss it , thanks

[@spinnetti]

I had a 79. It felt fast but really, it was a boat.

[@peter455sd]

It is hard to believe that at some point the Corolla was this cool

[@MTLJack]

10k$ for a brand new corolla .. that's about the price of one today , if its in clean condition!

[@user-ve9fl6lh5z]

MTLJack good luck finding a clean one, and most people are charging almost 10k for a rusted hooned sr5 cuz "muh initial d"

[@hermanman8235]

Little did they know that flip up head lights corrolla Levin will be THAT famous on drifting scene and the buying price well over it's original asking price.

[@aquateen77723]

Motorweek comes through again! Excellent presentation of 2 of my favorite cars. Do you have the 1994 Honda Accord coupe video? It used to be on the Motorweek channel, but was taken down a couple years back. Thanks!

[@scottyjones27]

That best car I ever had 1986 GTS!!!