1987 Toyota Mk1 MR2 AW11 Review and Drive - Why it's a little bit of Magic on 4 wheels

The Toyota Mr2 is renowned as an affordable mid engined sports car. We test drive and review the MK1 MR2, the AW11, the car that started it all for Toyota. With it's 4AGE 16V 1.6 litre engine, seen previously in the AE86, the MR2 offered sprightly performance from a rev happy engine, in a neat little 2 seat, RWD package.
Growing up in the 80's and 90's I actually thought that Toyota were specifically a sportscar manufacturer, as the MR2, Celica and Supra were the only cars I paid attention to, such was the impressive model range.
How does this 80's classic stack up today? Find out as we take an incredible example of this future classic for a drive and give it the Overtake review! I think I fell for this car somewhat...
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Music Credits:
Song: ARS Sonor - Guldheaden
Air Glow - New Touch

[@feral4mr2]

I've been a AW11 owner and enthusiast for 25 years. I still own the one I originally bought in April 1995. I've had 5 3/4 AW11's at one time, but unfortunately I had to sell and only own 2 now. I love them, they're a true drivers car.

[@ssyvlo8900]

does it have cruise control and or abs?

[@feral4mr2]

@@ssyvlo8900 no, aw11's are real drivers cars.. 😉

[@shaneme3]

@@ssyvlo8900 just cruise

[@ModMINI]

I just picked one up - like the one in the video - no rust, well looked after, previous owner even gave it a nice paint job and clearcoat. I have to sort a few maintenance issues but agree 100%. I feel terrible for missing out for so long. (My other fun car is a BMW 1M. These are miles apart in price and performance and I honestly don't know which I enjoy driving more....! )

[@ModMINI]

@@ssyvlo8900 Mine has cruise control but no ABS, no power steering. It does have power brakes (4 wheel disk). It's all you need!

[@BritishBeef]

Owned one of these 26 years ago as a 22 year old. It was 9 years old and like new. It was so much fun to drive and I absolutely loved it. Was a sad day the day I sold it. Best car I've owned to this day.

[@ModMINI]

I just picked one up at 50 and think I might keep this one forever!

[@steveethelston7047]

Just having one of these restored right now, with just 53000 miles. Owned it since 1986, just couldn't ever part with it. Your video has confirmed that keeping it was the right action. Probably back on the road later this year.

[@OvertakeFilms]

Wow, sounds like a fantastic example. Definitely the right decision, they're a joy to drive!

[@aaa-nj2ms]

AW11にこんなに海外のファンがいて日本人として素直にうれしいです、私も現在89年式ノーマルルーフS/Cを所有しております。

[@GregosTH]

Toyotas from the 80s / 90s are amazing :)

[@timwright7395]

A very good and concise review of what still remains (imho) a well underrated vehicle / sports two seater. If this was your first driver ever i'm suitably impressed with your initial appraisal even more. I bought mine back in 87 and still have it to this today. I nice low milage car (no rust) on about 67k but definitely driven and enjoyed ! When you drive this car at any speed it makes you smile (& be happier) what a fabulous achievement that is for any purchase :) Thanks for the review :)

[@ModMINI]

I just got a 1989 Super Red non supercharged with just a sunroof and manual windows. Very well maintained. Was looking for something: RWD, not a convertible, light, slow and fun. Everything else was overpriced or a Miata. Very happy with the purchase and plan to keep it as long as I am able to drive.

[@akuaku3496]

Im only 17 but hope to buy a 88 before im 25 its always been my dream car

[@screamingchicken5797]

Recently been seeing the 88s for sale more often than usual and at better prices. Clean ones in my area have recently been worth 3000-4000 usd, while the projects are worth 600-1000 usd.

[@ModMINI]

@@screamingchicken5797 Probably triple that these days, at least in my area in US... Non-runners are 3000. Clean is close to 10, more for supercharged.

[@j.chenmuas]

Supercharged or not ill take any mk1 mr2 and build it up one day. Too classic!

[@NetVoyagerOne]

One day I'll own an 88 supercharged. One day.

[@twentythreeninteen2143]

i picked up an 89 supercharged less than a month ago.. in the top 5 cars ive ever driven in my life .. up there with the Viper ACR, huracan, 458, 430 scud its a crazy little car that is seriously beyond incredible

[@jasoncase3158]

I bought an 88 supercharged from the original owner and family friend six years ago. It’s in good shape and completely stock. It’s a hit at local shows. I feel lucky to have it. Definitely one of the best driving cars I’ve owned.

[@fabronfretwell3257]

I own one that's been sitting in my backyard since 2013. I watched this today. I went out and got it to run again...

[@mayssm]

I had one back in college (mid 90s). It was a lot of fun, and I got into a lot of trouble with it.

[@fabronfretwell3257]

I changed the fuel pump today, and went to back it up and the brake pedal goes to the floor. I just ordered a new master cylinder.

[@johnnyhoney2074]

I bought a red one in 99 and still have it . We've done 85 k miles together and it's actually made me laugh at the fun it can be . Did have a custom made lightweight stainless steel straight through pipe fitted and improved the torque noticeably aswell as giving it a peachy sound . Nice review thank's

[@OvertakeFilms]

It's such a fun car to drive, but also so competent, even today. In fact, I'm itching to get back into the drivers seat of another one just thinking about it!

[@Lockguard]

Great review! Beautiful film mate! Loved the little pop-up cam view!

[@OvertakeFilms]

Thanks! Can't beat those retro pop-ups!

[@KrismanX]

Love this platform...Can't wait till I'm all sorted and can drive mine again.

[@ingopaul67]

I had that exact model, F reg 1989 red T bar which I bought when it was 2 years old and under 20k miles and kept it until 1996 when it had done 72k miles. The best car I have ever owned (I've owned more expense cars since) and still regret selling it. Did a road trip up to Scotland and the memories will stay with me for ever. That engine was amazing revving to 7750 and of course pop up headlights :) Also had a Rev 5 SW20 MR2 but the AW11 had the magic for me. Thanks for the review and bringing back the memories.

[@dylanmatthews1484]

Enjoyed the review, I had one of these 20 yrs ago and loved it. I've owned 6 Toyota sports car, but the mk1 mr2 is still the favorite. Love the 80s and love the mr2. Its like a baby ferrari. Good job with the review, love the passion you have for the mr2.

[@gerardvanoosterbaan1716]

Nice video m8, greetings from another aw11 owner (white ‘89, the netherlands)

[@OvertakeFilms]

Hello there! Thanks!

[@alexanderthomas542]

I miss mine in white ,best car i ever had

[@PipeOPhile]

Great video, thanks for making it. Also love your XS. So many brilliant low-speed-high-fun classic cars to choose from.

[@OvertakeFilms]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dr.t.]

I drive my 17yr old son's 89 model and prefer to my modern car and i also trust it more too, I have always got a smile on my face when I'm in it but unfortunately it's not mine 😎😎

[@snappedbydan]

Nice review mate, i enjoyed your commentary and info and the colour styling of the video is nice. First time ive seen your videos so i've subbed.

[@OvertakeFilms]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for the feedback, appreciated.

[@nusratshaheen4913]

Best review , got from 88 a brought a few weeks back. It really makes me feel awake and alive and not feeling like a hundred computers helping you drive.

[@OvertakeFilms]

The are such a pure drive, wonderful stuff! Thanks for the support.

[@jamiecinder9412]

The reason why I think the MR2 is a superior car to the Miata is that the MR2 looked to the future while the Miata looked to the past. The MR2 literally looked like something straight off the set from Episodes IV, V and VI of Star Wars! Meanwhile, the Miata was heavily inspired by the Lotus Elan, and 60's car. Don't get me wrong, the Miata is an awesome car, but the MR2 is just a little more awesome. ;)

[@OvertakeFilms]

That's a good analysis, the Miata is said to have taken inspiration from the 60's roadsters, whilst a new MR layout car with those looks certainly was futuristic.

[@Karocko]

Great video, loved the intro!

[@OvertakeFilms]

Glad you liked it! Thanks!

[@MKC95]

Mr2 are so lovely cars. I have the sw20 Turbo but still like the aw11 too. Maybe i'll buy one in future😁 Thanks for this content👍

[@OvertakeFilms]

Thanks for the support! I've only been a passenger in the SW20 Turbo, but it was great fun all the same! Maybe I'll film one for the channel in future.

[@blainechappell5383]

I'm an owner of both, and I prefer the mk1

[@dan-othemando7958]

The 500 Like!! Wish They would remake parts for this!!

[@tsmith7146]

The peerless Mk1 MR2 arrived in 1984/1985, predating the MX5/Miata by 5 years. Press and public loved it. Toyota had the perfect template in the Mk1 - compact, cheap-ish, stunning revvy 4A-GE engine, lightweight, pop up headlamps and so wonderful to drive. This car was a revelation in the 1980's and i absolutely loved it. The Mk2 could have taken the Mk1 template, restyled and rounded off, maybe a targa roof (rather than tbar) but (importantly) keep it as a cheap-ish compact runabout and maybe the MR2 would still be with us if Toyota had gone for evolution of the template, as Mazda has done through NA, NB, NC to ND. Instead, Toyota redesigned the MR2 as a more upmarket GT in the Mk2, making it bigger and heavier - the Rev1 Mk2 was panned by experienced journalists. The Mk1 was a totally distinct car in the Toyota range, sitting below the Celica. The Mk2 and Celica seemed to be in competition to some degree, both GT cars, albeit one mid engined and one front engined. The MR2 lost its identity between Mk1 and Mk2. Such a shame. By the time the underappreciated Mk3 MR2 arrived, the Elise had arrived (in 1996) and the MX5/Miata had the market wrapped up - the Mk3 didn't stand a chance.

[@ModMINI]

The Mk3 also lost all practicality with virtually no cargo space.

[@tsmith7146]

​@@ModMINI Whilst the Mk3 doesn't have a boot, it does have useful luggage pods behind the seats. Too much is made of the lack of boot. I had a Mk3 for many years and the luggage pods behind the seats were brilliant and held a surprising amount. One benefit of the lack of boot was that the the Mk3 consequently had a longer relative wheelbase than most cars (if not all) of a similar length; this improved handling and the Mk3 is generally renowned for its excellent handling - something (from previous ownership) i concur with. Also, personally, i dislike overhangs in car design - the lack of boot in the Mk3 gave it a cleaner and minimal rear overhang, something i loved. Overall, the Mk3 is an underappreciated and misunderstood car, held hostage by the often repeated but unfair 'lack of boot' point, which i'm sure had an effect on its sales.

[@SpacehotelMusic]

For me MK3 was a no go due to being a soft top with too 'soft' a look (vs the 3 MK1s I had and the 1 88 Super Charger I still have in Dark Blue). MK3 did lots right (some arguably better than the misguided MK2 which I never liked much) but itself lost its way by still not hitting it perfectly like MK1 did (Practical + handling + exotic looks) @@tsmith7146

[@jtotheace1]

Great video. Love mine with the 20v Blacktop.

[@OvertakeFilms]

Oh man, that must be awesome, I've always been interested in the AE111 almost purely for that 20V blacktop!

[@wsfh777]

Amo este coche. Algún día encontraré uno para darle Amor. Y aventuras en carretera y curvas. 😍⚡️🚀

[@bri77uk1]

Nice video and great car! (although I am slightly biased ;-) )

[@OvertakeFilms]

Thanks! They're amazing little cars. Great fun!

[@mirai_fighter]

Amazing movie man. I'd like to record some of my driving experiences in my AW11 as well. Might I ask how you recorded the audio for this one? Not only in terms of recording the cabin, but also the engine sound.

[@OvertakeFilms]

Thanks for the support! The cabin was with an external Mic plugged into my Sony camera (Rode), while the exhaust was a lav mic plugged into a separate sound recorder. Any stand alone sound recorder will do, you can even plug straight into a GoPro or similar!

[@frankmagnet7290]

Nice video mate 👍

[@OvertakeFilms]

Thanks 👍

[@SpacedOdyssey]

I had an "F REG" , loved it ! But also owned a Corolla Gti-16v at the same time, So the MR2 went, BUT STILL HAVE a 91 Corolla Gti-16v

[@AdmiralSym]

I love this car and I love Airglow!

[@OvertakeFilms]

I'm worried what I will do when I run out of Airglow tracks....

[@phinds1]

I have a white '89 Supercharged MR2. If you loved that one you'd absolutely ADORE the supercharged version. Just imagine all of what you decribed but with more power. Doesn't get any better! This is my FOURTH one! First 2 were N/A just like the one you drove. Next one was an "89 Supercharged which was unfortunately destroyed by a drunk driver (barely got out with my life),,,and now the one I have now.

[@OvertakeFilms]

I would absolutely love to try a Supercharger version, but they were always thin on the ground, being import only. Other than the 80's breakfast club at Goodwood, I haven't even seen one in years! Sounds absolutely mega!

[@phinds1]

@@OvertakeFilms Wow! Didn't know they were THAT rare over there. I live in Canada and they're rare over here as well,,,because people bought them and then proceeded to either wreck them or modify and then wreck them! LOL But yeah,,they're mega!

[@billmarsh3767]

I've driven 2 of the supercharged MR2 and I would have bought one but I didn't have that much frivolous money back then. Now my toy is a R53 John Cooper Works and it's tremendous fun.

[@OvertakeFilms]

Small world as I've recently picked up an R53 myself! You'll find it on the channel and likely more content to come once the weather and conditions improve...

[@jesseneal1787]

Just bought my first mr2, 1988, black, prestine condition at 150k miles.

[@OvertakeFilms]

Amazing, sounds like someone has looked after it! Enjoy your car!

[@reecehopkins9021]

Great Video Mate! Would you have the MR2 over a mk1 mx5 given the chance?

[@OvertakeFilms]

Oooh.....tough one. I've owned both in the past and that's a question I often ponder. The MX5 has better balance and is easier to push, but I think I'd probably give the MR2 the nod because the overall package is a bit more special and unique. On the public roads, it rewards plenty. If it were to be used for track days, I'd take the more forgiving nature of the MX5! hth!

[@reecehopkins9021]

@@OvertakeFilms Thanks for taking to time to reply mate! Keep the content coming!

[@mayssm]

My friends always hassled me over the look of the shift knob of my '88 supercharged MR2.

[@OvertakeFilms]

Now that you say it, it is a bit of a curious design! Fun to swap cogs though!

[@ChrisLitton]

I own one, 89 t bar. Best car I've ever driven.

[@OvertakeFilms]

They are amazing fun to drive!

[@PhantomBuster]

This is my dream car - I've been in love with it for so long... I'm going to buy one as soon as I can! I want to make it my daily driver but almost feel guilty for wanting to drive this classic as a daily. Then again, cars are meant to be driven, right?

[@OvertakeFilms]

Go for it! Just watch out for salt as they like to rust!

[@PhantomBuster]

@@OvertakeFilms Thanks for the info! I'm in Europe and relatively far away from coastal areas so it should be ok... I really love your channel by the way! Seriously good production value, you're gonna blow up one day I can tell!

[@ModMINI]

I bought one this year with 140k miles in great condition. I figure if it's lasted this long, it can stand a bit of daily driving. Park it in a garage or under a roof away from sun and moisture. it's a Toyota, it will run forever if the rust doesn't take it!

[@BostonPower]

I MISS MINE :(

[@lewdim9035]

Can you pls post the links to the songs and not just names. I can’t find it to save my life. The vid is amazing tho. Songs and vid match up so right.

[@lewdim9035]

Nevermind Found it.

[@garyfleming4501]

Like the music what artist is it from?

[@OvertakeFilms]

Thanks, the music is listed in the video description.

[@TedTremendous]

Honest feedback, I was expecting more of seeing the car and less of seeing a person talk. I was kinda bored overall with this. I make videos too so I know this took a while as they all do. The car looks so great on the outside I wish I saw more especially from what the thumbnail suggested. I thought it would be like a tour of the car and go through it more interior and exterior with some vaporwave music in there too. I lost focus at 3:47 when you cut from the amazing cinematics to dull talking. Using more cinematics with voiceover would have been POG.

[@OvertakeFilms]

Sorry, I only had an afternoon in November to film this car on my own! It went into storage the very next day. I would love the chance to have filmed more shots of it.

[@lee-minz]

Does it has air conditioning 🤔

[@blainechappell5383]

I believe your exhaust is stock, out a stock replacement. Mine sounds like that and it's all OEM

[@OvertakeFilms]

Could well be, I used to own one of these around a decade ago and I didn't remember my standard exhaust sounding or looking quite the same, but probably my memory failing me!

[@silverpairaducks]

Funky yeah

[@solidsentinel1285]

My grandpas got a silver one that he doesn’t drive much anymore so here’s hoping he’ll let me have it

[@OvertakeFilms]

Wow, that would be amazing, make sure to look after it!

[@Ironarmhoss]

Sooner or later there will be a 2zz CARB option

[@clivebrackstone1896]

977 kg brother 😇😇😇😇😇

[@OvertakeFilms]

Wow, cool a good bit lighter than I thought!

[@frankc.astle214]

Oh that’s why I can’t find any mr2s I’m the US. It’s because they’re all in Europe 😑😑😑

[@T90845]

I’m getting one in a few days lmao

[@frankc.astle214]

T-900 from???

[@just_pat_w]

@@frankc.astle214 They appear all over the US, luckily there is a place that finds them for sale online. collectorcarfeed.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=64