MR2 Owner's Reaction to Doug Demuro’s Review

[@CanadianGearhead]

Common Toyota MR2 myths: canadiangearhead.com/common-toyota-mr2-myths/

[@mikedtw]

Your own MR2 looks to be gloriously well cared for, nice to see it! Glad you put this video up. I've always felt Doug would have fewer "quirks" and questions if he'd just read the owner's manual. Good job!

[@Notfiveo0]

He is being kind to Doug. 😆

[@CanadianGearhead]

Thanks, I try to preserve it the best I can

[@theman4884]

Doug does seem to read the owners manuals as he will point out odd bits about them. But this is why people should always be cautious about believing everything that is reported about the news. If Doug can get things wrong about a car that is right in front of him and easily researchable, imagine what the news gets wrong.

[@richcampbell6808]

You have no idea what you're talking about the original with no mods unlike yours goes for much more money collectors want original​@@CanadianGearhead

[@richcampbell6808]

​@@CanadianGearhead You have no idea what you're talking about a real collector wants an original with no mod's mod's actually lowers the value especially in America

[@USAirsoft]

I remember when I was younger, I went to a car meet and met a 2nd gen MR2 owner who agreed to take me for a ride. I asked if he ever had a snap oversteer accident and he said no in an annoyed manner as we got on a highway. He tried to do a pull and almost immediately lost control. Luckily we didn’t hit anything since no one was around us and we even missed the walls. He stopped at a gas station and just told me to get out before he drove off and my friends (who were following us) scooped me up. Never saw him at the car meet again.

[@CanadianGearhead]

That's hilarious!

[@LuckyCharms777]

You cursed him with your negative mojo! You’re lucky he left you at a gas station rather than on the side of the road. 😂

[@ct1762]

@@LuckyCharms777 pretty sure he was to blame, you know being the driver and all

[@michaelbullock7747]

you're probably a Subaru bot

[@jakedekleuver]

Doug reviewed the gen 3 MR2 a few years back (A model I once owned) where he opened the frunk to reveal the the term 'midship runabout', and made comment about the name meaning. So while watching the vid on the Gen2 I was surprised that he suddenly forgot what MR2 means. :)

[@patricklopes-vtec]

I still call it Toyota Mido, because the japanese generally have problems in pronoucing english. So its Mido-1 (1980s), Mido-2 (1990s) and Mido-3 (2000s). Or Mido-ich, Mido-ni, Mido-san.

[@blue_lancer_es]

Imagine reviewed 300 cars between them.

[@twrcrew8852]

@@patricklopes-vtec that's a bit racist. and the reason they can't pronounce english is the fault of their writing structure. it forces them to pronounce everything using only japanese characters and their limited sound-effects.

[@twrcrew8852]

@markasread4349 blame the algorithm. just like with instagram, "engagement" gives them money. so it's consequently full of garbage content that exists JUST to bait people into correcting deliberately false statements. the algorithm also doesn't care what like or dislike happens. it will continue to push videos as long as they are getting the thumb in EITHER direction, therefore the content creator earns more money. So guess what? since its far easier to make an AWFUL video that makes people angry than to make a good video, there's a lot of people out there who make awful videos on purpose to get the hate watchers and that makes them rich. This has dire consequences for all platforms, as it incentivizes people to be content creators of bloat and spam, rather than actual good content.

[@patricklopes-vtec]

@@twrcrew8852 so wrong pronunciation is racism? Not today, child.

[@CanadianGearhead]

Want me to make more MR2 content on this channel? Comment below and I will!

[@captainbrianwilkinson7723]

Absolutley having MR2 Owners make MR2 content is whats needed, in the UK we keep it all amoungest ourselves theres so much miss informed content out there & so may americans with a biased view of the MR2.... great stuff matey you have got a subscribe & like :-)

[@bryantharris5914]

I think the snap oversteer reputation was proven by the racers in the fire hawk series that found that the MR2's rear suspension got toe out when the suspension was extended (like under braking). So it wasn't your run of the mill trailing throttle oversteer, it was actually an issue where the rear tires toe-ed out, something they corrected in '93.

[@nimmen]

That kind of explains why lowering and stiffening the suspension helps a lot with this. Then it just can't extend as far. The pre-93 actually responds better to these mods than the later I believe.

[@felixl.l.2060]

I'm also pretty sure Doug didn't know that the 3SGTE had been in America in Celicas since 1988. He mentions "From like 90-93, the Celica GT4 had that engine." But that was the second generation of All-trac we got in the states, the first gen (ST165) also had a 3S turbo with 10 fewer horsepower.

[@westfolk1]

you hit all the points that i was pulling my hair out during that review haha. love his channels, but this was a much needed update video, thanks! also, i was very surprised Doug did not mention the different top configurations which were available on the sw20.

[@CanadianGearhead]

Thanks for watching!

[@HardRockCrusher]

I cringed my way through Doug's review for all the reasons you've noted here. Thanks for the effort, for all of us,. I've had mine for 26 years...in quiet admiration.

[@negativeindustrial]

I was waiting on this one 😂 Edit: 6’4” 225lbs and I fit very well. The stock seats may as well have been fitted for me. This video was awesome. There is a sizable back catalog of “car famous” reviews on the SW20. You should start a mini series

[@CanadianGearhead]

Not a bad idea!

[@oberonb-6129]

Hey Man! That's an SW20 right? I have a MK1b AW11 and luckily it fits right for me at 6'3 with stock seats too! But I'm thinking of an SW20 as well.

[@negativeindustrial]

@@oberonb-6129 Definitely. If the MKI fits you well, the SW20 will have you in luxury! Do it. It’s a fantastic platform.

[@KenNakajima07]

This car never sold in Mexico, I know about it due to Gran Turismo, with all the hundreds of cars it has I´ve always found this little gem very appealing and intriguing and up to date I want to experience one in person one day, I think it´s a very cool car!!!

[@Darkslide2AR-FE]

I owned a 91 Turbo in early 2000's while stationed in Japan. I can attest to how amazing the car was to own and drive, never experienced snap oversteer like so many people claim but I always drove it responsibly without pushing it past it limits. Of course I did drive it fast often, it's the car that really turned me on to sports cars and to be honest I do dream of the MR2 still to this very day. I don't think I'd be happy with the newer MR2 when they bring it back cause they won't capture that same feel going electric or hybrid especially with today's safety standards.

[@glennc7201]

I was working for Toyota from early 80s through 2000,I was able to drive every iteration of MR2 that came my way,my favorite to drive aggressively still is the first gen naturally aspirated,though hardly fast by any standard,it was just a blast to throw around,you could keep the revs up and just full throttle out of turns. But I prefer the second gen as an overall package. And I do recall those being touted as mid engine,rear drive,2 seater. I still have all the brochures for them, I will look one up and see if it's their official wording though. I did just replace a timing belt on a turbo car recently, and it brought back a lot of memories of that Era of Toyota quality. And as a side note,your car looks awesome with the wheels you have on it! I find the 2nd gen to be one of the best looking cars Toyota ever built,they took the chiseled look of the first gen,which was not bad mind you,and just kind of melted it all together.

[@cmarnold78]

Nice! I owned a Mk1 for about 5 years and then got the Mk2 (na) which I had for about 12 years (both as my daily). The Mk1 weighed pretty much nothing! But when I got the Mk 2 that felt amazing, so much more power. Also I think the Mk 1 was non power steering.

[@davidlemieux2606]

Great insights into a great car - thanks for this video. Btw, Doug's comment wasn't racist (Japanese people do tend to be shorter and weigh less than Americans, statistically speaking - their height is now catching up due to diet improvements), but your "girlie" comment is definitely sexist. Lastly, I'd like to know how much experience you have with electric cars - I've owned many cool, fun, interesting, gas cars in my life including late 60s GM muscle cars (that I restored as a teen), a twin turbo Dodge Stealth, several Acuras, and even a 429hp V8 Hyundai Equus. All were great in their own way, but none came close in overall ownership experience to the electric cars I have now. I believe a true car guy (or gal) would never dismiss an entire segment of cars out of prejudice. Each car (and type of car) has its own benefits and drawbacks. Please try a few electric cars and keep an open mind when evaluating them.

[@gioelebezzan2351]

Just a little detail... The lid behind the seats DOES NOT ALWAYS OPEN. In my 91 MR2 Turbo only the passenger side opened, the driver's side had a subwoofer underneath (same as the Doug's MR2). On some post-93 models, even the passenger's side had a subwoofer so it really depends on the car and if the sound system optional was chosen at the dealership.

[@KaDuWin]

As a fellow MR2 owner, thank you for making this video and for helping keep MR2 info correct. Gorgeous SW20 btw 👍 Doug got pretty much everything about the MR2 wrong across the board. I owned, daily drove and tracked an SW20 for 12+ years. He couldn't be more wrong about all the stats, production year, nicknames for the gens, etc. The funniest was when he critiqued the clutch and the way he described the MR2 (especially the SW20) as a car "you can throw around." Anyone who's a properly trained driver and has tracked their car knows the MR2 is not a car you just "throw around" especially if you're not trained. (No being a fan of drifting, playing video games, etc doesn't constitute a trained driver). He clearly had no idea how to drive a standard H, no idea how to feel the bite point of a clutch, no idea how to approach the corner, no idea how to drive. Just another eccentric youtube newb who's an expert on absolutely nothing, giving all the wrong info.

[@Darren-z4l]

Well-done video. FYI: The original NSX has a rear trunk, but no front trunk. You open the hood to access the spare tire, check the radiator and brake fluid, etc., but it's not trunk space.

[@23ofSeptember]

I live in Japan and I have owned several JDM MR2s so I am "in the know" about MR2s.

[@marcperras9072]

I was considering a MR2 back in 1994 but bought an Integra GSR instead as it was roomier inside. I still have the car to this day (I store it during our harsh Canadian winters). Your MR2 is absolutely stunning.

[@CanadianGearhead]

Thanks! That Integra will be worth something if you look after it

[@marcperras9072]

@@CanadianGearhead My GSR has 92,000 kilometers on the odometer. I bought it new in June 1994. It isn't mint due to rock chips but it is rust free. However, it could use light paint correction.

[@eVerProductions1]

Big mistake, the mid 90’s Toyotas(sw20 mr2, t200 Celica, and a80 supra) were so advanced and refined for the time it’s amazing the quality of build and advancement. The seats are a perfect balance of sporty, comfort, and support the dash, center console and door card materials are good for “cheap plastic and soft materials” the tech was crazy for 90’s, the headlights have auto off without a sensor(maybe the Supra had a sensor though) idk I’ve driven many cars and really go in with an open mind and observation and from my experience yeah Hondas are cool and fun when you pick up speed but overall driving quality and comfort it goes to Toyota, if your in love with VTEC and the race look yeah Honda but if you want a tourer it’s the Toyota

[@marcperras9072]

@@eVerProductions1 I daily drive a Camry. I've owned two over the years. Can't beat them for comfort on long drives.

[@AFTER_MIDNITE]

I had an Integra RS 4 door, and currently have an MR2 Spyder. I’ve had a blast driving both cars, but the MR2 is more of a go-kartish and is certainly less comfortable than the Integra since you feel every bump and expansion joint. I liked the Integra interior better, the MR2 interior looks cheap and the leather seats have cracked. I also like Honda’s double-wishbone design. In a perfect world, I’d combine a Honda double-wishbone suspension, with a Toyota mid-engine design, with a Yamaha engine. Also, while still a high-revving 1.8 liter, the Integra RS wasn’t VTEC so I can’t compare it against Toyota’s VVTI. I will say if it’s anything like VVTI, there’s one thing I wouldn’t like about it, which is when it cuts off upon deceleration. In the MR2, in fifth gear when the car decelerates to about 55 mph, or maybe it’s 65 mph, the VVTI cuts off and it sometimes catches my attention causing me to think for a split second that the engine shut down. It’s mildly annoying because for that short moment I’m worried that I had engine failure. I guess it subconsciously reminds me of the two times I’ve had timing belts break while driving, once in my truck and once in my Integra. Yeah, yeah, I know, change my timing belts at the recommended mileage; fortunately the MR2 Spyder has a timing chain.

[@kentonian]

Spun my old 96 hardtop gt turbo twice. Once on the road and no damage, second time hit some cones on a track day. It had early crude traction control which didn’t seem to do a lot. Other things worth a mention. Engine was designed by Yamaha Rev1/2 one variable intake via flaps Rev three on had ct20b garrat turbo with ceramic turbine wheel They were mostly hand built They came with a limited slip diff as standard(at least later models did) Last couple of years only sold in Japan with a breams 200hp na engine option Very low aero drag resulted in high top speed but j spec had a 112 mph limit stock Fuel tank in between driver and passenger Celiac gt4 had air to water intercooler but mr2 just air to air

[@djvillan]

Having owned a supercharged AW11 MR2, an SW20 MR2 Turbo, a GT4 Celica and MK4 Supra the MR2 Turbo was my favourite car. Mine had a TRD 2000 body kit, half pop headlight conversion kit, upgraded adjustable coil over springs, HKS turbo and larger rims with wider tyres.

[@danieltaylor3396]

A couple of errors in this video that need correction: The storage bags that the T-top panels go into are made of vinyl, not leather. The centre console is for storing cassettes, not CDs. I have owned my '93 MR2 since 2000 and the cassette deck still works.

[@lordmaster5522]

You’ve been a MR2 owner for 18 years so let me clarify something you’ve missed from 26 years of ownership. 1. To differentiate a turbo vs NA in the US, the turbo have fog lights and body colored side modeling. Turbo also had the tower strut brace. 2. Turbo model weren’t sold in CA for model year ‘95 3. The NA is also known as SW21 and turbo is SW20 4. Doug is right, you’re wrong about the era. The new Supra is a BMW and the GR86 is a Subaru. In the 90s era, Toyota made their own Supra, MR2, Celica, Paseo, Sera(Japan), Corolla FX16, Corolla and Camry All-trac. And that era had competitors such as Ecplise, Galant VR4, 3000GT, RX7, NSX, 300ZX, SVX, Impluse, Prelude, Del Dol, Integra, MX3, MX6, NX2000, 240SX, 200SX, Sentra SE-R, etc. 5. Earlier turbo had 13” or 14” wheels and came with hardtop with sunroof and t-top as options. 6. Besides the turbo booster gauge, the Turbo have a 9K tachometer vs. 8K for NA. 7. The 2nd gen is heavier than 1st gen and 3rd gen. 8. The MR2 to Supra is like a Cayman to 911.

[@CanadianGearhead]

The intention of this video was not to spend 20 minutes going over every detail between the NA and Turbo model.

[@lordmaster5522]

Likewise, that was also Doug’s intention when he did his review.

[@nrs6956]

Still driving my 91T. Listened to Doug while my MR2 was being worked (AC),

[@Ben6ty9]

Lmao I was on Reddit just after that video was released and quite a few of us on an mr2 page had quite the laugh at him with his Twin turbo Mid engine RWD 2 seater🤣

[@joecamaro]

The Ferrari 308 (grandaddy of the 348) dates back to 1975, even before the MKI MR2. When the MKII first came out, I was very interested in it because it resembled the Ferrari so much.

[@sigmaprojects]

yea video has weird bias and throws stones at Doug when he himself is kind of off on many aspects.

[@johngarnett1791]

“It’s a ball cooler and we love it” is the quote of the video! I had one in my 97 Supra and LOVED having it.

[@onvamdimon2224]

Well, he reviewed so much cars you could only dream of, hard to sum up and dig for all the details. Of course owners know more about it

[@onvamdimon2224]

@breathoffreshair7314 tell him personally then

[@NeonAstralOfficial]

@@onvamdimon2224 The bigger he gets the smaller his margin of error is allowed, especially how he causally spews nonsense which misinforms and gives the wrong impression to tens of millions of his viewers. "Tell him personally then" just makes you sound like a child quite frankly

[@onvamdimon2224]

@@NeonAstralOfficial thanks for explanation. Well, maybe, maybe.. Anyway it’s not that matter to me, but if you correct him should be addressed to him

[@NeonAstralOfficial]

@@onvamdimon2224 no

[@carguyjacob]

This Chanel is unbelievably underrated! I was truly shocked when I looked at the views after watching it. Well done, keep it up 🫡 Btw the mr2 is clean af! 🤝

[@CanadianGearhead]

Much appreciated!

[@s.u.6198]

my mr2 W2 TRD Supercharged 3vzfe V6 is my favourite car... i also own a lot of more powerded cars.. even a trackhawk... but i love the mr2... this is the one car i will hold till the end of my life

[@paulmcadam6825]

New subscriber from Guyana. Proud owner of G Limited JDM 93 model. Good review bro!

[@CanadianGearhead]

Glad to have you here!

[@gehringer37]

Im glad you made this video....I was about to make a similar vid on all the corrections... until I seen yours. :) 👍

[@CanadianGearhead]

Make it anyways!

[@virumzzgaming]

93 JDM GT-S owner here. Best cars ever. Snap oversteer was pretty much gone with the Rev2 suspension adjustments anyway.

[@WimHovens]

Some of this applies to the '89-93 GT4 celicas too... Twin entry turbo often mistaken for twin turbo etc. - it's basically an early twin scroll design. To note to people looking at these, the '96 onward 3sgte's are referred to as 'square blocks' where toyota strengthened the engine blocks rather crudely with a square looking fix. it was to stop the block cracking on a thinner area of the first (or fourth) cylinder. They're the ones to get if you want to mod them for big power. Same with the celica gt-4 celicas. Will hopefully own a SW20 one day, driven a couple of them and love how low and wrap around the cockpit is :)

Same misconception with BMW "Twin Power Turbo". They're every now and then said to have a twin turbo setup, but what it actually refers to is twin scroll turbo.

[@ct1762]

@ to make it more confusing, the ones previously DID have a twin turbo setup. much better IMO if you want to keep the bottom end stock.

[@archiegoodwinjr]

I haven't watched much Doug DeMuro since he moved to San Diego County so I am impressed that he has 4.77 million subscribers. That's the big league but I like this channel.

[@theninethrees8044]

As a 3rd gen MR2 owner, I was quite surprised how many things he got wrong in this review, specially the name. The MR2 spyder review he did 5 years ago he got the name correct and every other fact about the car was correct.

[@busterhymen6224]

The second generation mr2 is one of the best cars of the era, and one of my all time favorites.

[@MrSaturn7085]

Former '91 Turbo owner and caught a few of the errors, as well - twin-entry vs. twin turbo, RWD vs. runabout, etc. I was a little surprised there was no mention of the sunroof and hardtop models but full details on the convertible. Calling the Gen 1/2/3 the AW11/SW20/ZZW30 was pretty common-place when I had mine, but perhaps this has changed. Snap-oversteer on the MR2 is mostly a problem on low-traction surfaces - rain/snow/ice. Mid-engine short-wheelbase cars all have the characteristic, but comparatively, the NSX and S2000 (since you mentioned it) were not nearly as bad when I've driven them under these circumstances. An SW20 in the snow is truly a white-knuckle drive - once you start to spin, there's no recovering... accept the spin or snap it around and spin the other direction - those are your only choices. For what it's worth, the 93+ rear suspension didn't really change anything - the SW20 is just platform that demands slightly higher skill from the driver. I would simply consider it a characteristic, not a problem/fault. The staggered tire sizes were something I was surprised Doug overlooked - definitely not a positive thing when you want a decent selection of tire options. At least Doug reviewed the '95 wheels... the earlier wheels were like mini-Supra wheels and much 'softer' looking. It's been years since I sold mine, but the behind-the-seat storage shelves... only one of them has storage space, right? I can't remember but I could have sworn that one had a factory-installed speaker or HVAC duct or something occupying like 95% of the box. "Leather" is a stretch for the T-Top bags - mine were canvas-like plastic, but maybe there's more than one type? Did I miss it, or did Doug completely skim over the fact that the car had electro-hydraulic, speed-sensitive power steering? Other unique details he missed were mainly related to the motor - Yamaha-designed head, variable intake runners, pneumatic boost-control, etc. all weird 90's tech. that he usually loves to highlight.

[@ElricX]

I wanted one of these back in the day. I still do!

[@phantomthao1514]

Just got a manual mr2 a couple months ago for a overpriced value, as my first car and have got my driving license for less than a year It's a 91 mr2 N/A 5sfe with no power steering/windows and about 170,000 miles on it, it's my daily driver Wanted to ask for any tips/info I should know?

[@sigmaprojects]

protect the plastics!

[@fiLthy_Rx]

Dude, that MR2 with that wheelset is every bit as aesthetically hot as some six-figure exotic cars -- absolutely gorgeous!

[@tg_ny]

The MK 2 MR2 is actually most similar to the Ferrari 308 in terms of size, weight and power. The 308 was launched in 1975. That being said, it would be great if Toyota brought out a new version of the MK 2 and offer either a modern turbocharged 4 or the Camry V6, similar to what Lotus currently has in the Emira. Rear mid-engined cars are a great drive.

[@CanadianGearhead]

A modern MR2 with the Camry V6 would be fantastic

[@GregJoshuaW]

Your MR2 is my favorite style, red is great, that blue they had back in the day was my preference. In the end, I opted for the M3 myself, but I still find yours an underrated car with a fun and sexy design. And yes, your wheels are FAR better.

[@noahman27]

Always loved the mk1 MR2. BTW, yes, your MR2's rims are on point! Way better than stock. Have fun.

[@GM-fh5jp]

Interesting to meet another MR2 owner, first time I've been to this channel. Your red beast looks great and I'm sure it is a blast to drive. I have a beautiful 1994 JDM MR2 Turbo Rev.3 in factory gloss black. The Japanese spec Rev 3 has the ceramic shaft turbo and puts out 245Hp and with a Fujitsubo Sports exhaust system and Apexi Power Induction manifold & filter it does low 13s on the quarter mile and about 13.8 sec stock. Nice country you have there...hope I can visit one day. Greetings from Western Australia.

[@enorelbot]

I appreciate that you say that Doug is "racist" for saying that Japanese people are shorter than Americans but you say that the convertible is "girly", that is sexist.

[@ispeed1971]

I took a mid 80s Mark 1 MR2 for a test drive from the dealership . To this day it is the best handling car i have ever driven and i have owned 23 vehicles to date

[@AFTER_MIDNITE]

I test drove a Mark 1 from a used car dealership. I had wanted one since I was 12yo and first saw them when it came out. It was a fun and spirited test drive, but it was smoking oil from the hood vents when I returned it so I passed on it. I wasn’t in the market for another car anyway and only test drove after seeing it while driving by the dealership.

[@paulsengupta971]

For a car with even better handling, try the Lotus Elise. Not very practical, but fun to drive.

[@knightwing4]

Yours is probably the best looking MR2 I’ve ever seen.

[@rooh5825]

Sorry, but back when the vehicle was being sold: "The acronym MR2 (referring to the mid-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-seat arrangement) was affectionately re-christened 'Mister Two' by the car's many English fans." This is from Toyota's own website. Verified on wayback machine.

[@DeltaCharlie27]

Miss my 93 red with tan leather - aeroware side intakes, updated 94 lights. Said I would never sell it. I did. I hella regret it. Simply put it was an AMAZING car. And yes i did a few 360s but typically due to rain/bald tires or ice.

[@damon2k9]

Your MR2 is beyond beautiful! Thank you for keeping it so amazing!

[@theman4884]

12:14 Statistics are not racist.

[@ademanster]

The stagers tires is actually very common, the corvette, Camaro, Transam, Supra, 300zx turbo, Rx7 turbo, zr1, nsx all ones with narrower tires front and wider rear

[@tarikadams8271]

Bro I’m so glad you clarified this I was so disappointed in his review,he was just misinforming people 💪🏽

[@pyrexmaniac]

Doug's videos are entertainment for the average car enthusiast. The medium IS the message. This video is chock full of enthusiast-level minutiae which has less mainstream appeal, similarly, the presentation is very dry, serious and humourless, if not stern and obsessively critical. Kudos to Doug for making "boring old cars" interesting.....and a shout-out to this video for making a fun car serious and a rather humourless diatribe apparently made to ridicule a fellow (very successful) very popular KZbinr. I'd normally say "make lemonade" but one can't make lemonade with sour grapes.

[@MrGravid08]

I owned an MR2 many years ago. Absolutely loved it. But I did not know that the T tops went behind the seat and strapped in. It always annoyed me putting them in the rear trunk and loosing storage space. Wish I knew this years ago lol

[@maxgomez4305]

when youre the new guy that just got his first mr2 and feel scolded after sharing a few fun things you thought you learned about your new to you car😂😂😂

[@VIccs826]

Doug’s comment on Japanese people wasn’t racist lol. It’s like saying Latino people tend to be brown, it was an observation grounded in truth

[@richardmccaughey5928]

I had a conversation with a gentleman who drove up to our bike shop in a green MR2 Turbo. This was around 2005 or so. He was the original owner and, other than the paint being a bit tired, it was in exceptional shape with just under 60k miles. He was thinking about selling it. I told him I might be interested and to call me if he decided to sell it. He never did call me. This wasn't my first look at an MR2. In the late '90's when I was living in Boise I spied a white one on the used car lot at a Toyota dealership. I have always liked the idea of a mid-engined sports car and have loved the looks of the MR2. I stopped to look at it and was disappointed. It was a base model with an automatic. Sure did look pretty, though! P.S. In the '70's I owned a 1960 Porsche 356B Roadster. I'm very familiar with "snap oversteer"!

[@JasonValentineFL]

As a Pontiac Fiero owner, I'm surprised it wasn't used as a comparison.

[@toollookchannel]

That was refreshing. I don’t own an MR2, but I’ve heavily researched this vehicle for a long time and your fact checks are spot on. I think Doug rushed this one and could’ve gotten it right by talking with the owners/enthusiast. Thanks

[@uptownsamcv]

Nice MR2, looks great.. my first car was an AW11 and I fell it love with it. I ended up going through 3 of them. the last one that I owned had severe rust which led to transmission mount issues so I traded it in back in 2003. now I stick to motorcycles for cheap thrills, my latest toy is a 2008 CBR1000RR

[@AutoReport1]

Everybody gets this wrong, but SW20 is not a chassis code, it's a model code for the specific model plus engine. The model is the W2, the initial S and final number designate the engine.

[@sigmaprojects]

while that's kind of true, I don't know if Toyota actually says that the term is anything different. The information plate on the fire wall calls them FRAME NUMBER, not so different from calling it a chassis code. Toyota enthusiasts generally know about this too, we just tend to only talk about the top trim model. Just like how everyone uses AE86 for nearly all of the models of that gen when there's different version. Or in this case, no one says SW21 for their non-turbo models and everyone just says SW20 when those are the turbo models.

[@sigmaprojects]

Oh, and forgot to say they include the whole "model code" as you call it for the frame number. Ie. it'll say SW20-###### Toyota started off calling it Frame number and then somewhere in the early 90's or so they started calling it model number. For all intense and purposes the model number is a chassis code.

[@RaferAlstonAkaLAZIO]

Doug is a pure sales man now, dont forget that

[@mosnas]

This was enjoyable and good to see someone wanting to clarify the inaccuracies, especially as I am the owner of a "girly" MR2 Spider 😂and have been for 24yrs. Keep up the good work 👍

[@malhayes4725]

About two months ago I called that these were a bargain and the next big thing. I've luved these MR2 for a long time.

[@carlos64030]

Honestly, your MR2 is the nicest looking one I've ever seen. I love the wheels you have on it. 👍

[@TechnoKid_]

Your MR2 MKII looks great. I had the 1990 GTi 16v T-Top Targa edition NA. It had lowered springs and the 911 tekno carrera sport alloy wheels - it looked sick. The colour was that dark metallic green they used tor the MKII. Ps.: I did experience the snap oversteer on on an icy roundabout in Switzerland in February - I managed to limit the damage to one alloy wheel. It was the only time I lost control of the mr2. I became really good at driving that car. The ECU was reprogrammed and that was the only modification I made. Thanks for giving this awesome car some justice - I miss mine but, it's the type of car you should own only if you can store it in a warm, dry garage to protect it from humidity.

[@theman4884]

This was by far the best looking MR-2 design.

[@PistNRods]

I too remember when this car was being produced thinking the almost 2,900 curb weight to being heavy. They even mentioned the heavier weight in the vehicle description in Tokyo Xtreme Racer on Dreamcast. Good times, lol. I had a DC2 Integra and 2,600 lbs was considered average. During the 90s. You had to get down to 2,200 or 1,900 to be considered light weight. Crazy times change.

[@markeastwood74]

In the UK, we never got the turbo model, so the consensus was that the car was too heavy to be fun. That's until the grey import turbos started coming over from Japan a few years later and we found out what we'd been missing. 😁

[@ejford5083]

I had a non turbo and a turbo. Good coverage on corrections. Sometimes I think Doug makes up stuff when he’s not sure, like the T-Top straps. The fog lights also gives away the turbo. Three things I loved about my turbo: linear power with no lag, suspension was solid, and engine internals were ahead of their time for the price.

[@paulsengupta971]

Fog lights = turbo? Is that a US thing? My NA UK spec came with fog lights.

[@michaelbullock7747]

Love this video, and the car. I have a 93 t top with a v6 swap wearing 13 inch brakes and supra wheels. 255/40's remove any concern of the back end being unpredictable. 225/35-17s up front are hard to find but lovely.

[@TheSkyline5467]

The Twin Turbo thing was the only one I caught. I was like, uh, no, that wasn't a twin turbski. And that's not because I'm a gearhead, it's just because of Gran Turismo / Forza etc. back in the day.

[@twrcrew8852]

For reference, Hondas of the 90s typically clocked in around 2000-2300lbs tops. they were literally paper thin and feather light boxes on wheels that could become very quick, really fast because of it. they also had surprisingly long final drives especially when you compare them to most RWD sports cars of the era. (my S14a with a 300zx trans swap and J30 differential cruised at 70mph around 2800rpm. but with the original 4.08 S14 rear and dinky stock 5 speed it was screaming along at 3500rpm by then) Civics with JDM swapped B, D, and H series at the time could compare to what my gearing was AFTER the modifications. The other thing is, those engines could push 200-250whp NA in a car that weighed 2000-2300. So that explains how they were able to be so fast, provided you spun them up into the high 8.5-10k RPM range depending on motor/variant. SW20s seem to have similar gearing to my S14, so I'm willing to bet it's close pre-swap.

[@gofres]

I love the MR2. Always wanted to own one. Then my housemate bought one and I got to have a drive. Totally loved it and was about to swap my 2017 320d for one but I just couldn't justify it for the practically at the time. Still keeping my eyes on them though. Only things I'd miss from a modern car is auto cruise control, and a long geared 6th for the motorways. Cruising in 5th at 3-4000rpm got annoying quickly!

[@jamesdoyle7515]

Wow what a beautiful car. I am a bit of a Supra guy - I am building a MK II at the moment as well as a MK III. Always wanted one of these - they look so good with the right stance and wheels (as displayed). Missed an opportunity a few years back to pick up a black one and still regret it. A buddy of mine had one of the first gen ones back in the 80's and it was a blast. You cant beat this car, still looking for a project car

[@julianb1474]

Also in Canada, back in the early '80's I was eagerly looking at a couple of small mid-engined cars that hadn't yet been released - The Fiero had tons of hype around it, and the MR2 which had very little. I remember going to look at an early release Fiero and being really disappointed at the spec and interior. I put down a deposit on a MR2 and received a bright red model from the first shipment into Canada in '85. Loved the fit and finish - paint was gorgeous. Interior was really nice, shifting was great. It was my daily driver from Oakville to Rexdale. I would hustle the thing around every on and off-ramp I could find and soon discovered a little handling quirk - the worst and most unpredictable snap oversteer I'd ever experienced. Near the limit the slightest road imperfection would set it off and more than once I found myself spinning onto a highway! Kept it a couple of years and traded for a '87 Supra. Then I could go fast and relax a little. I believe the rear suspension of the next year MR2 was modified to try and improve things,. Not surprising, and in retrospect I'm surprised they let the first year car be released - it was that dangerous.

[@Rynowhite14]

Glad you made this video. I just watched Doug's video last night and remember hearing 95 as the last production year and thinking he must have meant for the US, and was confused when he said twin turbo. Having owned the first gen, I think it would be quite the engineering to fit an additional turbo in there. Twin scroll makes a lot more sense. Great cars! If I didn't already have a wrx, crx and miata, I'd buy one. I always wanted the second gen. I'd say the biggest limitations to this car would be the snap oversteer, but also if you want to take it to the track, cooling and heat soak can be an issue.

[@BurtSampson]

doug is pretty pleb-tier, and constantly gets stuff wrong. His vids are great for seeing all the little details you can usually miss on a car though. But the DK Engineering channel does that too, but better, and with wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy cooler cars.

[@not12listen]

I really appreciate your comments on Doug's video. The corrections were minor (yay!) and they were simply details. You stating that the AW11 is called that due to the chassis code.... *chef's kiss* I will say as a former AW11 owner (near 19 years) that after driving the various AW11s (Supercharged and NA), SW20s (turbo and NA) and ZZW30 (bone stock) - that choosing which one to get is largely an indicator of your driving style/preference. I am a devout AW11 NA person. The rough & tumble, and more aggressive in canyons - AW11. The more laid back, but enjoy speed every now an then - SW20 Turbo. The 'I am a mature adult' - ZZW30. These are my observations and generalizations - they are by no means absolutes. Snap oversteer... It's called: learn how to feel & drive a mid-engined car. That requires a lot of time and slowing pushing your limits, and an incredible amount of throttle control, and keeping your inputs (steering, throttle, brake, clutch) as smooth as possible. Have I experienced snap oversteer? Yes, twice. In an SW20 in the rain and in my former AW11 in the rain. I wasn't being careful enough with the throttle. Other than that, no. And I was known in the Mr2 group that I was involved in as being one of the fastest and most aggressive drivers - I would push very hard on the SW20 Turbo owners on twisty roads. So, again, snap oversteer is about learning the attitude of the car and working within those limits. Of course, now I need to look for a video of Doug reviewing the AW11...

[@electric_boogaloo496]

I love all mid rear drive affordable sports cars. I own and drive a 2015 Boxster, but I feel happy coming across MR2s at my local twisties. I have engaged in impromptu lead-follow sessions with MR2 drivers. Cheers!!

[@justinharsh]

I had 2 AW11 SC cars. What a blast those cars were.

[@JamieAlso]

I appreciate your passion and desire to "set the record straight", and I think that what you have done here is important. As good as Doug is, he can't get everything correct about every car, particularly those for which he literally spends one day. Doug (and I guess you) do a good job; however, I can tell you that many, if not most people who review older cars will get some information wrong, and others seem to just regurgitate nonsense that has been around on the internet for decades. Believe me...I am the original owner of a 1985 Fiero, and there is so much incorrect information on the internet about the Fiero that I could write a book. Thanks. Good video. I know that design is subjective, so this is just one person's opinion. The second gen MR2 is a really good looking car. The first gen is downright hideous.

[@markeastwood74]

I watched a video of someone putting down the convertible top on the MR Spyder. That's all I needed to see to prefer the t-top.

[@wholespeed]

One correction the “storage” box behind the seats is actually for factory subwoofers in higher optioned models.

[@jamesaustralian9829]

Toyota has those gazoo racing (GR models) but their not available in all places. Sadly the Camry GR is not for sale in Australia - despite powerful 4 door sedans being very popular over here

[@conradhenninger2209]

Omg your car is perfect! Even your rims are what I think I would want! Japan's F355! Perfection!

[@kpitts8921]

Im 6'4" and drive a AW11 daily. In and out is a bit rough but im comfy inside.

[@imagearchy4782]

I owned a 91’ turbo for 10 years and thought all of these issues while watching the video. Great job!

[@triverbike1368]

Yeah, except Ferrari used to build cars with this body style in the ‘60s… (greetings from Italy! 👀)

[@DHolmquistDesigns]

I will now point out something you said that was WRONG. Staggered wheel setups were definitely popular in the 90’s for sports cars, including Porsche and Corvette just off the top of my head… but both those brands equates to probably 80% of the sports car market back then lol

[@iggytse]

If you were in a Toyota car club like I was you called the first MR2 an AW11. We used chassis codes. We were also familiar with engine codes. So that MR2 Turbo would be referred to as a SW20 MR2 3SGTE. At least that is what happens in Australia. I now own a Mazda 3 and am in a Facebook group but I have no idea what the engine or chassis code is. In the Mazda group we use Model codes. So my 2007 Mazda 3 is a BK 2litre 2nd Generation.

[@jgetscensored7837]

My first car was a 91 non turbo, rusted to hell. But I loved it. My current daily has two more payments left and I’m really struggling with buying my childhood dream car, a c5 corvette, or buying my first car, but in much better condition and better equipped. A 93+ turbo

[@robertbernahliii6495]

That has to be the cleanest MR2 I've seen. Not to "tuner boy" and not to mild. You have a very awesome example my friend. 👍👍

[@ezmaass]

Mid-engine with targa or t-top - this was the right combination, and it's a shame that very few cars offer this today.

[@turbovids]

That MR2 looks super clean!

[@JohnnyV83]

An American size XS is considered chubby in parts of Asia. It's safe to say that people in Japan tend to be smaller.

[@JK87]

I have a 91 MR2 Turbo and I absolutely love it.

[@kieranimal]

Great engine in these. Owned a Toyota Caldina GT Four N Spec back in New Zealand. Would love to have one in Canada. A Toyota AWD turbo wagon in winter here would be amazing.

[@ВасилийПопов-м5ж]

St215 much better => manual + full time 😁

[@pex_the_unalivedrunk6785]

Canadian Gearhead the type of guy who wishes Doug would go back to his old format where he explained each individual score at the end. 🤣

[@JohnIn2SonAZ]

I am pretty sure the Fiero came first. I owned the 1984 Fiero SE in 1984 and a Fiero 1988 GT V6 New in 1988. My good friend was 6 foot 6 inches tall and fit in it no problem! I ordered my 1984 Fiero in Late September 1983.

[@davidluke7996]

Great reaction! You covered the points that bugged me about Doug's original video. I miss my '92...