MotorWeek | Retro Review: '93 Toyota MR2

[@nickch_80]

The 90's were truly the golden age of Japanese sports cars. Toyota had some real gems!

[@lotusesprit38]

You right, now only plastic hybrids and even a plastic Bmw Supra

[@LilDiabloRob]

Agreed

[@Adrenadriven7]

yeah unlike now where they have the GR86 (a Subaru) and the GR Supra (a BMW)

[@Turk_2023]

@@Adrenadriven7 I would be okay with it if the prices were reasonable. Even the cheap `86 and BRZ is like 30-40k.... Its bullshit

[@Kinyosan1]

​@@Turk_2023it's affordable for a sports car...

[@incyphe]

Public betrayed Toyota by not buying their sports cars. And they've been making us pay ever since.

[@BeowulfCav]

truth!

[@kylelaughinghouse1893]

To pricey for the times

[@kylelaughinghouse1893]

95 was the last of toyota sports cars

[@E9X330]

Kyle Laughinghouse 95 ? Why ?

[@MuffinMan0521]

2018 Toyota still making us pay by introducing a new supra that will cost $100k. What a shit line up of cars.

[@nylonsteel]

90s has some great looking sport cars,aged well

[@Nthstar]

That's so true Couldn't agree more Boring now.....

[@bestmillimeter1858]

I forgot it was a 23 year old video until they turned on the radio. 😂

[@AE86ofMtAkina]

+Melbourneboy1984 You've been looking in the wrong places. Wouldn't call a Scion FRS "boring".

[@Nthstar]

+AE86 of Mt. Akina Well beauty in the eye of the beholder, I don't like the Scion/86 whatsoever. It is boring in my eyes and reminds me of a mid 90's Hyundai Coupe. They look so similar....In fact the Hyundai I would even prefer over the Scion/86. The MR2 looked so different and unique back then. I personally think it looks good and exciting even still now and way way better than any current car in the Toyota line up. So yes I still think they are boring....

[@Sanpedranoazul]

Thelma MX6, Supra, Probe, all great to look at, nowadays is a different story

[@EverymanJWL]

1993 MR2. Best car ever built in my humble opinion. Fell in love with it in high school. Bought a 93 in 2010 and baby it like a lambo. This car has THE best cost:fun ratio of anything on 4 wheels. Best looking (affordable) sports car ever too!!! Mr2 for life!!!!!

[@fernandorocha-dx1wv]

Very beautiful and nice car the Toyota MR2

[@kgarba9253]

From the era where Motorweek was obsessed with oil pressure gauges and volt readouts

[@Gonzalgi21]

Kevin Garbaccio not once have i ever needed either of those gauges in any car ive owned.

[@negativeindustrial]

I still want them. These gauges are a must - especially OP on a turbo car

[@rjherche]

@@negativeindustrial how are they a must? If you lose oil pressure, a gauge won't save you.

[@greynolds17]

@@rjhercheit will...you wouldn't really know you lost oil pressure until expensive things broke without a guage

[@Kaito_Falcon]

@@greynolds17 This is so true, if my first car had one maybe I would've realized how much oil it was burning before it burned 3 out of the 4 quarts it took. I didn't find out until the car died on my way to work, the engine still ran with more oil but sounded like a popcorn machine. Would've saved me having to buy another car while being a college student. I bought my new car back in September of last year and just now my bank account is getting back to where it was before. For reference I only work part time and both cars were cheap by most people's standards.

[@mk2mister2]

One of the best and most beautiful sports cars to ever come from Japan.

[@9890jsp]

What a striking car to look at. All these years later, it's still sexy. What the fuck happened Toyota?!?!

[@Ideo7Z]

We didn't buy them. They're not going to make cars people won't buy.

[@zyxzyx3030]

@@Ideo7Z More accurately you're precious government made them obsolete.

[@ktkof04]

Everyone complains about Toyota not making cars like this anymore. The price as-tested on this car is the equivalent of $49,000+ today. If Toyota came out with even a modernized version of this car today, everyone would complain about the price and they'd sell very few of them. Then Toyota would stop building them, and people would go back to complaining. Now you understand why Toyota doesn't build these cars anymore.

[@oldtwins]

+ktkof04 Just also want to fill in that the MR2 was not a sales leader by any means even back then either. Lots were stacked with unsold previous model year cars even by spring of the following year. That's just not good and the reasoning why this model, and others like it, were axed. Discounts were steep, though, so enthusiasts were able to get a deal. Toyota probably lost quite a bit of money on this model line. Mid-engine cars are just tough sales when you're trying to mass produce them.

[@jeffdeal4681]

we're all old now and drive camry's that are faster than this mr2, that's the real reason why a new mr2 wouldn't sell well.

[@04dram04]

good point. This car is really worth around $30k new. basically a mid engine brz

[@negativeindustrial]

Jeff Deal You think your current Camry is faster than my 1991 MR2T?!? LOL

[@MuffinMan0521]

+ Neg Stock for stock, yes.

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

Still looks fantastic!

[@fernandorocha901]

Spetacular this car

[@koffypr1]

"..we hope they keep doing it" Sad face :(

[@mro9466]

+Koffy PR at least they make the GT86

[@Choom-li]

+M S38 It's great, but it's not mid-engined

[@koffypr1]

M S38 true

[@ln6964]

That was my same thought! haha! The 86 is okay. But it is by no means an MR2. I wished they'd make a modern affordable MR2.

[@kgisabeast]

Nice GS cluster

[@vhg7]

I remember seeing this Motorweek review when it was first broadcasted and wanted to buy an MR2 but I was still a student at the time. I sat in one at the 93 auto show and it fit me like a glove. I finally got a used '91 in 1998, which I still own today, and will keep it until it needs an engine swap. My 91 still runs strong with close to 400K on the odometer and even passed smog. The MKII came to the scene at the wrong time when the economy was in a recession so Toyota pulled it from the US market after '95 but still offering it in Japan 'til 99 before they introduced the Spyder. If Toyota would bring back this same body style with a newer engine I think it will be a big hit.

[@ModifiedImportsandDomestics]

When your engine goes bad I recommend getting a gen 4/5 3sgte out a Toyota caldina. It's just a more modern version of the MR2 engine with more power. I swapped one in mine and I love it!

[@vhg7]

@@ModifiedImportsandDomestics Thanks for the recommendation and I heard other engines are compatible with the MKII including the high rev BEAMS and K20 (from Honda) in addition to the Camry 3.0 V6. Mine still starts up needs a swap. My concern with the other engines is that the car won't pass smog. It's very difficult to find a 5SFE but I was told the 3SFE from the RAV4 is a good replacement.

[@ModifiedImportsandDomestics]

@@vhg7 don't waste your time with a 5sfe or 3sfe. all the other option are better.

[@EvanderSmart]

Underrated sports car. Great redesign. Looked like an old Ferrari 348 for $30k

[@nessuno5403]

Bitcoin Video University you need glasses. It was philosophically similar only.

[@DarnellHendeason-dk3uw]

... don't do it.

[@timomomomo969]

nes suno no need to be a dick, that’s kind of what he was saying. The car borrowed styling cues from the same era Ferraris. Replace the rims with five spoke Ferrari style rims and it looks like a miniature 90s Ferrari. No one said it was a Ferrari.

[@jameswillard1]

This MR2 Turbo was better looking than the 348

[@777jones]

I would be surprised if the 348 had a fraction of the engineering quality this car had.

[@artaylor8920]

Love the Luke Perry hair and sideburns!!

[@joedoole3527]

These cars are absolutely amazing with an updated power train. I was skeptical at first putting 10 grand into something I would never get return if sold but I have zero regrets now that it's finished. K24a2 block, stock 99mm crank, 89mm 13:1 Weiscos on Manley rods, ACL bearing package, 4Piston CNCd K20z1 head with supertech springs, Skunk 2 Pro2 cams, Skunk 2 intake manifold, custom header to 3" open exhaust. Tuned on Kpro it made 331whp and 224wtq all motor on Shell 93 octane E10. The car is an absolute animal on the road course and cracks 12.40s in the 1320 on radials. I was originally considering a boosted 10:1 k24/k20 but decided to build a well rounded NA car instead and I couldn't be happier. MR2 + Honda K series is an absolute win!

[@ModifiedImportsandDomestics]

Sounds like a awesome set up! I swapped a gen 5 3sgte in my car because I wanted to keep it 3s powered since mine is a original turbo chasis. I made 260whp 251tq on 15psi. Plenty of power and very reliable so I'm loving it.

[@gavinvalentino1313]

How much was the gen5 swap when all was said & done? I'm thinkong about it for a '91 turbo. U.S., I presume?

[@ModifiedImportsandDomestics]

@@gavinvalentino1313 about $8000. TCS motorsports did the swap. you could do it for less if you do it yourself.

[@sigmamale4147]

A great swap is the 2gr fe as well

[@R8V10]

I had the MR2 Turbo for three years and absolutely ragged the socks off it, hell even passed it on too my friends a few times too use and it never ever missed a beat!!

[@canto_v12]

Amazing times, when Toyota made a better-looking car than the Ferrari 348.

[@FerrariCarr]

Crazy how modern these early 90’s cars look. The industry really kicked off the decade with the smooth, rounded look. Unlike the previous decade, where 70’s styles lingered around till 1984.

[@Kacpa2]

Its even sooner tbh. Both Celica and MR2 sported that look since 1989. And were designed in couple years prior so toyota planned ahead quite alot with these.

[@8bitnitwit]

"We hope they keep doing it." Narrator: "They didn't."

[@negativeindustrial]

Yeah they did. The MR2 didn’t cease production until the mid-2000s.

[@Batt1eRage]

I will hopefully be buying one at the end of the year. Looking forward to having my first decent car.

[@smithsfan425]

Did you end up getting it?

[@GeekTherapyRadio]

Any generation of MR2 should be on any car nut's bucket list. Broke my heart to sell my Spyder. Best bang-for-the buck car I've ever owned. A complete blast to drive. Nonstop smiles and silly giggles just running errands.

[@sithlord7182]

I'm so happy I just bought one of these even if it is a automatic I got it with only 36k miles!

[@apt62]

0-60 111 ft. very very impressive even in todays standard.

[@Shadow1986]

delete the ABS and try threshold braking. i did that with the 91 and could get it to stop very very quickly, even on wet roads.

[@bandombeviews6035]

The 80s 325ix was tested and had a 90 or so foot 60-0

[@lotusesprit38]

For me the golden Era of Toyota in terms of design and well built with great engines, 1993 the Supra, Celica,MR2 and even the Carina E with great design.

[@happy543210]

one of my greatest life's regrets is having a chance in 1992 of buying an mr2 but instead buying a mitsubishi eclipse!!

[@mushlove6933]

Oh my God that would haunt me

[@stupid8911]

Brandon Walsh from "90210" looks great in the MR-2. And shout out to Whitney on the radio, love you, Boo!

[@daison96]

When Toyota made cars people "wanted."

[@Nthstar]

Totally agree

[@9890jsp]

100% with you on that

[@Nthstar]

Cars nowadays seriously all do look alike BMWs that look like Mazdas Mercedes Benz that look like Kias and Hyundais Holdens that look like Jaguars Ferraris that look like Alfa Romeos BORING !!!!! Nothing is distinctive or individual anymore.....how nice were those 90's sports cars. Serious sex appeal I wouldn't say the Toyota 86 has any sex appeal and its design looks like a mid late 90's Hyundai Coupe. Sad really......

[@AE86ofMtAkina]

They took a step in the right direction with the frs.

[@HakeemKazak]

+daison96 in retrospect yes, but sadly back then there were plenty of haters scoffing at the idea that Toyotas could be "sporty" so MR2s, Supras and Celicas sat on dealer lots...couple that with getting hit with stricter emissions and high gas prices..RIP...On the plus side, Toyota has been picking it back up ever since the GT86 came out and I'm sure the Supra will be coming back soon.

[@ryankenyon1996]

What is his obsession with voltage and oil pressure gauges?

[@shaesham]

It's just something sports cars should have. He made the same complaint in the Nissan NX2000.

[@negativeindustrial]

You going to want an oil fed turbo and no oil pressure gauge?

[@timomomomo969]

Why someone has to ask that question about a trackable car is beyond me. Why would you not want an oil pressure gauge?

[@iliovecaRS]

Omggg I litarly couldn't find any good reviews of this car thank yoouuu for uploading this

[@42luke93]

This makes me think of the 2 door 1990 Honda Civic.

[@Dreamweaver94]

Holy ****! This MR2 test car would be $50,207.43 today!

[@mycomputergl0wsblu]

HAHA me too lmao

[@GatoOfferings]

Looks like you have a 1999 Solara coupe review still waiting to be uploaded! Pretty please?

[@godzilla12325]

I had a revision 3 turbo imported from japan. Dyno'ed at 280 bhp with just a de-cat and full stainless exhaust. Ran a 13.8 quarter mile with big heavy 18 inch wheels and street tyres. Amazing cars.

[@pj66677]

As former 93 turbo owner adding two things, 2 sets of golf clubs do fit in the truck and no they didn't cure the snap oversteer that's what ended mine!

[@texan176]

Loved this car when I had one in the late 90s. It's the most fun to drive commuter car ever and had the best seating position of any car I have driven. The belt line on the doors was just below your shoulders, the rear window bottom edge just below your neck, and the view out the front was excellent. Handling was super sharp even with the electro-hydraulic power steering system. It's so sad how MKII only lasted 5 years in the US market. Examples that are in stock excellent condition are so hard to find these days. These cars were butchered badly after they dropped to under $15K in the used car market. In the early 00s people but those stupid APC fart can mufflers, clear tail lights, and made in China wheels on them but completely neglected maintenance.

[@Choom-li]

+texan176 There's a bone stock 92 Turbo for sale on craigslist for 10K

[@artiegohome]

Everything you said there is 1000% correct! I have not been in an MR2 in a good 10 years and had honestly forgotten just how functional that interior was. Exterior looks aside, as we could go on about that for days, the cabins in the 5th Gen Celicas, the MKII MR2s and the MKIV Supras were INSPIRED. Everything you needed, nothing you didn't, and it all just made sense. Both my '90 All-Trac and my '92 Celica GT-S had the premium stereo system and they were the envy of my friends, even those who had nice aftermarket setups. Toyota was really making a premium sports car back then- hence the sticker price and the fact that, unmolested, they'll run forever.

[@needleontherecord]

I didn’t know Jason Priestly was testing car interiors back then.

[@mr2bmw]

Do you have review of the 2000 MR2 Spyder?

[@GT6SuzukaTimeTrials]

First and third-gen MR2 reviews coming soon?

[@JOSESANTIAGO-jb8ii]

El mejor toyota MR-2 con una caja muy moderna y calidad tremendo motor

[@roboticsandwich8139]

Man what a beautiful vehicle

[@TravelingTal]

I had a 91 MR2 Turbo, Best Car I've ever had.

[@andersonfirmino8925]

Ual que da hora amigo 👍👍👍

[@andersonfirmino8925]

Mega top sensacional parabéns 🇱🇷🇱🇷👏👏👏

[@saladbar21]

Maybe I have a few screws loose in my head, but it’s crazy to me how they praise the 93+ suspension on mr2. The 91-92 suspension is a lot more lively and enjoyable. Admittedly, I do acknowledge suspension set up is largely a matter of personal preference.

[@mushlove6933]

Well, most people cant handle a below 93 mr2 in the corners.

[@baddestburrito]

I wanted one of these SOOOOOO bad in the early 90s...and I still do. But alas, they were expensive and impractical. I wish Toyota (and Honda) still had the cajones to build sports cars like they used to. But I am really complaining for nothing. I drive a nearly mint-condition ED7 Civic, that handles like a Porsche GT3. Haha. It only has 100,000 miles on it, so it's got life left in it yet. And, if the day ever comes when the engine gives up the ghost, it's time to shove a B18C5 under the hood, and it'll be all the sports car I'll ever need. If you wanted a car like this, you either had to get one in the 90s, or luck out, and find some grandma who bought one, and garaged it all these years. This was a really odd time in Japanese history, when the companies had enough cash to throw at the engineers, and basically give them carte blanche. That's why these cars are so good. Today? Bean-counters rule the roost, and I don't see that changing for the foreseeable future.

[@ethimself9042]

I had a 96 Mr2 for 4-5 yrs. It was not twitchy at all and had no supercharger. It's steering was slightly sensitive but dropping my front tire air pressure down 1 psi fixed that issue. The factory tires sucked so I quickly bought some sticky Bridgestones. My daughter liked it so mech she told me - I want it and i want it now - guess what folks?

[@1compaqedr8]

How’s the mr2 doing? She enjoying it?🙂. I had a 92 turbo with around 300hp.

[@RealtimeReviews613]

RIP COOL TOYOTA CARS! Those were the days

[@priedthirdeye]

2:57 Jason Priestly approved of the seat feel before going to visit Jenny Garth at the beach.

[@adj789]

I had a NA manuel and it make me become a car enthusiest

[@spacecadet35]

+adj789 I currently own a 5 speed NA manual. Fun, fun, fun :)

[@mistamontiel00]

Hm .. NA means not-aspirated means turbo ? lol .. not long ago I got manual ST185 ( 92' Celica GT-S ) .. beefy twin upswept exhaust OHHH the lil backfires the lil bubbly sounds .. she's taught me so well but I am no gearhead whatsoever ={

[@spacecadet35]

D00MEDST NA means "normally aspirated". I.e. not super or turbo charged.

[@jdsm8547]

spacecadet35 it means naturally asspirated

[@tylerschwartz4327]

Motorweek do you have a celica all-trac review?

[@Motorweek]

indeed. it's in there. I believe I posted it almost a year ago

[@chucko83]

+MotorWeek i googled and found the 4th gen celica (1988) review, which was awesome. i would love to see a 5th gen celica if you had it.

[@pguth98]

+chucko83 Don't think 5th-gen all-tracs/GT4s were ever sold in the US, so they probably never reviewed one.

[@chucko83]

+Peter Guthrie they were! just saw one at a care shoe 'iron motor' in Illinois

[@pguth98]

Guess I've just never come across one. Learn something new every day.

[@mr.boostang2064]

very beautiful car

[@Lilreeces10]

Dang, so $18,000 would've been about $30k today and $30k would have been like spending $50k today.

[@herrgolf]

Still a great fucking deal, even with the higher prices.

[@rootsmanuva82]

Wow. As tested price is $49,386 in 2016 dollars. Great car but it's no wonder why they sold so few of them.

[@Sacapuntas69]

Its not that people did want them, its that people who wanted them couldn't afford them. I would have loved to have a late 80's Celica, Honda Prelude, but they were just out of reach for me. A $14000 Mustang GT was more in my range as a teenager.

[@n0ti5]

You could afford a 14k car as a teenager? I would be lucky to be able to afford a 1400 car as a teen.

[@starrdogchamp1]

can't find the 91 motorweek review

[@ethimself9042]

I had a 96 MR2 and the twitching could be easily taken care of by dropping the front tire air pressure down by 1 psi.

[@DONNYBOYY28]

this car with an s2000 motor equals heaven !

[@jawharris]

I believe the exchange rate was messed up. I bought a 2000 Celica, it was less than a 1991 Celica, when the 91 was new, and I bought a 2014 FRS, and it was about the same price as the 2000 Celica. Things have gone up a bit.

[@calvinwhite9437]

Hey what's the song from the radio that plays at 3:16?

[@tachikaze222]

🎵Saving All My Love for You

[@GameOver321]

I ❤️ 90s Japanese sports cars. They bleed fun reliability

[@BlayzedBlue]

I heard Toyota is considering reviving the MR2. Hopefully, if the new Supra doesn’t flop, they will. The second generation MR2 was gorgeous. Toyota has two amazing sports cars in the early/mid 90’s; Supra and MR2.

[@ZepG]

I never owned one but I got to drive my buddy's turbo model on a road trip after he lost his license from a DUI. It was a blast to drive and I had it up to 145 mph on a twisty mountain highway.

[@vice4134]

2:57 Is that Jason Priestley checking out MR2? LOL

[@seinsmeld13]

Nice helmet Ben!

[@metop33]

jason priestley at 2.58

[@leecanfil3066]

I had to take a second look

[@leecanfil3066]

nice of you to join us then and bring some more.

[@mrroostuski1129]

Not sure about the first generation but my Super White 93 turbo was Made in Japan, keeping the price up. I gladly paid it.

[@DarnellHendeason-dk3uw]

Love that short shifter! Definitely over priced!

[@mediacritic]

I loved this car.

[@Toyota4Life]

Beautiful. If Toyota was making this car was building this car today... it would be incredible. A car that would be going up against Porches

[@MauKapranos]

Please upload 90s Dodge/Plymouth/Chrysler videos!

[@Keiffer01]

Great review! Have you guys ever reviewed the Lotus Turbo Esprit S3 from 80-87? I myself have just acquired an '84 model year, would love to see a review about it when it was new!

[@mcqueenfanman]

+Keiffer01 yes, search their site.

[@timjones7336]

Man I used to love this car. Owned 2 MR2 GTS’s (Turbo). Japanese market, a ’94 and a ‘95 - both rev 3’s. much faster than the one sold in the USA. I managed a 14.3 second quarter mile multiple times - all stock. And I can’t shift for s#^t!..

[@yeefulor9954]

Was there ever a motorweek on the ae92 gts corolla

[@Offshore1977]

I didn't know Jason Priestley test drove cars too

[@DMX-PAT]

Did they tweak the steering and suspension in 92 or 93?

[@thearmoredbluedragon113]

93

[@RealtimeReviews613]

MOTORWEEK Can you review the refreshed 2016 honda accord 4cyl and 6cyl sedan? Not many have reviewed it

[@PANTYEATR1]

this MR2 is my car crush!!!

[@stam9241]

I had a 93 NA 5spd and the car was extremely well made. Too bad I sold it at 13xxxx miles.

[@BryanFlores]

I love this car😍

[@christineayres7094]

Best version of the MR2

[@ytSouljah]

MR2!!

[@pseudos1436]

Audi rs 6 please!!

[@chrisgnonya]

Pop, pop, pop, pop up and down headlights, up and down headlights.

[@anthonylam5139]

Motorweek, can you dig up the 2005 Subaru Forester XT review?

[@FCT8306onTwoWheels]

they advertised faster 0-60 than a current Ferrari of that time. Seen it in an old rally championship book

[@johndrake2729]

Awesome ride. Toyota knows how to build great cars. Mid-engined as it was, it should have had a six.

[@97warlock]

This car in Any other color woiuld be awesome

[@Momo_8k]

Was that Sarah Connor driving at the end ?

[@idrive25]

$30k in 1993? DAMN thats expensive!! $50,005 in 2016 dollars.

[@derwincampos4159]

Time flies

[@natalieadam2]

Test drove one and fell in love with it. Sadly it was over my budget. Had to walk away from it.

[@BMan100]

Elvis Hair Style BRUH!

[@Magnero]

Fiero is still my preference but I l really like this car allot.

[@Choom-li]

+corvusala I can go either way.

[@zacharyparis]

dude is bigger than the car.

[@delhall8170]

Did I hear right? At 1:40 does he say "dual turbochargers"? "Twin entry turbo" refers to the design of the intake manifold having primary and secondary runners. There's only one turbo.

[@stephenn6657]

He says "dual turbochargers"

[@w.s.soapcompany94]

I wonder how many unmodified cars have ever randomly lost oil pressure for no obvious reason?

[@LVang152]

I been looking to buy one of this car but my wife always say no.

[@tylerschwartz4327]

buy it and tell her its just a fiero

[@misamisatv]

+LSV Happy wife = happy life right?

[@canto_v12]

Tell her you're buying a Toyota.

[@negativeindustrial]

These cars were only 200hp if you didn’t know about boost controllers. You can get these up to 250hp with a $25 boost controller made with off the shelf parts from Home Depot. This, supposed, 1/4 mile time of 15.4secs @8PSI/200BHP (None of my time slips are that slow) drops to a very respectable 13.1secs @15PSI/245BHP as tested by Japan’s Best Motoring on track in Japan at/near sealevel that same year. The MKII MR2 with a Gen3 3S-GTE is a high 12sec car with a great driver/perfect run at the 17-18psi max boost the completely stock system will allow before engaging fuel cut. Even then if you wanted to push the stock fuel system and turbocharger farther just unplug the vacuum line to the MAP sensor. It’s also why stock MR2 Turbos were proven to be faster than MKIV Supras, Acura/Honda NSX’s and the contemporary Ferrari F-355 in the 1/4mile (with vintage Japanese videos to prove it right here on KZbin).

[@BB16623]

i want this car so bad

[@mastadutch117]

"We hope they keep doing it." Spoiler Alert: They did not keep doing it.

[@mcqueenfanman]

All mr2s I see nowadays are all riced out, just like crxs & rwd corollas.

[@ilopancharov]

Those are some short throws for a stock shifter