Old Top Gear 1990 - Toyota MR2 & Celica GT4

[@lemagreengreen]

It's pretty interesting how many sports cars Toyota offered at this time, 3 distinct models on showroom floors together. This is the golden era of the Japanese sports car, you simply don't get the same sort of choice of vehicles these days.

[@tacklefatkids]

By three cars are you referring to the Toyota MR-2, Celica GT-Four, and Supra? just wondering since I'm trying to make a career in the automotive industry in the performance vehicles and Motorsports culture

[@lemagreengreen]

Yeah, MR2, Celica and Supra were all on sale at the same time.

[@ataorkunoguz5451]

I know it s not fast enough but we can call Toyota Sera an evolution car 110 Hp and N/A but it has a superior design

[@lordmaster5522]

I remembered the same, but they had 4 lined up in the Toyota showroom that I visited. Paseo-Celica-MR2-Supra

[@Arayig1982]

technically only Mr2 was sports car, the celica a coupe based upon a regular car, and supra a gt car based upon the soarer/sc300-400

[@1newww]

I love my mr2. Truly a drivers car.

[@tujiongyhrd]

I'm looking to get one when the insurance is affordable.

[@maarten332]

I got one imported from the UK in 2016. Slapped some coilovers and 18" rims on it. Nicest car i've ever driven. Now i'm swapping a 3sgte with 300hp.

[@TechnoKid79]

I miss mine - had a 1990 Targa 16V GTI N/A T-Top. It had custom very stiff suspensions lowered to 10cm from the ground, reprogrammed ECU and Carrera GT alloys... wow. Even people with Ferraris stopped to watch. One Ferrari owner even offered me more than what I paid it for - he knew it was a unique one.

[@alexairconditioning1581]

I love mine too! Haven't got to drive it yet as its currently being restored by me

[@YodaOnDMT]

I have an MR2 and I have to say, it handles better than my old R33 Skyline.

[@abracing199]

That's not too surprising IMO. Most people see the r33 as the pig of the skyline family and the mr2 is just tight and made for it.

[@YodaOnDMT]

abracing199 That makes sense , although I would have though the R34 would have been worse since it looks even more bulky, taller and not very streamlined. That said, the R35 is faster even though it looks like a tank, albeit a fairly pretty one.

[@BuzzingBurrito]

+abracing199 the r33 handles better than the r-34 imo, but the r33 had a thougher competicion, hell even the z32 wit its heavy weight handled better than the r32 gts-t

[@tomb9818]

+Yoda on DMT I recently sold my turbo SW20 and bought an R33. They handle very differently from one another, that's for sure. The MR2 has brilliant rear end traction and corners pretty damn well. It feels very planted, up until the point at which the rear kicks out, and then you find yourself with a violently swinging pendulum. What I like about the R33 in comparison is that it's a more well-rounded handling experience. It corners well, and has decent grip, but oversteers predictably and controllably in a fashion that really makes a car fun for me. It doesn't feel like I may die at any second when approaching the limit, and driving it in the rain is fun, not terrifying.

[@YodaOnDMT]

Tom B I kind of know what you mean. I never had any oversteer issues with my MR2 since it's just so planted, even in the wet and Japanese cars hate the wet. My issue with the R33 though was that when the rear went, it was almost in slow motion and I found the electronics that put the car right were too intrusive and they kicked in a lot on wet (and poorly maintained) roads of London. A prime example was driving home after a few beers and a couple of joints (in my more reckless days) and I thought I'd test the limits on a roundabout. I got oversteer, naturally corrected it but the electronics kicked in and I ended up steering towards the pavement. I do miss the Skyline especially as the MR2 is so much more sluggish in acceleration, although I don't miss the cost of owning one. But for me the more organic driving experience of the MR2 beats it. The balance, the driving position...and dirt cheap to run.

[@Megalocade]

Love the Mr2, proud owner of a 93 tbar rev 2 turbo 99% stock only replaced the exhaust for stainless, car is completely rust free, wouldn't trade it for anything, 15 years of ownership.

[@Diglicous]

Same. My 93' Turbo is still perfect after near 30 yrs.

[@DumpedClutch]

back when toyota made cool cars....

[@DumpedClutch]

a single cool car.

[@andrewnorris5415]

which lol? I had an mr2 gt back then and my boss had the gt4

[@k00091]

@@andrewnorris5415 little late for asking any questions

[@RunnJake]

Nowadays its the soccer mom machines only

[@mxse1551]

@@k00091 you were a little too late to tell him that it was to late tho🤷‍♂️

[@SkitzerPoindexter]

Wow, the old Top Gear shows were packed with information, not just jokes.

[@NathanielHart1988]

I love my MR2, and I certainly don't see lack of a catalytic converter or engine noise as an issue. I don't mind the lack of ABS, either as the car stops great. I love hearing the engine hum as I drive and it really does make me want to drive a little more "enthusiastically" than I should.

[@SupercarsGT]

Two great japanese sport car,great handling and nice design.

[@postmortemarg]

MR2s handle like theyre glued to the fucking pavement

[@greathey1234]

pavement? you mean tarmac chum

[@tomb9818]

+postmortemarg Until the glue comes unstuck. Then you find yourself aiming the wrong way.

[@postmortemarg]

+Tom B easily fixed by severe and quick countersteering. The excitement of reaching that point in the MR2 makes the driving experience fantastic

[@tomb9818]

postmortemarg Sure, but there's little margin for error. It's good fun to go fast in but doesn't offer much in the way of playful oversteer. It's a rewarding but dangerous car.

[@postmortemarg]

Tom B exactly. it can never be boring.

[@edshift]

He's a legend. Clarkson worships him!

[@Oldjohn52]

The MR2 also had a "feature" that Tiff neglected to mention. If you lift off mid corner, you will experience oversteer that is truly Porsche-like in it's savagery. Nothing focus' your attention like coming out of a corner backwards

[@albertptran]

I miss my '91 MR2

[@70ARH]

Thanks for uploading this it made my day :)

[@AllanDelosReyes]

I still drive my 91’ MR2.

[@HFLanciaStratos]

MR2s are wonderful cars, it's like a baby Ferrari

[@Joe_Rebel]

OMG thats what I was telling people today and I didn't even see your comment... Crazy haha

[@dirtydan4159]

Fudge You It's known as the poor mans Ferrari.....fyi!

[@Will-mq3nn]

Dirty Dan I'd have a mr2 over a 90s ferrari any day

[@Will-mq3nn]

edward honda yep cause if a bought a 355 i woukd have to deal with all the maintainance costs

[@YodaOnDMT]

Just picked up a Japanese spec mkII Mister 2 on a whim. Steering wheel is flipping HUGE! Any tips on driving and maintaining this car? From only a few minutes driving it, it feels like you need to work the rear more to get the best handling.

[@tmcyt3037]

very interesting insight, thanks

[@dontealwaely2965]

I have 2 mr2 from 1990

[@aspookyknucklehead1309]

donte Alwaely two of them?

[@margolo]

No wonder he's complaining about the MR2 being slow, Europe didn't get the turbo version which went from 152 horsepower to 246... Biiiig increase.

[@CHZ8959]

Back in the days when you could find an empty bit of road!

[@WorldwideWyatt]

This era of Celica is underrated.

[@NorthSea0il]

no turbo models officially sold in Europe however, many Japanese models were sold via the grey market.

[@edshift]

They do say the spyder handles like a MK1. Not sure never driven one but it does weigh a lot less. Also lots of MK2s are starting to rust around around the sills. Not a huge problem and lots of cars are being fixed but you might want to go with a car you can not have to worry about that for a bit. Mk2s look loads cooler though. :-)

[@johndrake2729]

Out of the three generations of the MR2, I like this one better.

[@Lesley9292]

hey thats the guy from 5th gear lol didnt know he was working for top gear back in the day

[@Cheezwizzz]

I miss my MR2, such a fantastic car!

[@Dino10Nassis]

kings will be kings

[@redmr2na]

I just started my 91 MR2 NA the other day, because it's winter where I'm from, and took it for a VERY slow stroll down the road and back just to get the gearbox oil warm. It sucks to have to pack a car you love away for the winter. You spend all winter wanting to drive it. I can't wait for another month or so to go by, because then I can pack away the everday driver more or less, and drive my baby again. MR2's, Supras, AE86s, and Celica All trac's are all icons of Toyota motor history.

[@really-america]

i had the MR2 mrk1 and mrk2, many years later I have a Lexus is350c and of the 30 or more cars I have owned these are the 3 I most loved .. oh and my old Bongo!

[@EvilSean62]

got a gt4 with upgrades .. broken when bought ,,, all kicked in at the wrong moment ... folded round a pole in supersonic panic it was a dream that turned into a nightmare for a brief few moments it was the best car i ever felt

[@stealthraider22]

bought an mr2 mk rev1 for 750 with 12 months MOT fun to drive until it met a stone filled hedge and an oncoming ford focus :( You said it perfectly: it was a dream that turned into a nightmare for a brief few moments it was the best car i ever felt

[@bazzakazam]

thanks for the upload, that was a non turbo gt he reviewed I'd have liked to seen what he taught of the turbo version

[@marfigue777]

Mr2 was way ahead of his era

[@edshift]

My Mr2 has ABS. It has a catalytic converter. (At least at MOT time...) The noise is awesome. So. No downsides then. :-)

[@SamFBM]

Mine has neither lol

[@negativeindustrial]

Mine has both and a factory turbocharger. I can’t imagine owning a non-turbo MR2. All the fun would be just out of reach.

[@RunnJake]

I remember finding a cars.com listing for a

[@wakeupFFS2012]

Tiff skirts dangerously close to being Alan Partridge.

[@CHZ8959]

"room for and odd anorak" behind the seats 😂

[@RichPyke]

Sorry but the 3 bad points about the MR2 GT... 2 were actually good points and no ABS wasn't exactly a bad point. Lots of fun was had in my MR2... just a shame the big ends were prone to going bang... Loved the engine noise right behind me, loved not having to bother with a CAT. No toys, no gadgets just a raw drive.

[@Aofex]

"just a shame the big ends were prone to going bang" What do you mean?

[@RichPyke]

Every MR2 ive known has had the big ends go at a little over 100k miles including mine.

[@TheZigZagg]

Rich Pyke Actually no, the issue with the Gen 2 3sgte is the head gasket and intake runner design. But if you got coolant in your oil from a BHG, that could explain why your "big end" went. The 3rd gen 3s has a metal head gasket and different intake design. The 4th revision was made up until 2007, with no pattern failures like the previous generations.

[@CharlieT98]

TheZigZagg Does that mean the head gasket and intake runner manafacturured on 2007 and onwards are compatible with the mk2 MR2?

[@RichPyke]

TheZigZagg No issues with the head gasket in any of the MR2s I've known but I can name at least 7 different MR2s running the 3SGE and 3SGTE engines where the big ends went at around 100k miles. Most were 1991-1993 models. The cause is irrelevant since there were no signs of any problems prior to the big ends going, mine was serviced a few weeks before mine went.

[@brianhildreth9099]

My 1986 MR2 allows me to store my T-Tops behind the seat. It even has a bag and noticeable slot for them.... Not in the bonnet, like he says here.

[@motogte]

Acis kicked in!

[@NobodyQuiteLikeMe]

My friend had one that I had to help get out of a snow ditch one time

[@CMDRSweeper]

A drawback is "No catalytic converter" for the old MR2? I am sorry, but that is a HUUUUUGE plus right there.

[@ThomasMauger]

Snap-oversteer is a "feature" present in most mid-engined cars and is caused by the driver error and is not a design fault. But sometimes even the best of us forget for a split second and things get a little hairy.

[@HeroDanny]

"Better days than this", my friend, you are in England.... there are no better days than that..

[@daveoakley7190]

never been so bored in my life...love or hate him, Clarkson made cars fun again..this like Alan Partridge does Top Gear, with less humour

[@WeTryMotorsports]

glad to say i have both of these cars but USA version... Toyota Celia All-Trac turbo and the Toyota MR2 turbo. cheers

[@oopssorryy]

I would love a Celica GT4, I love the look and it's so rare now a days. And the MR2 turbo... need I say more.

[@dudamara]

MR2 has a 3S-GE in it. 5S-FE was made for the North American market.

[@TrueBlueEG8]

These are both fantastic cars by todays standards, the mr2 in particular was way ahead of its time.

[@SamFBM]

I got scared watching how fast he was taking them corners in the wet in a 90/91 MR2 Ik for sure I'd be holding on for dear life in mine 😭😂

[@Samspianopage]

Love Tiff's reviews, they're always informative and he talks about every aspect of the motor. Don't get me wrong I also like Chris Goffey's admittedly boring but straight commentry and Jeremy's OTT humour but Tiff was the real underdog.

[@FrightfulAccountant]

I just realise that a brand new Toyota GT86 just cost 3000£ more than the Celica GT4 did in 1990. Isn't that amazing? A BMW that gives you the same fun now as 23 years ago, has probably doubled its price :p

[@TheZigZagg]

Unfortunately that's because of the economy in japan in the 90's vs now. Regulations have killed the affordable sports car, and japan has lost its passion. The GT86 is a lesser car, sadly because of it's manufacture date.

[@FrightfulAccountant]

it's true it's kind of a shame there is no 4wd turbocharged version of the GT86, but other than that it's a fun car if you are looking for a quick rather than a realy realy fast coupe :p

[@eurosonly]

Back when Japanese sports cars used to rival exotics 5 times their price with amazingly swift agility and overall fun of driving them. Now, they're giant family sedans for the fat american market filled with air bags and cup holders.

[@BretHardy94]

Wow I didn't know that Tiff was in old top gear with Jeremy! that explains a lot :D

[@joselozano0528]

The mr2 was in 84, then in 85 in Europe & the U.S.

[@CmdrGendoIkari]

That's why there are Ferrari F355 and F360 replica kits that utilize the 1990s MR2 chassis. I like the styling of my '93 MR2 just as it is though. ;)

[@Michelle_Schu-blacka]

I had an R33 Skyline before owning an MR 2 and I can tell you the MR 2 is a FAR superior drive. It's almost impossible to lose traction, even in the wet. Just point the car at a corner and shoot, and the only thing you have to worry about is getting the line right.

[@bliglum]

Yeah, I'm impressed what what I've heard about the new Gt-86.. Sounds like that car plus a turbo kit would equal sheer bliss! : )

[@zahimislam6199]

As for owning a used MRS, still in d fence whether to fullfil my childhood dream car or just stick to my wonderful swift....

[@tujiongyhrd]

Mr2 mk2 turbo. YOU NEED TO GET ONE!!!

[@rscosworthfan]

+Zahim Islam i own an mrs its great but uses a lot of oil im forever topping it up

[@FrightfulAccountant]

I loved those two!

[@bliglum]

Yes, I too am pleased to see the brz/frs. The brz brings some much needed sexiness to Subaru's lineup, and a fresh sport infusion to Toyota's lineup as well.!!

[@SANYUR]

Back when Toyota's were FUN

[@Tlp114]

i own a 1990 Celica GTfour and i approve this Review!

[@WorldwideWyatt]

Do you still have it?

[@RCrider185]

@camryt I like the way you think :) Go for the RC version 25 more HP than the CS or Group A versions.

[@BoostedDeuce]

@BLOEDVLEK This is the GT4 Celica, not the regular one. They are indeed pretty rare.

[@atsernov]

Suspected that might be the case. Strange though. It is also strange that ABS wasn't even optional on the NA models considering how easy it is to lock up the fronts on the MR2s unless you ease into the braking to shift the weight forward.

[@racerboy23432]

it depends on what country. in america it had about 200-220bhp in 94 with the gen 2 3sgte engine, in japan the 94- 96 had the gen 3 3sgte i believe made about 240bhp

[@ThomasMauger]

Unfortunately when the MR2 came out a lot of the media people who drove it didn't treat it like a rear mid-engined car and therefore a large number of them spun out. Because of that headlines read "How Toyota Spoilt The New MR2" or "The New MR2: Is It Safe?" and etc. This of course tarnished its image and hurt its sales. I think the MR2 is really one of the most underrated sports cars of the 90s because of this.

[@christopherb27]

Huge Toyota fan right here too! Out lives every car on the road, and if your a Top Gear fan you know their trucks CANNOT be killed! Look up both parts of the new Top Gear killing a Toyota Helux. Performance is returning with the Supra and Sabaru Boxer engines in coupes. I do miss the sleeper FX-16's and Supras. Now TRD is busy helping with Lexus's F-Sport and they have branched out into aerospace,robotics and bio-tech agriculture. Really pushing the Lexus brand to hard in my opinion

[@Oldjohn52]

True, as well. Many media people, who write about cars can't drive worth a spit. I like the MR2, but because I'm six feet four inches and two hundred fifteen pounds, I dont really get into such a car, it's more like I put it on. Cheers!

[@malinalungu407]

This is from Series 24,not 13,Series 13 Was from 1986

[@5656deedee]

I've had the 3,4,5 and 6 generation Celica's which I loved but never driven one of the newer ones. I really can't see why they stopped building them. I tested the new toyota sports car and was disappointed. Even when it's old enough for me to afford to buy one, I wont bother.. My 5th Gen 2ltr Gti is 23 yrs old and still going well....

[@DrJ2042]

I wish the AWD celica came to america

[@SpeedySpeedBoi62]

4:40 always with the golf clubs lol

[@FantomLightning]

Thank you for actually taking sometime to mention Saab and what they've accomplished.

[@MrBigolnuts]

"stimulating in the appropriate circumstances" you can't get more British than that.

[@schneir5]

It's too bad they didn't get the MR2 Turbo in England!

[@dotty8449]

Richie Schneider Imported though and a lot of them about in the UK, i've got a NA but defo going for a Turbo soon :D

[@schneir5]

scott collins awesome I love my MR2 Turbo! It's a 91 with a moonroof

[@MerlinOpeth]

+Richie Schneider do you have a corolla ,were you at that scion car show?

[@bliglum]

Yeah, the new Gt86 does look pretty good!!

[@negativeindustrial]

Dude I LOVE my '94 Turbo Celica like a child but if someone wanted to trade their Lexus LFA for it I'd have to make an assessment LOL

[@TCreatorO]

they did, when they compared it to the fiero which got its ass whopped by the lighter and more agile MR2 turbo :D

[@Tinytacohead]

Two cars still on my list to try on & after having just sold my dream machine, (a built, 3rd gen RX-7), maybe that'll happen sooner than later. (though current plans are to supercharge the Miata to around 200whp :) I wish the GT-4 wasn't so rare in the US.

[@fermoyle1]

very true. my rev 5 GTS has scared me a couple of times now... loads of grip... no grip.... spinning.

[@margolo]

They're making 200 horsepower because it's balanced. It's still tunable, the Subaru engine gives it a lower center of gravity making it handle better, and the car is under 25 grand brand new. Most 200 horsepower cars from the factory are much much higher priced, and don't handle very well.

[@SlideShowz-f9q]

I bet this video makes everyone miss the good old times Toyota sportscar, well, at least they got the GT86 now, that's a good start.

[@Afrocanuk]

Having no ABS in a 2 seater is nothing to complain about. ABS was really meant for large heavy vehicles that need much longer stopping distance.

[@AndyRock1]

what happened to the sporty, exotic type mid engined car?!?! thats so much fun... and its MPG wasnt bad either

[@aann82]

@pandamanana Thats an N/A not a turbo.... Above the engine the 'grille' is raised on a turbo, and flat as it is here on the N/A

[@Oldjohn52]

Yeah, I know all that too. But if you're hooning around on back country roads and some wildlife leaps in front of you, and you forget about that "feature" it gets "hairy' indeed. Enough people dont care evidently, because they still make mid engine cars that ordinary people can buy. Good point, though.

[@TomOscarM]

That wasn't even a GT mr2 he was driving. The turbo models have a different engine lid where the grills stick up, not flat like the video.

[@Danial0152]

Supra, Celica, MR2 ...were the best and still are even in 2012.

[@UnitiveWILLIAM24]

I really wish there were more Celica GT4's in the US, as well as the sixth gen gt4.

[@leftybender9125]

don't care if your comment was 5 years ago preach brother. My heads about to come off trying to find a 5th gen all trac celica for sale

[@CallOfDuty4Fish]

I own a 1990 Toyota Celica Gts. Its wonderful.

[@willzer808]

Jesus I really thought you were Audi there for a second. Like Audi the God, like Thor or someone

[@colj001]

back when japan ruled the industry with brilliant sports cars.

[@RTWUROTTS]

Enjoyed watching!

[@thangxixon]

2 legends no doubts. at least to me.

[@TheHondaTuner]

So sad the MR2 doesnt drive as close as nice as it looks. Especially now when its so old :(

[@mtbuk1982]

If only Toyota had offered the GT-S turbo MR2 in the UK. That would of meant more clean examples available today.

[@Nearmello12]

In the end, its all business and money. BRZ or FRS? those cars are looking pretty good from specs. check them out

[@zahimislam6199]

Tiff looked so young & handsome in this 1990 T.G & I prefer his 5th.Gear series than jeremy's present Top Gear..

[@BobUy00]

Can I hear a HachiRoku? I think it's safe to say the good das are coming back.. There's even rumours of the return of the Supra.

[@BLOEDVLEK]

@BoostedDeuce Well here in New Zealand there are tons of GT4s on the road, all the little boy racers have them.

[@dudamara]

To add to this, if you want drop in power, get a 3rd gen 3sgte as it is a more efficient and tuning friendly of all the generations but that's my opinion. I just don't like the turbo being permanently attached onto the exhaust manifold on the 4th gen, and I don't like the air flow meter from the 2nd gen. 3rd gen will come with bigger fuel injectors out of the box, a larger A2W intercooler, more efficient water and oil channels in the block for cooling, ct26c2 (aka "ct20b") is straight up better

[@MrNipsi]

well im glad toyota is back making special cars like the gt86..... and that they are back in endurance racing and possibly in rallying in 2014!!!!