★Toyota MR2 History : Everything YOU need to know! ★

Hey guys,
Here is a history video on Japan's 1st mass produced mid-engine car...the Toyota MR2. Do you know what the acronyms "MR2" stand for? What about it's initial concept? Well, I'll let you know in this brief history lesson on the MR2 in the USA. Hope you guys enjoy it! Let me know what you think!
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[@vossler360]

A very neat and concise history of the MR2- well done! I've often looked at the history of the MR2 through the lens of the lightweight, RWD, and affordable sports car market, because it seems that the original MR2 came onto the market at around the same time that many of the British sports cars were leaving the market. But instead of trying to copy the formula of those British cars, Toyota looked towards the future, and they created something very modern for the time. But it was still light, RWD, and affordable. I've often wondered if there would have been an MX-5 without the original MR2.

[@nottooclosepleeze]

I owned a 1986 Red MR2 with sunroof. Bought it in 1985. Drove it till the timing chain snapped at 200,000 miles. I looooooooved that car. For many years after I used to have dreams about driving it, lol. I now drive a 2016 Mini Cooper, which I like, but the MR2 handled better and was more fun.

[@MiguelFlores-nx2op]

Proud owner of a MK1 MR2 currently undergoing a swap to get the 3s.

[@GTContent]

Cool! Let me know how it turns out.

[@MementoNKS1]

ayy i own the sw20 turbo :D still have mad respect for the mk1 mr2 since it looks so badass tho

[@negativeindustrial]

Well? How is it? I’ve swapped a bunch of 3S’s into Celicas and MR2s but never into a MKI. That thing is going to be awfully fun/unforgiving AF!

[@vizualmrs]

Love driving my 2002 mk3 zzw30 around. You don't see many mr2s around anymore. We'll see what Toyota will bring, rumors of a successor.. I'll be the first to grab it. Haha Thanks for the video you gained my subscription. Keep up the great content and clean format. Very informational and easy to understand.

[@markmorrissey6539]

Outstanding info. Just bought an MR2 2003. Wildly fun ! Just got a new subscriber .

[@garchompy_1561]

3 preformance toyota cars- supra MR2 Celica GT4

[@negativeindustrial]

Garchompy _ Where does that leave the AE86/GT86 in regards to the “3 brothers”?

[@heilong79]

There is also the JZX sport Sedans like the 1JZ Chaser and Mark II.

[@MrLolx2u]

SW20 MR2s are just a total beast if you know what you're doing with driving and tuning. I have sat in one during my time in Japan owned by a garage owner in Osaka. He was on his way to the 2014 Tokyo Auto Show and we had a talk at a rest stop along the Chiba-Nagoya line and I sat in it while my Japanese friend tailed behind in his S30 260Z with a RB26 swap. The MR2 was about 480HP and it flies down the Hanaeda Tunnel like it was nothing happily doing 248km/h and even when turning, it feels extremely stable. I have always wanted to own one but I ended up owning a kouki NSX.

[@GTContent]

Sounds like a nice experience.

[@MrLolx2u]

It actually is. If you're a car guy, there is 2 things that you need to experience in your entire life. Well.. Technically 3. 1) Go on a Grand Tour of Europe. 2) Experience the Nurburgring by driving it yourself or in a 'Ring taxi 3) Blast down the Wangan excess of 250km/h to about 300 and beyond then that's the ultimate car guy experience.

[@MrTrill409]

This a great series! And it's all done very well too! Keep up the great work Gary!

[@GTContent]

MrTrill409 Thanks! Glad you enjoy it!

[@DIYDanCars]

I love my AW11. It was love at first site when I helped my dad pick out my mom's new MR2 back in 1986. Great cars with a lot of character and fun factor.

[@GTContent]

Yups

[@scottpatton8037]

Always fun to read about the Lotus M100 project about the time the MR2 was being developed

[@truthseeker2587]

Excellent review of the beloved mr2. You sir just got a new subscriber!

[@edmondmazid7570]

I appreciate this succinct overview. Keep it up. subbed

[@GTContent]

Thanks!

[@kcsmith5374]

Love your vids man. Keep it up!👍

[@GTContent]

Alex Nuno Will do! Thanks!

[@BananaXiphos]

Straight to the point and easy to understand, +1 subscriber.

[@raftika1]

Just found this page not long ago hope you keep uploading!!

[@Bp_tim]

You just earned a new subscriber. Keep it up!

[@GTContent]

Will do! Thanks!

[@cjayx]

I'm buying one of these again...I love them so much!

[@GTContent]

+cjayx Nice

[@pufferz6788]

Love this.

[@gtrzdaddy]

I love how your videos don't contain any stupid memes that are so prevalent on every other youtube videos trying hard to be "hip and cool." Keep up the good work!!

[@GTContent]

Thanks man. Will do!

[@gehringer37]

Great video!!!

[@GTContent]

Mikes Garage Thanks!

[@zappatx]

Great information! You should have more subs!!

[@vopall]

Good stuff. Great car. Thanks!

[@GTContent]

You're welcome!

[@paulmcadam6825]

Getting my first sw20 mr2 soon..great video! Watching this in Guyana South American

[@GTContent]

Paul Mc Adam Thanks! LMK how it goes with your purchase.

[@blackthunder7342]

I had an 87 sc in the late 90s in college, it was a Toyota t-ten mechanics associate degree. I put a previa supercharger, built a megasquirt for it back when I was came with a blank green bord and you had some soldering to do

[@mahmoudreda2189]

You are a hero 💕

[@jdmjimmy]

Very educational

[@youngstunna323]

Used to own a SW20! Love the vids!

[@GTContent]

+Duke Glad you do.

[@dedu7483]

I rly like this history vids!

[@GTContent]

Awesome! I plan to get more History videos out. Let me know what you'd like to see.

[@dedu7483]

GT Content hmmmmm well i dont rly know but i like to see more of the JDM cars history!

[@dddontae]

GT Content Do the Celica's history!

[@GTContent]

Camarolover152 I'll add it to the backlog.

[@negativeindustrial]

GT Content Sooo... About that Celica history video?

[@negativeindustrial]

Honestly, if there are to be only 3 “brothers” it makes much more sense for Toyota to revive the Celica as the 3rd brother. 2 seaters just don’t sell as well. That being said, my ST-205 is easily as fast as my SW20(t) and much more confident and lawsuit resistant. Bugs me greatly that they did not align the cars by generation in the thumbnail. Ridiculous, I know.

[@BSon-sj9uc]

first gen mr2 was designed with "otaku" in mind. because at the time mecha anime was big. that's why it has lines resembling a gundam :p

[@GTContent]

master mind Good to know.

[@p9r4ex8dyk]

Thanks very much you're the best, I love it!

[@p9r4ex8dyk]

I want to say thanks for my request

[@GTContent]

You're welcome! Glad you love it!

[@shadylonged]

Just bought the MK3 year 2000,full rebuild,a lovely little drive

[@Matt.4877]

hi Gary as a fellow GT-R owner (32/34 and 35) keep it up always interesting to see your videos, on other examples i have owned too. GT-R for the win i have to say!

[@GTContent]

Will do! Thanks!

[@zackbfortiscuejr4575]

I owned a 1985 MR2 & it had the original color red thanks for the info about these cars now I have hope to see one in the future" if so hope it looks as classic as the 1985 one a very sporty ride... Extremely good on mpg!

[@owen75]

thanks, I recently purchased an SW20 and wanted to know more about it

[@GoblinAutoSport]

I owned a 1992 5speed manual non turbo factory special (rear MR2 badge lights up with main lights, wider, lower, 7 speaker sub system, wider wheels and would touch 240klm)

[@bibana06]

I'm french and the explaination for the name of the car killed me^^ Yes, in french, MR2 sounds like "est merdeux", which literally means "is shitty". This is why they simply called it MR. Many manufacturers should do studies like that, because some car's names means gross things in some languages.

[@noel_tk]

Love the review! Any thoughts on its snap oversteer?

[@GTContent]

It seems as though it's mostly driver awareness. The same applied to earlier Porsches and NSX's. Once you're aware of the limit's, then you're less likely to find yourself in that snap oversteer situation.

[@landrin30gamer28]

IDH Strikes Again

[@JohnSmith-yr6je]

I hope they make a new mr2. I would get one over a new Miata if it checks out

[@nonsensegarage6835]

yes!

[@longbowdt]

Thanks for the informative video. I owned an 85, then an 88-SC, then the 91-T. All great little cars, with the 91-T being the one that visits me in my dreams. :) Maybe one day I'll buy another. Maybe a new Senor Dos?

[@GTContent]

longbowdt Nice! Sounds like you have great experience with the MR2. Toyota is rumored to bring back the MR2. I'd wait it out then make a decision to buy new gen or old gen if your not in a rush.

[@longbowdt]

I can wait. I've got nothing but time. :)

[@johnconnor7501]

Cool vid. I remember wanting an mr2 Spyder so I could swap in a 2zz from a celica gts. I always wanted to know more about the history of the Mitsubishi Eclipse....just saying.

[@GTContent]

Awesome! Well, I've got a few other ones in the backlog right now, but I'll take it into consideration.

[@jd-py5nm]

such a cool little car we need more midengined cars

[@jd-py5nm]

like a poor mans ferrari

[@blackthunder7342]

How have I not seen this channel and I sit to all car channels. Did you make you tube mad?

[@GTContent]

Yes, I have been suppressed. Lol

[@PeterXChhanX]

Hey! Crazy that I just subbed to this channel a few months back and now an MR2 video! And just to debunk the rumors of the Lotus working on MR2, lotus was actually working on the gen 2 supra or celica supra suspension (hence why they were double wishbone up front) and NOT the aw11 first gen MR2. The MR2 owners club reached out directly to the man who was the CEO of Lotus at the time (Mike Kimberly) and he stated specifically that their engineers did not have anything to do with the MR2, but instead were working on the celica supra suspension that was under development at the same time but they do in fact appreciate the engineering that went into the aw11 though. The major give away is that the mr2 is MacPherson struts at all 4 corners, something that lotus would never do. In reality the aw11 is just an AE82 FWD corolla that has had the engine bay and trunk switched around from front to back. They use a lot of common components between the Corolla and first MR2

[@GTContent]

Good to know.

[@PeterXChhanX]

@@GTContent just shedding some light on this rumor :) I think people associate the Toyota and lotus partnership because of the midengine layouts but they didnt really have anything to do anything with each other but the general population just makes it easier to associate the two because of that alone. Although I wonder what a toyotus MRElise2 would be like!

[@petrolweeb]

Nice.I do likes MR2s

[@hayabusa1441]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Malficion]

I'll save up 20k by 2020, I hope decent ones will still exist then. I wanna play with a K swap too.

[@GTContent]

+Malicious Affection lmk how goes.

[@ManicQuinn]

Malicious Affection I found a great one but sadly do not have my licence yet due to my doctor not allowing me to learn because of mental illnesses

[@DildosForChristmas]

How did it go?

[@davidzhao6270]

I'd be happy to see another MR2, just not hybrid drive train plz

[@GTContent]

Yeah, hybrid would be the death of it.

[@mr2bmw]

HEY TOYOTA!!!!!!!! PLEASE BRING BACK THE MR2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jorgezen353]

More information for the last generation

[@majorpain7248]

Guys I’m in a tuff desison right now to keep eather my mk1 mr2 with a couple of problems or my st162 hatch Toyota celica gt with a blown trans and ive worked more on the celica interior and paint and mr2 needs paint suspension interior and etc

[@GTContent]

Here are some questions to ask yourself: -What is my budget? -What is my goal? -What is my timeframe? (If you have time, then just keep both --> if you can afford it) -Can another car I may afford do it better? Sometimes it's best to get rid of a/both projects and put the money into a better example of the same car(or other car) because fixing an old cheap car is not worth the money spent....it may not run correctly too after you've spent the money.

[@digipeeper]

Let's get 2 vids on Starion and AE86(Corolla GT-S).

[@GTContent]

We'll see what I can do. My backlog is fairly high at the moment.

[@alexmg9573]

other fact from France, the only color available for the MR rev1/2 is Red. if you see a French sw20, she is red, with T-top, N/A engine and "MR" at the back :)

[@GTContent]

Good to know. Thanks!

[@alexmg9573]

the reason why red was the only color is that Toyota France relied on the resemblance to the Ferrari 308 and 348 to sell it successfully, it seems that every Toyota salesman could only sell one. I am French, I have a black sw20 but it is of German origin;) your videos are very good quality, a pleasure to watch, continues like this :)

[@GTContent]

Thanks for the insight and feedback. I hope to get more quality content out :D

[@alexmg9573]

no problems, the automobile is a story of enthusiasts all around the world;) sharing knowledge is a pleasure;)

[@emiliencasse44]

They were 2 1985 Sherwood tonig Aw11 imported by Toyota Marignane in the south of France, one is mine, still full stock on da road ☺

[@Wesley_C]

How about SW20 MR2 compares japanese Honda Beat?

[@simonriley983]

Please do Fairlady Z history!!!!!!!!

[@GTContent]

+Simon Riley Working in it 😁

[@simonriley983]

awesome! been looking into getting the z32 and was curious of its history

[@negativeindustrial]

Don’t forget to include Yamaha/Toyota’s involvement, along with the 2000GT’s inclusion in the development of the Z Cars. Most Nissan fans don’t know that part of the history.

[@kylesoler4139]

The mr2 sw20 did share an engine with the Camry

[@GTContent]

Correct, the 5SFE.

[@mk2mister2]

Kyle Soler Actually, the SW20 did not have the 5SFE but the 3SGTE. The SW20 was never sold in the USA. Only the SW21 (5SFE) and SW22 (3SGTE) were sold in the States. 😉

[@drewshaw297]

MR2 actually means midship runabout 2

[@ispyabirdinthesky]

i believe these were called MR-S in Japan and the name was changed to MR2 for fear Americans wouldn't want a car named mrs.

[@GTContent]

Yes. That's true.

[@caseye11is]

Midship Runabout 2 seater

[@trolski1618]

There were no 3sge for sw20?

[@kingkong5483]

1984 Car of the year Japan!

[@martinvillamejor9326]

Mr2 stands for Mid ship run about

[@yeongvinsheng7639]

The Mrs(zzw30) has 6 speed manual(Europe) and its sequential is 6 speed, not 5

[@negativeindustrial]

Yeong VinSheng Did you guys get the higher spec engine as well (2zz-ge found in Celica GTS and Lotus Elise/Exige)?

[@xavierrivera9130]

2:20 was expecting eurobeat

[@GTContent]

😂

[@alejandr0031]

Midship runabout 2 seater

[@maruph3555]

S N A P O V E R S T E E R

[@and22and22]

Nissan silvia story please

[@GTContent]

It was the first history video I did! Here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqjLmotmZaZ5qZY

[@prepolo976]

the Ferraris history:once it was a mr2

[@nakazul1]

Didn't know that the second gen was such a flop since it's it's the most loved MR2. I Daly a MR2 W30 Roadster (EU name and no turbos) and that car is worth nothing (got it cheep) and seems to be liked by only non car enthusiasts. The car is a crazy nice track car, not because it's low horsepowers, but the handling! It is amazing! I have a friend that drives race cars who took me for a spin and I'm not easily scared, but I had to ask him to stop, man this car can take corners like the devil was on your tail. Holy moly. I love my Silvia's (have 2) but this car is fun in so many ways .... except when you need to pack stuff in the winter ☹️ 😂

[@GTContent]

I love the 2nd gen MR2 also, but it's considered a flop for the US since it was only sold until 1995. The rest of the world didn't. Thanks for sharing your experience. That was nice to know.

[@jacquelineperry8740]

I have a 2005 mr2 spyder but it has a rear seal oil leak but they want 3000 to fix it.seal 20 bucks.

[@andrew1henderson1983]

I am afraid your information is incorrect MR stands for Midship Runabout in Japan it was MR-S for Sport.

[@GTContent]

+andrew henderson Noted at 0:14 seconds of the video.

[@gopherchucksgamingnstuff2263]

i have an 01 in silver

[@GTContent]

+gopherchucks Nice! I might be doing a review on an 03 soon.

[@gopherchucksgamingnstuff2263]

i spun a baring so its on dolly's now

[@GTContent]

gopherchucks That sucks. Hope you get that fixed quick.

[@stephenandrewlalu5407]

I dont like the spyder i like the pop up lights JDM CAR GUY

[@chrisanderson2204]

Poor man's Ferrari

[@nessuno5403]

Durable? You make the rest sound fragile. Say robust :)

[@arthuritchybollix5064]

They were nice but sadly rusted away

[@mrjonno]

I have an MR2 spyder (roadster in the UK) for fun but an electric vehicle for everyday commute and an awareness that we all need to reduce our carbon emissions for the sake of our survival. Maybe the next MR vehicle should be electric? Performance for electric vehicles is both sustainable and super quick.

[@andycox8840]

The bra is a Subaru the gt86 is the Toyota!

[@henryalbagli5221]

My 94 turbo was a 6 speed

[@GTContent]

henry albagli Cool. 6-speed Conversion?

[@henryalbagli5221]

GT Content no it was factory! turbo, t-top, all options "action pkg"

[@henryalbagli5221]

best car I ever owned, I went head on with cement center divider at 85 mph and even though I totalled it I walked away! next toy was 2005 GTS with 6 speed padel shifter, head Turner in solar yellow but still not as fun as my MR2

[@GTContent]

Good to know. Nice car!

[@negativeindustrial]

henry albagli You’d be the only person ever to report a 6speed transmission ever on a an 2nd gen MR2T or a Celica GT4/Alltrac Turbo. I’m trying hard not to call BS.

[@vincentbaelde-millar670]

SW20. More stylish. You can retire now.

[@lmenzol]

You love K20 Mr2s? Unsubcribed...

[@negativeindustrial]

Lmenzol For real. A guy wanted to buy my spare SW20 rolling chassis parts car the other day. I was onboard until he told me he intended to K swap it. I told him: “No sale.”

[@redmr2na]

Atta boy or girl, the MR2 SWs are ment to be Toyota engined only cars, and only 4 cylinders. This v6 and k20 stuff is bullshit. If ya don't like a MR2 AW or SW for what it is you clearly don't need to own the car. My 91 will remain stock except for suspension which was installed by a previous owner as lomg as I own it.

[@landrin30gamer28]

S N A P O V E R S T E E R