TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER : Why it FAILED :/

In this car review of the Toyota MR2 Spyder, I'll give you my driving impressions, 1/4 mile time (yes, it's not a drag car), discuss why it failed and what I'd do to improve upon it. Let me know what you think in the comments section below.
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[@MrJimbo666]

The MR2 Spyder was way superior than the Miata on every level. It didint fail.. people didint understand it.

[@exutiku]

Correct.

[@markynets]

Miata is for Girls end of discussion

[@vipbeef2174]

Well just like the evo X I didn't feel like it was an MR2 nor the glory or aura that the MR2 SW20 Turbo had set a bar for many tuning opportunities

[@Rampage00769]

Agreed!!!!!!!!!! Just Turbo the thing And add a Tein suspension like i did and see for yourself.

[@Nahhmah]

@@Rampage00769 How much does a turbo cost for this? And is the Tein suspension only springs or the coilovers? Thanks

[@mr2bmw]

The MR2 is an excellent underrated car.

[@Boberts427]

Zero reason to not drop the 180 engine, they would have taken over the miata sales, truely unforgivable to deliberately make it slow

[@darthtrader1027]

@@Boberts427 it might be "slow", but it is very responsive and youd be surprised how well it can zip through traffic.

[@darthtrader1027]

I have owned an ap2 S2000, drove a first gen Miata and i would absolutely take the MR2 over both. My MR2 feels faster than both. I just picked up my MR2 about 5 days ago so i havent really been able to push it too hard, but i will say that it has plenty of power for how light it is. I bought this car after seeing Spyder Lee's channel amd his MR2 - got the same gen and i plan on making mine a widebody with upgraded suspension, wider rims wrapped in a stickier tire compound and a fully built honda Kswap turbo'd and tuned to produce as close to 600hp at the wheels... basically i intend to turn it into my tracktoy which i plan to thoroughly enjoy as much as possible during the warmer months.

[@JimA86s]

1) the mr2 started life as a lightweight midhsip car with focus on economy due to the streamlined body but it was so good as a sports car that thats what it became. waaay before the miata. The 3gen was going back to its roots after the second gen which sought more performance and gained lots o weight plus toyotas program at that time was to attract youth with well built cars that where easy to drive. 2) all mr2 generations came with mcpherson which is fully independant and everyone agrees that the 3gen is the best handling with many motor journalysts describing it as one of the best handling cars. 3) there was the turbo option with the tte kit that was offered as an upgrade package in toyota dealerships. 4) mr2 doesnt have rollover bars but neither does miata, mgf or barchetta which was the direct competition. 5) who does 1/4 mile times with full tank. 6) define what you mean by competitive with some suspension tuning and bigger wheels and tyres the car is really competitive in compact circuits and faster than the main competition the miata as for straight line speed or all out balance you have a car weighing less than a ton you can do whatever you want with it the technopro spirits mrs in japan is one of the fastest cars in touge showdown and in track it runs the tsukuba circuit in less than a minute plus there are many videos of mr2 making lots of power. 7) as far as swaps go you dont really have to look ant further than toyota you got the 2zz which is on par with the honda b18 and one of the easiest swaps to do then you got the 3s-gte from previous gen mr2 turbo and celica aaand if you want to go completely crazy you can have the same v6 that the lotus evora has which is found in toyota camrys. 8) you dont address the small aftermarket support, the precats failling and the pre facelift piston rings that led to oil burning which was addressed in 2003 with new pistons tha had more oil draining holes and revised piston rings that solved the issue.

[@TheBullMooseChannel]

ahhhh someone who knows what theyre talking about

[@ThungStudios]

If Toyota gave it the 2zz and more stylized, smaller, headlights, I think it would have sold way more than it did. But, as an owner of one, I'm glad they didn't sell many, because of how cool it is to drive such a rare sports car for so little money.

[@GTContent]

😀

[@crxsleeper18]

Does the mc phereson strut setup hurt the handling that bad. I like em and the strut setup really makes me question it.

[@GTContent]

No it doesn't. As I mentioned, only in competitive cases. It's fine as a daily or weekend car. The MR2 gets away with it due to it being lightweight and MR. If it was heavy, then it would put more load on the "inferior" suspension setup.

[@zahemi914]

Agreed indeed.. Bought mine a 2nd hand MRS (what we call it here) being rare and more- notorious looking than Miata, people sometimes mistaken it for Boxter..

[@ioannislampros2786]

Hi @Hockeygod98 . I was looking into buying a Spyder few years ago mainly due to its rarity and that the Spyder fits me better than a Miata (I am 1.86cm), but was put off by all the blown engine incidents. Are Spyders reliable eventually?

[@mk2mister2]

I willing to bet that Toyota purposefully did not offer the 2ZZGE motor in the MR2 Spyder because it would have been too close in performance to the Lotus Elise, which at the time had that same motor in there. There must have been an agreement between the two car companies, where Toyota would not do that.

[@LKRG]

I wish it was like the new supra where it was faster than the BMW lol

[@alexgrzeskowiak5328]

Mcperson strut suspension is no worse than double wishbone, when it's stiffened. Also double wishbone suspension is used mainly in heavier cars, because they have more body roll and the suspension arms itself are taking way more forces.

[@SpyderLEE]

I've changed just about everything on mine and it is now an awesome car. 😁😁

[@GTContent]

+SpyderLEE Nice.

[@chrisr6038]

Lee, why does everybody go with the 2zz / turbo.... given the weight / restricted space, I'm sure a nice little supercharger would work better than a turbo and although not as much outright power, it should give some nice returns and keep similar driving dynamics with the progressive delivery.... but nobody seems to do them?!?

[@vizualmrs]

love your spyder! one of the best ive seen.

[@SpyderLEE]

Chris Ralphs I see quite a few supercharger 2zz's but never really the 1zz. Not sure why as it would be nice to drive. The 2zz is the better engine though. I've stayed 1zz, as soon I'm going to build a spare engine and go for big power.

[@GTContent]

SpyderLEE Nice. Keep me updated.

[@07wrxtr1]

I like this style of review/format! keep up the good work man!

[@GTContent]

07wrxtr1 Thanks for the feedback!

[@ChroniclesofKToyoda]

I agree with a lot of things other than it "needing" double wishbone suspension. While it's true that it is easier to design a double wishbone to keep good contact patch, the same can be done with McPherson the only issue is it takes more R&D to get it right and McPherson is a more dynamic system, so a smart enough engineer can take advantage of it at with a MultiLink McPherson at the back the way the LFA does. The other benefit can actually steam from an actual common complaint in particular with the AW series in which there is too much camber change within the stock travel (usually the reason cited as for McPhersons are bad but this can totally be a positive), to see the benefit imagine lowering the car to reduce center of gravity a side effect of which would be much stiffer springs and a reduced range in which the shock typically travels, now all of a sudden the amount of camber change is much more optimal with RCA if need be. In this sort of ride height and stiffness a double wishbone's camber would be too static to dynamically change depending on tire load, a dynamic change that McPhersons will by nature still provide you. I'm not saying all these benefits are easy to engineer, just that DWB leaves grip on the table since their camber is somewhat set and forgot, ether for cornering or straight line performance, there is tradeoff. So there's a very good reason some very high dollar car's that aim to set Nür lap records still use multilink. And arguably at the front the caster angle can be set to complement and compensate for McPherson, more importantly it's a lighter unsprung system and on extention when the wheel has less mechanical grip whilst going over a rut the lower arm can swing the inside bottom of the tire closer to the center of the car and take away camber and flatten out meaning you could maintain a flat contract patch just fine whereas the DWB for performance driving would be set up witha lot of camber a prerequisite for optimal cornering only and would have to roll onto that contact patch to even use the rubber fully, or be made flat and lack increasing camber at least for the rear, because it too can benefit from the caster angle to compensate though this would be a linear feed of camber and not as dynamic, for FF a overly flat static rear end could actually be a bonus but for an MR I definitely want Multilink and *some body roll because that helps get mechanical grip since an overly stiff chassis is more prone to sliding. Sorry for long reply, I just really feel the myth of McPherson being an inferior system in each and every way as a myth that really needs to die. Such absolutes in what is good and what is bad is an overly basic way of thinking that leaves out a lot of nuances in just how much potential each system can or can not be made to have.

[@ivanmazur9233]

I like your focus on car histories and some of the forgotten models. Keep it up

[@GTContent]

Ivan Mazur Thanks! Will do.

[@nobetternickname]

one of the biggest reasons the car didn't sell is that it was well known for not having a boot. nobody realised that there is a little bit of luggage space behind the seats so people dismissed it as completely impractical. i'm kinda glad though because it means i got to buy mine for practically nothing :-) if you're not transporting any stuff around (like luggage or golf clubs) the mr2 mk3 is genuinely one of the best handling cars you can drive 🤩

[@Zeriel00]

Just get rid of the spare and Jack and get a can of Fix-a-flat. That's what I did :p

[@onetotalk]

I'm going to comment as someone who has owned 4 of these: (1) bone stock brand new (2) used and upgraded to 2zz (Celica GTS engine), (3) more used and upgraded to 2zz and driven to 240k miles, (4) currently stock and driven to 150k miles. I've also ridden in one upgraded to a 2GR engine (Camry V6, RAV4 V6, Sienna). The bone stock car with no mods is super fun for driving curvy mountain roads such as the Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee. Switching to Tien S-Tech lowering springs and Koni adjustable shocks with the front shocks set to full hard and the rear shocks set to a 1/4 turn away from full hard makes for downright amazing curvy road handling. The 2zz engine from the Celica GT-S weighs the same as the stock 1zz so handling is not affected and original tire sizes are adequate and you get 40 (approx 30%) more HP. I'm aware of a number of successful turbo'd and supercharged 2zz engine producing up to 240 HP, 100 HP more than (almost twice) the stock 2zz engine. But enter the 2GR V6 engine. A bare minimum 2GR swap brings 275 HP into the picture, along with 150+ additional pounds. At this point you have to start relocating some weight to perpetuate the intended front/rear weight balance of the car, and of course, this much power requires some substantial tire size changes. But with a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds and gobs of smooth torque available at just about any RPM point, a 2GR swapped MR2 Spyder is in a completely different class than the original design. Personally I have to give Kudos to Toyota for designing a mid engine car that was reasonably affordable and very fun in stock form, and as it turns out, very modifiable. Two companies in the U.S. successfully specialize in MR2 modifications: Monkey Wrench and DDPR. I'm more familiar with DDPR's work and can personally recommend them.

[@GTContent]

Great to hear your experience and insight. Thanks for sharing.

[@raykunik4702]

LocalGuide911 I am thinking about getting one and would like your POV. Hit me up at [e-mail]. Thanks!!

[@sendtacos1824]

I have a Celica gts 6 speed and I just bought MR2 spyder!! I'm swapping the engine and transmission, engine is full N/A moded.. I also want to see if I can install the tein coilovers from the celica into the mr2 and other goodies like the short shifter, headlights and tires.. I've watched videos about the 2zz mr2 swap but no one really explains how fast is a 2zz mr2.. (faster than or compare to what other cars)

[@thankyoucaptainobvious7707]

Bash Trifun ...I got rid of my stock ‘09 STI hatch with 305hp. I now have a (previously 1 owner) 32k miles all stock exterior; ‘ 2001 blue Spyder that came with 6spd tranny, headers, 2ZZ AND a Rotrex supercharger that the 1st owner had planned to race only(no Cat Convert). Dyno paperwork says it’s good for 294 Hp. I am now at the 6 month mark of familiarizing myself with how to drive it and I know not to mess with even a stock WRX. Maybe it’s me or I need to take it to a tuner shop, but I doubt that I am breaking 5 seconds before hitting 60. It’s blast on curves, but every stoplight opportunity has me quietly wishing I had a Toy V6, because 0-60 in 3.5 sounds more like it! Not to mention the reliability of a more modern higher displacement engine that would be easy to add a few more ponies. Oh ...and the previous owner had to buy another Supercharger ($3k)just prior to the sale because apparently they have a high failure rate.

[@N3THof209]

nice vid! love watching your vids. Im always learning alot.

[@GTContent]

+John Neth Awesome! That's what I hope to do as well as learn from other commenters too.

[@takz0743]

There are many huge Spyder owners' clubs in many countries. There is nothing "failed" about that!

[@twrcrew8852]

just like there are many lamborghini clubs who all circle jerk and park next to each other every sunday for coffee. it doesn't make it a success.

[@StarkReality]

Adding more power makes a world of difference in this car. I did the 2zz swap and it is a blast to drive.

[@GTContent]

Good to hear your experience.

[@negativeindustrial]

Or you could just own a proper turbocharged MR2 with T-Tops and have more fun?

[@quagmire5765]

StarkReality how much did you spend to get a 2zz in your spyder

[@Raevenswood]

Neg Ative except the turbo charged mk2’s sell for 10-20k used with lots of work needed . An mk3 can be had for 2000$ then the swap is about 3500 more assuming you do the installing yourself. You get a bad ass car for 5500

[@negativeindustrial]

Raevenswood Just bought two turbo MKIIs for $3k. Put the good parts all one car, the shit parts on the other, sold it and made $1k back for the rolling shell. Put that $1k plus another into my car and BINGO - nearly perfect restoration for $4k (Tho the paint could be better)

[@MapleMonarchy]

I really like your content and have been subscribed since you had 5k. Can't wait to see you get huge and keep the good stuff coming!

[@GTContent]

Thank you! (Fingers crossed)

[@RoccoSaldana]

Thank you for your review. Subbed!

[@SBha30]

Awesome review!

[@VertigoGTI]

In addition to your list, here's my 3 reasons: 1.) Competition did not improve the breed. Toyota tried to out-Miata the Miata, but on a shoestring budget. Miata was basically the sole competitor in a dying segment. 2.) Lack of commitment in marketing. Did you EVER see a commercial or an ad for the car? 3.) A new player changed the game! S2000 came out around the same time and completely overshadowed the Spyder.

[@GTContent]

+Alex Becker #TRUTH

[@vizualmrs]

Bad marketing... the sad truth

[@VertigoGTI]

Also true. I think Toyota was using the sales results from the MK1 GTI as a base to mold this car. "If we take an economy car, change the styling, and give it 15%-20% more power, we'll have a sales leader." Sadly, they forgot to bump the power... and the 2000s automotive world was a total NUMBERS GAME. Miata pulled the grandfathering card and was mostly exempt from that, but new faces had to play by the new rules. And the MR2 Spyder was too much of a departure from the SW20 to retain many previous MR2 customers; at the same time, it wasn't enticing enough to convince new ones, either.

[@jimmytran5328]

Yeah sucks.. it was pretty much s2000 vs MR-S vs NB Miata. The s2000 beat all these cars stock easily. Better suspension, better engine, etc, but with money modified to each car. The 1.8l Miata in this day and age has supercharger and turbocharger kits that bring it well over s2000s 220hp. Swapping the MR-S 1zz for a supercharged 2zz from the lotus Exige gives the MR-S 240hp making it actually superior to the s2000 being 600lbs lighter. I bought an MR-S recently just to challenge the s2000s on the track. Love this car

[@ThePinoyMamba]

Great review

[@amyb3020]

This solidified my decision! I absolutely love this car saving all my money from here on out

[@TheRobynhud]

Hope you got it,great car

[@crunchtimeasmr67]

Idiot you regretted it yet

[@lewbickerton3188]

@@crunchtimeasmr67 these are amazing cars so stfu you probs drive a piece of shit

[@crunchtimeasmr67]

@@lewbickerton3188 if you think these are amazing it's you that drives a piece of shit 😂😂😂🤡🤡🤡. I won't embarrass you with what I drive. You wouldn't belive me anyway. Keep failing 👍

[@lewbickerton3188]

@@crunchtimeasmr67 please tell me what you drive. You probs think its good but it would be shit since you clearly have no sense

[@LethalJizzle]

Great video. More of this!

[@GTContent]

Joshua Thiel Thanks! More to come 😁

[@samorywilson3140]

keep up the good work man

[@GTContent]

samory wilson Thanks!

[@matiasbelzunces6542]

Thanks for the video! I like seems full review mr2 1987!

[@mike325ci]

Other than lack of trunk/storage space, which wasn't mentioned in the video-- funny that a lot of the downfalls you mention are addressed in the Lotus Elise: double wishbone suspension, roll bar, Toyota/Yamaha 2ZZGE engine (w/supercharged option)... Too bad the 3rd generation MR2 is the most unloved generation, but the handling/weight is the best of all 3 gens-- it had so much potential... [I have owned all 3 generations of MR2s plus a Lotus Exige S]

[@GTRWendy]

I forgot to sub to this channel. One of the best auto channels ever!

[@GTContent]

+GTR Wendy Thanks!

[@pistoncount]

Great video I do love my MR2

[@pacrat90]

MacPherson was used not just because of cost, it was a packaging issue as well. Look at the 4C (macpherson rear)

[@matthewimposter8010]

You failed to realise that it didn't fail at all dude.

[@PLK123]

Why did it stop production then?

[@hackedsubtoeqrez8998]

@@PLK123 I would recomend watching "Regular Car Reviews: 2000 Toyota MR2 ZZW30" it will explain allot and overall give the car more of an honest review imo

[@crunchtimeasmr67]

Naj it really did they're bags of shit.

[@crunchtimeasmr67]

@@hackedsubtoeqrez8998 Or buy one and see for yourself how shit they are.

[@funtimesatbeaverfalls]

@@crunchtimeasmr67 It's usually someone who's never owned one who would say that.

[@md95065]

Pretty accurate review, but it isn't the second generation MR2 - it's the third generation.

[@jimmytran5328]

Michael Davidson he said third generation... did you watch the video?

[@mog398]

@@jimmytran5328 0:55

[@pjay3028]

He means that this car is the face-lift (second version) of the third model of the MR2. He correctly referred to the Roadster as the third version of the MR2 at the end of the video so he clearly knows what he's talking about.

[@VinnieNiZero]

thats actually a really good video

[@KSAutoofficial]

Great video, as a 3rd gen Mr2 owner I agree with a lot of things you say. I'm currently doing a K20 swap on mine! Stock is a bit under powered but you hardly notice because of the weight.

[@GTContent]

+KS Auto Nice! Keep me updated.

[@duckamuck1756]

Great Review!

[@GTContent]

+Duck Amuck Thanks!

[@lacuevadelvampiro]

i just got mine and i dont regret it.

[@Diamond-gk1ec]

Is it a good first car?

[@chrisr6038]

This is such an amazing car, even in stock format! It's so easy to sling around corners and steer on the throttle... it's essentially a budget Boxster, but on a quarter of the budget (initial outlay and insurance!!)... just keep it on stock wheel and tyre sized and it's so much fun - anybody who put it on wider tyres and 17" wheels is completely missing the point.

[@chrisr6038]

Cost: I was being quoted £1200 a year to insure a Boxster and my 2007 MR2 (last of the facelift Mk3's to be registered) was £12k, more like £15k for a 987.2... I picked my MR2 up for effectively £4000 (after I'd added 4 new Yoko AD08R's)...

[@GTContent]

+Chris Ralphs #TRUTH

[@GTContent]

+Chris Ralphs Nice

[@dougdavidson3260]

This car is hardly as good as a Boxster. Especially a Boxster S which you can buy pretty well right now. The Boxster has likely bottomed out on value as it won't drop any further. The MR2 will keep dropping.

[@dumpsterstu4474]

I love how this car handles I want one. I'd even keep it stock too so I could get good milage out of it. Million mile MR-S

[@justinread5609]

Mr2 spyder suspension is done by lotus and kills the mx5. How do I know this my boss was senior management at Toyota for over 30 years

[@jimmytran5328]

Is the MR-S clutch pedal suppose to be “soft” compared to the STI? I have an 07 STI and just got an MR-S and pressing down on the clutch it feels very light, however I don’t have any grinds, no problems changing gears.

[@nbgphysiotherapy]

very nice review

[@MrGeno1951]

High standard review- I subscribed. Continue to be fair- but brutal.

[@negativeindustrial]

Good review! One thing I noticed in the beginning of the video, however, you refer to this MRSpyder as the “2nd gen” when, in actuality, it is the 1991-1999 like my MR2 Turbo that is the 2nd gen. The 2000-2007 like the one you reviewed is the 3rd Gen.

[@rss7329]

I have a 2001 and it looks and drives Awsome I love it!!💗💙💝💜

[@crunchtimeasmr67]

Get a a mazda mx5 you'll fall in love.

[@SkyLinMegas]

As an mr-2 Spyder owner .. I can tell you the reason it failed was marketing . The Miata has similar specs .. I do believe the interior had something to do with it as well . The Miata had the classic Euro layout , why the Spyder was .. well Japanese

[@GTContent]

Skylin Megas Good to know. As a few other commenters have noted below also. I was more focused on the performance side of things.

[@jmelo175]

Nice! I have a 2zz swapped Spyder with a roll bar, 1/4 mile 14.2 @99.1 New England Drag way!

[@GTContent]

J melo Sounds like a fun car You have there.

[@dephataznboi]

Woo! High five fellow 2ZZ owner :D

[@mista2621]

Built a N/A Aw11 pulling those numbers 15 years ago, Very quick car that embarrassed a lot of expensive cars and V8s .

[@Nahhmah]

How much did it cost you to do the swap?

[@Portmacquarieonlinemarketing]

As you say, the car wasn't designed for racing, the name is a bit of a giveaway, 'Runabout'. The car also wasn't designed to "out-Miata the Miata", it was a continution of a series that goes back to the 80s. The designer of the Spyder has said that his inspiration for the car was the Formula 2 racing cars, and that was obvious in the first model in 2001, the different sized wheels, lighter weight, electronic clutch and flappy paddles, etc. But he wanted to build a cheap to build, cheap to run, FUN CAR TO DRIVE. The main reason the car failed here in Australia was the weak Aussie dollar against the strong Yen and the fact that it then qualified as a 'luxury' car and attracted even more tax, which made it unaffordable new.

[@GTContent]

+PortMacOnline Good to know from your experience.

[@Portmacquarieonlinemarketing]

AS you may have guessed, I am a 2001 MR2 Spyder owner and fanboy! :-)

[@GTContent]

PortMacOnline 😁

[@rstrajt9220]

I've had so many offers to buy mine I've lost count. But nothing ever breaks, so I'm keeping it.

[@zahemi914]

I bought mine 2nd hand; yr 2000, the previous owner had converted it from SMT to 5speed manual.(ZZW30/1ZZ) is it possible to swap again with Celica 2ZZ. Or is it adequate enough if just for fun crusing

[@samorywilson3140]

I hope in the future Toyota bring back the MR2

[@raulins100]

samory wilson as an SUV crossover

[@samorywilson3140]

oh my god I hope not

[@shira_yone]

samory wilson maybe with pop-up headlights? ...........One can only dream........

[@pgtmr2713]

It will only end up being a tall Yaris or prius with too few cylinders, too few horses, and more ground clearance than a Jeep. Some people need firing at Toyota, the EPA, Safety Nazis, and lawyers first. Just make it fun and come with a waiver, Dodge can do it. My proof it would suck, the new Supra, no mtx or Toyota engine.

[@thedrizzle1978]

I'd like for Toyota to leave the MR2 in the past, as I fear what they'd produce now would only disappoint.

[@xTeaKwonDox]

I think the reason why they didn't want to put 2zz in the mr2 because lotus Elise won't get there sales

[@WolfOverland]

I love and agree with your car views!

[@GTContent]

+FiveCentPerformance Thanks!

[@struis11]

Still have mine and I still love it.

[@frederickontour1478]

I would like to see an interior tour video haha

[@jacquelineperry5873]

I have a 2005 and I love it.

[@Mexxx65]

Finally a Balanced and Decent review of this often misunderstood Toyota!

[@zxzhao5]

You have some recommendation about the power, but did not mention how to improve the suspension and reduce body roll. What is your opinions/suggestions of that?

[@GTContent]

+Zixiao Zhao The suspension is ok stock as you'll only notice it's weakness in competition. But to improve it, I'd suggest the below. To improve handling: Coilovers/Better spring and shock combination. Lighter wheels and stickier tires. To improve torsional rigidity: Larger front and rear anti-roll bar. To increase stiffness: Roll bar/rollcage, strut tower bracing

[@maybelive765]

Because of how light it is, I wanna try seeing if I could mod the DDR miami body kit on it... An tuned MRS with a beastly 2GR could make a great supercar... We'll have to see

[@randomtoyotadude8952]

I agree, would be cool to hear your opinion on mk5 supra.. hehe

[@erwinio007]

Wanted to point out that This is a 3rd gen, not 2nd (though you corrected it towards the end of the video). Can't forget the legendary aw11! In my opinion, I think the 3rd gen failed simply because the Miata was just absolutely stellar in it's class. The rollover bar doesn't seem necessary as the mr2 was targeted to be a fun street/daily car. The owner can always add their own cage if they really wanted to track it. Definitely agree with your 2zz comment though heheh. Dope video man :)

[@xiaomei3298]

Actually the mr2s is way batter car then a mx5. Theres a special way to drive the mr2 hard... i owned every mr2 there is and to me is one of the best cheap sports car ever... YES, the mrs suspension needs improvements big time and also need wider tires. But other than that is a very very good car..

[@alansmilealot]

Isn't the Miata suspension architecture way better and then the aftermarket support is bigger. There are potentially many more engine options possible in the Miata easier.

[@crunchtimeasmr67]

Totally disagree. The mx5 is better in every aspect.

[@crunchtimeasmr67]

@@alansmilealot yes miata is all round way better. Its not even an argument.

[@alansmilealot]

@@crunchtimeasmr67 also the miata online community is way bigger, there are ones per city, miata.net, miataturbo and so on. mr2 community is dying

[@crunchtimeasmr67]

@@alansmilealot very true, there is a huge miata/mx5 community

[@tonyfreegard2232]

Thanks for your review, and I cannot but agree with your appraisal. However, as a 60+ years cautious driver a little less than 140 horses under my right foot, that is enough for me in this little GoKart with doors and fenders. The rarity value coupled to Toyota reliability makes this fun little convertible an alternative to the ubiquitous MX5 (which is a great car). Big downer, no luggage space, only room for a toothbrush and a change of underwear.

[@GTContent]

+Tony Freegard Nice to hear your perspective.

[@peterherridge8097]

Tony, the 1zz is a little torquier than the 2zz at low-mid rpm. Surely better to have that on a road car.. 2zz's need to be thrashed to benefit from the extra power, so wether it's better or not depends upon driving style I guess.. In the UK not many roads with the space to open up to ridiculously high 6-8k rpm power band..

[@Clamp581]

I think the roll bar is a good point but the Miata’s of the same year didnt have roll bars either, the only Japanese roadster to have one at that time was the s2000

[@kevinparker461]

I know in the UK there are a few 1MZFE conversions & even a few 2GR FE's, now that is interesting!

[@TougeTime]

What brand corner.balance is that?

[@lgz2006]

I actually got thoughts on your third reason of why it failed. The MRS Spyder uses MacPherson struts at each corner is more on _save space_ . If I have a MRS Spyder, I'll do the 2zz swap. It's my only and favourite option/choice to modify my MRS Spyder.

[@kidistight]

Some nice audio with the top down, I was expecting it to sound horrible.

[@exutiku]

Oddly enough, the engine and exhaust noise is better with the top up.

[@bigprowes]

could not agree more with you...any advice on mods for suspension ??

[@YashaTheFox]

Hey, can you do a full history on the Celica. Buy far my favorite jdm sports car of all time that is so underrated and forgotten. I have a 2010 scion xB as a daily driver but i bought a 94' Celica GT to have fun in.

[@GTContent]

+Inuyashaallmighty The Celica is in my backlog. I'll eventually get there.

[@Rampage00769]

Garrett Turboed and loving it!

[@titanfilmworks4101]

"This is where the fun starts" Proceeds to create the most anti climatic experience. Ever.

[@rowboyto156]

I wonder if you could swap the suspension for a double wishbone

[@zahemi914]

Does celica run faster than MR2 despite running on the same 1.6cc?

[@smallnuts2]

im 5'4 I had a 2001 and I hated getting in and out of it but was fun to drive.

[@trizguru7916]

It definitely needed more power. I did the 2zz swap + had it stroked to 2.0liters.

[@GTContent]

+Angel Serrano Nice!

[@pedrinelastronauta]

Had my 2001 (black/tan top ) since 2002 with an initial 12k miles.. now 85k miles (garaged 6-9 mos a year up until 2018.. drive as a dsily mainly due to how fuel fficient it is.. biggest draw back is during rain, i keep it under 60 mph and maintain distance and complete and total awareness..

[@wandering_moto]

Would’ve loved to throw a 2GR V6 in mine if I still had it. All the power in the world couldn’t make me comfortably fit in it, though.

[@therealslimshady4555]

Iv a MINT 2002 mk3 with a hardtop 30k miles will full Toyota service history from new. She may be old but she's gold 👌

[@retrodog63]

Good video but left out a few key points. The MR2 Spyder had more driver room than the Miata. I'm 6' tall and had a 99 Miata. Every dimension was about 1/2" too short. I drove it for two years and finally had to give up because of back problems I was developing from the tight area. I've driven a few of the Spyders and they were very comfortable, in comparison. Handling on both was great, but the MIata had the traditional look, access, and better storage. The general public doesn't appreciate a mid-engine car design.

[@Deanyfromtheburgh]

Judging by the front fog lights and facelift rear lights and sidescoops along with the seats,I'd say this was a 6 speed not 5. Also these cars DO have independent suspension at all four corners.

[@maginext]

The hydralic SMT trans is known to quit. I own one. ZZ1 engine life is 125,000 miles from what Ive read. Although it has its ploblems it is enherntly even more rare becuase of care required. This car with its Mcphearson suspension can be tuned to be a Touge winning when going against tuned S2000s, Civics, BMWs, GTRs, Supras

[@GTRWendy]

Are you doing the evan paul rally this year? Was the event worth it?

[@GTContent]

+GTR Wendy Not this year. I had a great experience at the meet last year though. You get a good sense of camaraderie with other GTR owners and also a chance to see some pretty nice modified ones.

[@GTRWendy]

GT Content I was thinking about checking it out this year. It's only about 80mins drive from me. Thanks for your insight!

[@ThomasCorfield]

Not a single "um" or "er" in your unscripted narration. Beautifully done.

[@GTContent]

+Thomas Corfield Thanks!

[@auomwehttam]

Hey bro are you hmong? looks like you're in the central valley

[@brianjoyce9040]

The car is fine for what it is. Reasonable accurate review sir. Thx

[@anthonyhodgson2934]

I have always thought those were sweet little cars. A couple grand in mods and it will be a fun great car. Great video keep making great content!

[@GTContent]

Anthony Hodgson Thanks!

[@Cardmonger]

I’m curious if there is a way to install the double wish bone suspension 🤔🤔

[@GTContent]

Edgar Anything can be done with enough money. Not worth the effort or expense.

[@andrasjuhasz7011]

This is an old video i know, but here are my (long) thoughts on it anyways. Concerning your #1 point on drawbacks: First of all Mcphereson struts are independent too, not just double wishbones and multilink. On the front its a traditional A arm + strut tuned quite well from factory, nothing wrong with it, porsche used mcphereson struts in the front for a long time and other high performance cars still ise it as well. On the rear there was no space for a double wishbone due to the transversal engine layout so its 3 links + a strut(a multilink has at least 4 links or more so thats why its called only a mcphereson). The geometry on the rear is actually pretty good thanks to the long rods. The reason mcpheresons have a bad reputation is because they are often used in fwd cars, where you have to make space for both the driveshafts and steering. This results in bad geometry with short control arms and sometimes different left and right side geometry. I'm not saying a double wishbone wouldn't be better but the suspension isn't as much of a handicap as you make it out to be. Only problem with the suspension is that from factory the spyder's rear sway bars and springs are a bit too soft which makes the car less snappy but it holds it back somewhat. On #2 you are 100% right #3: mx-5s have no rollover bars either(there is a factory option but its only for looks, it doesnt do anything) but they are still tracked. Nothing stops you from welding one into the spyder either. I think the reason you dont see them on track is 1: they are rare so even if an owner takes it to the track only a handful of people see it. 2: Weaker aftermarket support. If you dont have a wide selection of racing parts its going to be harder to build it for track. In slalom(or autocross in murica) they are very competitive, they outturn cars they souldn't be able to(like and S2K). About Toyota reliability: the 1zz was meant for a corolla where you drive it below 3000 rpm most of the time so in the spyder, where people rev the shit out of it, it isn't that reliable. The steering column - steering rack connection can also get a bit loose through the years but apart from these it's indeed Toyota reliability.

[@AguilarTangFamily]

Thx!!

[@thetreverpitts]

u should get a 2zz motor with 180 hp

[@hk20000]

You can also swap the engine for a 2GR Camry / RAV4 one for that 270+HP oomph.

[@GTContent]

Pat Woo Good to know

[@ImJustMe555]

This was going to be my response too. Glad to know that others know about the Toyota 2GR-FE's potential. Many MR2's make 300 whp with basic boltons and a tune.

[@onetotalk]

It gets better. DDPR in Sealy, TX has swapped in a built 2GR + dual stage turbo and achieved 600+ HP in this car.

[@pec1739]

Spirit MRS still clock one of the fastest section time in Gunsai touge in japan alongside Js' racing S2000 and FEED RX7 FD

[@LexGear]

I've had three of these cars. I love em.

[@exutiku]

On this point we are in total agreement lol

[@coraline7866]

I want one of these, with a few huge modifications.

[@GTContent]

Cool. Keep me updated.

[@ClearWater7.62]

Does the owner still have the car? I want to buy

[@yeongvinsheng7639]

The Mrs improves its handling at the cost of power. Also it's rare to see one in games too

[@quanrawls3939]

How much would you pay for the car in good shape

[@riseandgrind3931]

I would like to know what else I could do other than the 2zz and super charge intake

[@GTContent]

As far as engine swap options, I've mentioned them in the video. You can also swap in Honda 4-cylinders and engines from the Camry.

[@hamsterbrigade]

Plan to be competitive? install 2zzge + 6 speed transmission with LSD; competition achieved, Toyota reliability still retained. Glad you were aware of this option. Well rounded video.

[@multitrackdriftu]

A few things worth pointing out: - My guess as to why Toyota did not include a roll over bar is due to the car's very low center of gravity. On a track, it would be very difficult to roll this car. - You should have mentioned that the car has provisions for aftermarket chassis bracing built in to the frame. Just adding the front, rear and mid braces changes the car a lot. - The decision to go with MacPherson struts was most likely due to the increase in cabin space over double wishbone, which would have made it smaller like a Miata. Otherwise, good video. I own a 2ZZ MR-S myself and with a long list of suspension mods it can hold its own with the best of them. If you go search for Best Motoring videos featuring this car, you'll see that it was a solid performer out of the box and especially modified, it just came out a little too soon for its own good and stubbornly remained a monospec car in the face of evolving competition.

[@GTContent]

I agree with your points. My guess with the no roll over bar is due to weight and costs. I'd assume Toyota is expecting buyers to add them in if needed, hence you're mentioning of provisions for it (I'd agree it would stiffen the car up nicely). I'm not sure if any tracks would allow an MR2 Spyder on since it doesn't have a rollover bar standard because that would be a liability issue if something happened. Let me know if you were able to without one. Yes, McPherson is simpler, cheaper$ and easier to package compared to independent/double wishbone which allow more leg space, but wouldn't be inferior but only at the highest level of competition. (I'd think the MR2's weight and engine layout plays a nice role in how the car's able to function well without being independent. Sounds like a very nice car you have there. Not doubting the MR2's performance as it has a lot of potential.

[@MrPro10]

Surely the windscreen acts as a rollover? I can't believe they would have been allowed to sell the car without strenghening the screen so that it could support the weight?

[@exutiku]

@@MrPro10 It does, doing your best not to roll a soft topped car is your best bet tho lol

[@metallicsilver]

Toyota has made some serious blunders since they discontinued the Supra. They sold their souls in favour of market share. Now all they have are bland mass market cars.

[@GTContent]

+Jeremiah P #TRUTH

[@twrcrew8852]

@Thomas Headley sports cars allow engineers to push boundaries and exercise their mechanical understanding. without sports cars in your company, your product becomes weak on frail hollow bones. You NEED to be able to implement a higher understanding of performance to have a superior pedestrian product.

[@twrcrew8852]

​@Thomas Headley Sounds like GM philosophy. But you'd still be wrong on the technological front. You might not keep up with Motorsport, but car manufacturers are in it full swing. even the ones who you might have never seen a single sports car from in awhile. trickle down technology is heavily used and relied upon to meet ever tightening standards. even more so today than ever in the 90s. lots of A to B cars utilizing underbody aerodynamics, diffusers, lift reduction. decreased frontal area and drag coefficients in our crap mobiles running circles around even decade old purpose built racecars. The body design on some of these pedestrian vehicles - if fitted with the power - would be much more stable well in excess of 200mph than the cars that were meant to do it in the early 90s. regular cars have dual, 4, and 6 piston calipers with ceramic pads as standard. and things keep getting faster and better as the expectations of regulations increase. Yes race/performance stuff. because it is these things in and of it's very essence that sports cars were MADE to be and do; be the BEST at moving through a space in the least amount of time.

[@twrcrew8852]

​@Thomas Headley And before you mention the bean counters, that's even more of a reason the engineers need to come up with mind-bending tech. because half the battle is releasing a new design that surpasses an older product in performance, AND does it cheaper. right now, with small displacement turbo engines (nothing new, japan already figured this out.) you get a give and take of reliability and performance greater per liter than larger engines. but as time goes by they will either get that polished, greatly reduce the cost of vehicles, or supersede ICE entirely as EVs are starting to show.

[@twrcrew8852]

@Thomas Headley ??? are you even listening? you simply can't compare the driving forces of military needs and airplanes to the driving forces behind personal vehicle development, the entire structure as high and far as the arms race down to the commercial marketing is entirely different. SUVs and sub compacts are BOTH using more and more technology taken and developed in and originally FOR racing. I'll say it again, racing - in it's essence - is a pursuit of creating the best transport and all that it implies with battling physics on earth. this DIRECTLY gets looked towards for everyday car development. Cars need to be LIGHTER, they need to be SAFER, they need to get better MPG while being more POWERFUL. Materials like aluminium, carbon fiber, shit even the monococue design itself! All solutions found in RACING because they already did what needed to be done. Obviously they aren't putting high compression 2 liter 1000hp 4 bangers into cars, but thats not looking at the whole picture. With that said, the cheaper the car, the less they care to implement, but the wider the production, the more common knowledge gets implemented from the get go in cheaper vehicles. in case you haven't realized, Motorsport is more than just formula one and endurance racing. Everything you see from low profile tires with reduced sidewall flex and less rotational resistance to under body channels used in your so-thought "non-race tech using" SUVs and magnetic ride stability. Off road vehicles use technology trickled down from manufacturers R&D in - where??? - their off road RACING development teams where they compete. If you're stuck thinking of a Ford f150 and why it doesn't seem to fit what i'm saying, a car like that did it's own research with the sheer history laid out over 70 years. but dig deeper and you'll still find modern tech - again, developed and sought via racing - forever being implemented. Extreme mechanical demand reveals mechanical limits. They develop this so you can sit there and not think about it while you mosey around at 65mph safely for years on end in all conditions better and better. The cars they currently make from India and maybe even lower "they dgaf" models like the 10,000 dollar mitsubishi mirage being sold are the exception. NOT the norm. and the survivability of said cars in a crash/let alone their ability/inability to avoid one will speak this in volumes.