Story by David S. Wallens • Photography as Credited
Ferrari looks, top-shelf performance, Toyota reliability: Yep, we’re talking about the second-generation MR2.
Like the original MR2, the follow-up, released for the 1991 model year, pulled from a similar formula: midship-mounted engine, minimal bulk, and room for just two. The fact that Toyota even made a second-generation MR2, though, should be commended. …
Yeah love me some 94-95 MR2. Had a 93 as well, but sold it for my 95.
My favorite drives have been through Vermont and Redwood Forest in N. Ca, watching the rain pitter patter on the glass above my head. Such serenity. Quality is top notch.
My preference is for ABS and the electro-hydraulic power steering. Without the ABS, the front right tire will always lock up first, yielding a flat spot or leaving traction on the table. The power steering was variable-assist and supplemented a much quicker rack (especially useful for counter-steering inputs.)
So I prefer it for the opposite reason from David Hawkins-- it makes the car feel a lot more modern and tossable, at the expense of being a little less analog.
I wish I had kept one of the many SW20 cars that I owned, especially the 95 Turbo. The fastest was the 91NA with a Gen3 Turbo swap, and the best all-arounder was a 91T that was V6 swapped.
These are great cars and I'd recommend grabbing one now if you're interested.
Tyler H said:My preference is for ABS and the electro-hydraulic power steering.
Yes, both mine have it. Electro Hydraulic is a $690 option (Just looked at my original sticker). I also prefer with them with leather. My 93T that I traded for my 95T, had cloth. ONly thing I miss about my 93T, was the Turquoise Pearl color. Aside from the color, I love both my 94 and 95T a lot
I like Toyota's a lot. But I'm curious as to how these are to work on with the mid engine. I've only looked at mid engined cars never have wrenched on one. It looks potentially awkward.
L5wolvesf said:I like Toyota's a lot. But I'm curious as to how these are to work on with the mid engine. I've only looked at mid engined cars never have wrenched on one. It looks potentially awkward.
4 mid engine cars in my stable. The Mr2 is the easiest of them to work on. Only issue is I need a step ladder to do things from the top of its further back. Otherwise from the bottom very easy.
What has happened on this site? It seems lately that every other thread is about MR2’s!
In reply to SVreX :
Maybe they're doing some sort of foreshadowing.
I forsee an MR2 build for 2020.
In reply to FuzzWuzzy :
I foresee at least 3. I’m aware of 4 under construction, with 2 more maybes.
L5wolvesf said:I like Toyota's a lot. But I'm curious as to how these are to work on with the mid engine. I've only looked at mid engined cars never have wrenched on one. It looks potentially awkward.
With the 3rd gen, it is awkward. But it's not horrible, and access from underneath is pretty good. You don't need a stepladder like the 2nd gen but anything on the top front of the engine is a pain to get to. Filling the oil is a pain as the oil fill is under the cross-bracing on the car.
Wohoo! Mr2 content! Keep it coming!
"Just about all of the mechanical parts are still available..."
If anyone can tell me where to find a new right rear caliper for a 93, I'd sure appreciate it. Not available through Advance, O Reilly's, Autozone or Rock Auto. The websites of the first three will act as if they have it, then tell you it's not available.
In reply to Will :
For my 93T, that had frozen right rear caliper I got it from Oregon Toyota dealer - Kendall
dculberson said:With the 3rd gen, it is awkward. But it's not horrible, and access from underneath is pretty good. You don't need a stepladder like the 2nd gen but anything on the top front of the engine is a pain to get to. Filling the oil is a pain as the oil fill is under the cross-bracing on the car.
It seems like the 3rd gen NA lost a chunk of horsepower vs 2nd gen. Yes?
L5wolvesf said:dculberson said:With the 3rd gen, it is awkward. But it's not horrible, and access from underneath is pretty good. You don't need a stepladder like the 2nd gen but anything on the top front of the engine is a pain to get to. Filling the oil is a pain as the oil fill is under the cross-bracing on the car.
It seems like the 3rd gen NA lost a chunk of horsepower vs 2nd gen. Yes?
Lost horsepower versus the turbo but also a ton of weight. A stock 3rd gen will run circles around a stock n/a 2nd gen and isn't that much slower than a stock turbo 2nd gen. Quarter mile times for a 3rd gen are in the low 15s, 2nd gen turbo in the high 14s. 2nd gen n/a does a low-16 second 1/4 mile. Curb weight for the 3rd gen is around 2200 lbs, 2nd gen is around 2600lbs for the n/a and 2800-2900 for the turbo depending on options. I think they're made of depleted uranium or something.
I've raced a 2nd gen on track and it was great but I daily drive a 3rd gen and really love it. Neither one is a bad choice. I just prefer the super light feel of the 3rd gen.
I loved both my MK1 MR2's (the SC was definitely fun), and would take another. Part of me thinks I should own an MK2 before I die.
Will said:"Just about all of the mechanical parts are still available..."
If anyone can tell me where to find a new right rear caliper for a 93, I'd sure appreciate it. Not available through Advance, O Reilly's, Autozone or Rock Auto. The websites of the first three will act as if they have it, then tell you it's not available.
Do you have the old one? A rebuild kit is less than $10.
Jerry said:Part of me thinks I should own an MK2 before I die.
absolutely!!!
Le sigh. I sold mine i August.
It suffered from, I just have too many hours in this, problems. Time for something new. I miss how unique and different it was. I've had 3 2nd gens.
In reply to Nofive_0 :
That gray looks fantastic on it!
Sigh.....My 2G looked exactly like the one pictured. 91T converted to 94 spec w/o PS or ABS. Hated the t-tops but loved the car. So tempted to get a JDM one since almost all of the US ones have T-Tops. One of the few cars I miss.
Love my SW
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