Toyota MR2 History

Sports car · 1985–2005

Sample hero image — replace with real model photography.

History

Introduced for 1985, the MR2 ('Midship Runabout 2-seater') brought an exotic mid-engine layout to an affordable price across three generations.

The angular first-generation AW11 gave way to the curvier, more powerful SW20 (US 1991–1995), then the lightweight ZZW30 MR2 Spyder roadster (2000–2005) closed the line.

Generations

First generation · AW11 (1985–1989)

The angular original; a light, mid-engine, four-cylinder sports car.
Second generation · SW20 (1991–1995)

Photo: “1993 USDM Rev 2” by 4AGZE / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Larger, more powerful, available turbocharged; US sales ended after 1995.
- 1991
  Photo: “1991 Toyota MR2 (8196426303)” by Spanish Coches / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY 2.0
- 1992
  Photo: “1992 Toyota MR2 in Super White, front left1” by Mr.choppers / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
- 1993
  Photo: “1993 USDM Rev 2” by 4AGZE / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Third generation · ZZW30 (MR2 Spyder) (2000–2005)

A lightweight mid-engine roadster, sold in the US as the MR2 Spyder.