Toyota MR2 History
Toyota's affordable mid-engine sports car, across three distinct generations (1985–2007 globally).
Photo: “1993 USDM Rev 2” by 4AGZE / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
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
The angular original; a light, mid-engine, four-cylinder sports car.
Second generation · SW20
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)
A lightweight mid-engine roadster, sold in the US as the MR2 Spyder.
Body styles
- Coupe
- Targa
- Convertible
Related models
Collect the nameplate
Find a scale model of the Toyota MR2
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