Toyota Mr2 Turbo: Regular Car Reviews

Just a warning, the language used in the video may be considered NSFW.

That being said, the video illustrates everything I love about the Toyota Mr2 and exactly why I have owned two second-generation models. I haven’t had the chance to own the turbo, but I did appreciate the 300 less pounds of curb weight in the naturally aspirated model.

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I see the turbo model as more of a grand tourer of sorts.

Now, the 1991 model isn’t the one to get. Any model of the year 1993 or later is definitely worth it. The ’91 model had a much more sensitive response to oversteer. The 14″ wheels were definitely too small. The ride height was just a bit too high. All of the adjustments were made with the ’93 and later models, whether it was turbo or naturally aspirated. There were thicker roll bars, lowered springs from the factory, larger 15″ wheels, and larger brakes. These revisions made for a slightly more forgiving chassis, but still offered every bit of responsiveness and sensitivity that all sports cars should have.

The look of the car is absolutely timeless. This vehicle gives the driver a specific challenge when driving normal roads in various conditions. Porsche drivers use different techniques to get around quickly with their 911’s. A similar, deft touch is required to get the same out of a second generation Mr2, whether it has 130 horsepower (California emissions legal) or the full 200 horsepower with the turbo.

The photo is a 1993 model that I owned for roughly three years. I put 45,000 miles on it. While it looks clean in the photo, it had three previous owners and over 167,000 miles on the odometer. It did have a record of previous maintenance that went back three years, but despite the mileage and the age, it was the most reliable car I have ever had. It never gave me trouble, and although I own a Subaru Legacy Turbo, I still want an SW20 or SW21 as a second car.

I love the car that much.

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