1987 Toyota MR2 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
What owners say
"Owners of the 1987 Toyota MR2 generally love its unique design, fun handling, and fuel efficiency. Many appreciate the car’s lightweight and sporty feel, calling it a joy to drive, especially in corners. However, some drivers mentioned issues with power in various conditions, particularly in wet weather, and noted the challenges of maintaining parts for an older model. Overall, the MR2 is seen as a great driver's car with a mix of performance and practicality."
The Mk. 1 Toyota MR2 is among Toyota's greatest successes from the 80's. Inspired by the Fiat X1-9, Toyota crafted what is nearly the perfect small sports car: and excellent mix of handling and comfort; of fuel efficiency and fun. The first point about the MR2 is its weight. Being a two-seater, and also a very small car, it's very light. This is good, because the U.S. Spec 4AGE is not exactly a powerful engine. On a good day, it'll do 112HP. Again, though, because of the weight, the MR2 is still quick and zippy. However, the 4AGE is quite possibly the best engine Toyota has made. It's virtually bullet-proof. These engines have been known to run for over 300,000 miles. Also, you can open the taps now and then, and still average around 30 MPG, and even higher with an automatic transmission. Response is great and you never get tired of the sound. Listening to this engine rev to the 7500RPM redline is simply fantastic. The handling is one of the best points of the car. Its mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout keeps the center of gravity low and centered, and the power going to the right place. Push it too hard in a corner though, and you may get a little power-oversteer. Also, between a good sized trunk in the back and a small amount of space by the spare tire up front, there's plenty of cargo space. The interior as well is much roomier than you would expect, with better legroom than many minivans. To sum up, the 1984-1989 model MR2 is truly a triumph of Japanese innovations on European concepts. It is a poised, balanced, fast, and comfortable car that is great for a track car or a daily driver. And for those who feel the need for a bit more power, a supercharged version is also available. The Toyota MR2 is one of the greatest cars I've driven yet, and I think, will always be a favorite of mine.
January 9, 2008This is a go kart with a license plate. Good acceleration for motor size. Only problem (as with other japanese cars of this era) is the rust. Extremely fun to drive. Only had to replace clutch at 188,581 miles, which is amazing for a factory clutch to last that long.
November 19, 2009The car was great in the curves provided the driver knew what he/she was doing. I actually outran a fourth generation Camaro Z28 and a 2004 Mustang with my MR2. Not many 4 cylinder cars can do that. It will do every bit of the 150 mph proclaimed on the spedometer and then some. To top of the exceptional performance, the car gets great fuel mileage.
April 28, 2009What owners say
The Mk. 1 Toyota MR2 is among Toyota's greatest successes from the 80's. Inspired by the Fiat X1-9, Toyota crafted what is nearly the perfect small sports car: and excellent mix of handling and comfort; of fuel efficiency and fun. The first point about the MR2 is its weight. Being a two-seater, and also a very small car, it's very light. This is good, because the U.S. Spec 4AGE is not exactly a powerful engine. On a good day, it'll do 112HP. Again, though, because of the weight, the MR2 is still quick and zippy. However, the 4AGE is quite possibly the best engine Toyota has made. It's virtually bullet-proof. These engines have been known to run for over 300,000 miles. Also, you can open the taps now and then, and still average around 30 MPG, and even higher with an automatic transmission. Response is great and you never get tired of the sound. Listening to this engine rev to the 7500RPM redline is simply fantastic. The handling is one of the best points of the car. Its mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout keeps the center of gravity low and centered, and the power going to the right place. Push it too hard in a corner though, and you may get a little power-oversteer. Also, between a good sized trunk in the back and a small amount of space by the spare tire up front, there's plenty of cargo space. The interior as well is much roomier than you would expect, with better legroom than many minivans. To sum up, the 1984-1989 model MR2 is truly a triumph of Japanese innovations on European concepts. It is a poised, balanced, fast, and comfortable car that is great for a track car or a daily driver. And for those who feel the need for a bit more power, a supercharged version is also available. The Toyota MR2 is one of the greatest cars I've driven yet, and I think, will always be a favorite of mine.
January 9, 2008This is a go kart with a license plate. Good acceleration for motor size. Only problem (as with other japanese cars of this era) is the rust. Extremely fun to drive. Only had to replace clutch at 188,581 miles, which is amazing for a factory clutch to last that long.
November 19, 2009The car was great in the curves provided the driver knew what he/she was doing. I actually outran a fourth generation Camaro Z28 and a 2004 Mustang with my MR2. Not many 4 cylinder cars can do that. It will do every bit of the 150 mph proclaimed on the spedometer and then some. To top of the exceptional performance, the car gets great fuel mileage.
April 28, 2009the amazing original toyota midship! the quality of this car is good, everything on it is really solid and nothing has broken yet. It's crazy fun to drive, the mid engine design makes it handle really well, and gives you a ton of grip. Launches hard, and goes around corners like their straightaways.
October 13, 2008Fun little car with great performance, plenty of poke. Handling reasonably good but twitchy on the road. T tops are a bugger for leaking, bodywork very tired now, spent a lot on welding for MOT last year. Fantastic retro blue velour interior. Comfortable seats. With sensible driving this car will return 36-38 mpg!
October 18, 2009First car I ever truly owned. It has a jap import Supercharged engine and it is a little screamer. Very unassuming and will tear larger capacity cars to shreds. Just don't push it in the wet. With the extra power it can light up the rears without much effort. But it is also lightning fast off the line if you can get it right. Most fun in the twisties.
April 8, 2008Best two seater sports car I've ever driven! Mine had the wheels off a 2001 Spyder, fantastic handling, great mileage and responsive engine! With two "trunks" and lots of cubbyholes if you are creative could haul a lot! Better than Miata and del Sol!
July 12, 2010I coveted this car ever since they first appeared. I eventually had the opportunity to own one. Despite some issues, I will never regret it! Best looking/best handling car I've ever owned.
February 5, 2008Great car, looks fantastic, awesome gas mileage. VERY DEPENDABLE!
January 3, 2008Tenacious roadholding - until it lost its grip! Great drive, great fun car.
April 3, 2008
