1989 Toyota MR2 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

I've had 7 MR2s ranging from a '93 Yellow Turbo to my current 1989 NA White MR2. I found that although the 2nd generation MR2s were a bit more roomy inside and slightly quicker with the NA engine, the steering was a bit over- boosted and had less seat of the pants feel than the non- power steering 1st generation. I love the look over the hood of my '89 (like the NSX I owned), the minimalist approach to the interior, comfortable seats, and headroom with the pop- up top. The T-Top set up costs some headroom. And here's the real kicker. I recently sold my 2005 Lotus Elise because it was just too tough to get in and out of, used premium gas, and I always worried about having it breakdown. My '89 MR2 is mechanically rock solid, feels almost as tight on the road as the Lotus with less jarring on rough roads, similar gas mileage but with regular gas, and very similar handling capabilities for a 21 year old car. I'm now doing some minor restoration on my MR2. OK, not the fastest car out there, but lots of fun for what it is. I tried a few MIatas, but liked the MR2 better. The exclusivity of the 1986-1989 model adds to the pleasure of ownership and it still looks great compared to most other pocket-size sports cars today.Oct 06, 2010

I just love this car's acceleration, with the supercharger car pushes 0-60 six point five seconds, Stock condition. Now i'm puttin' in brand new exhaust and modifying the supercharger. 2 racing seats and tanaka 4" belts going in :) I bought this car last winter it had been imported from japan last autumn the mileage is only 90 000 kilomiters and overall condition is very good. I just love driving this car, pushing it on curvy roads and tacling corners in high speeds, it's the best thing i knowl outside bedroom. Car is also very nice from inside it has quite large audio system to compare it's size. Oct 30, 2009

A fast fun and honest car. Driving it just puts a smile on my face. Cheap to run and considering it is 18years old, very reliable. The luggage space is reasonable (more than people expect). There are no modern driving aids (traction control, ABS etc) so it is you and the car which means you must concentrate a little more than when driving modern cars but the rewards are huge.Aug 08, 2008

This was my first MR2 not to be confused with my current MK1.5. This one had the standard 4AGE powerplant with a 5spd C series transmission. I drove this car for 6 months before I tore it down to build up my MK1.5. In its stock form the AW11 MR2 is the most bang for your buck when it comes to used performance cars. One of these can be had for under $1000 and the performance rivals that of even the newest sports cars under $35k. Apr 30, 2008

Perfect. Precisely the right amount of power and performance for road use. The supercharger transformed the MR2 from a nippy car into a quick one. 0-60 in the low 5s, a sensible level of grip, aftermarket alloys transformed the handling into just a bit oversteery. This is rapid enough to be thrilling without hitting silly speeds. And a car of this configuration allows you to reach its limits safely on the roads. Excellent car.Jan 12, 2008

Great cars with an awesome kick when you keep the rpms into the power band. Slam the car into a corner under power and you are doing MR2ing at its best. Learn to drive the car in an open area or you will bend it for sure. If you aren't used to it, the car can snap spin on you especially if it is an '85 with both sway bars. I have owned an '86,'87, and now an '89. If I could find someone in western NC who knew how to really build a great motor it would be tremendous. Would love to convert it to a Silver Top. Wish someone made a street legal header.Sep 29, 2007

I have owned my 1989 Toyota MR2 since it was brand new. It has ran like a little top from day one. I still LOVE it! No problems with the exception of the paint job. I have had such good luck with it, that despite the $2,000 - $2,875 supposed value of it in today's market, I'm getting ready to get a new $1,000 paint job and $300 worth of new stylish rims. Why not? She's been good to me, why shouldn't I be good to her? Right?Dec 31, 2006