2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder Reviews, Pricing & Specs
What owners say
"Overall, enthusiasts really enjoy driving the 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder, praising its fun, nimble handling, and excellent performance on the road. Many owners appreciate its lightweight design that contributes to quick acceleration and sharp braking. However, a common concern is the lack of storage space, and some drivers have noted issues with the automatic transmission, recommending that potential buyers opt for the 5-speed manual instead. Maintenance costs can also add up, but many find that the thrill of driving this car outweighs those cons."
This Toyota MR 2 Spyder is fun to drive, its nimble, tight. Nice little roadster. Value is in the eyes of the beholder. Prices are pretty salty on most that are available. The only thing missing is storage space. Small storage space behind seats, but a luggage rack on back could help that. Compatible models might be the Nissan Miate or the Honda S2000 which is even more expensive.
April 13, 2022We use this car for Autocrossing and has been enhanced accordingly. Stiffer sway bar, Koni shocks, and muffler has been replaced with a supertrap. It used to be nationally competitive. We really haven't needed to spend any money on repairs above general maintenance and lots of tires due to autocrossing. Bad thing. Can't put baby car seats in and there is practically no storage.
August 10, 2008I've owned this car for almost a year now. The problems have been seldom, and those that have happened are acceptable for a 75k+ miles car. It won't press you into the seat coming off the line, but it'll have your passengers reaching for the "OH SH*T" handle the second you take it arond a corner. As it's a Toyota, aftermarket parts are cheap and plentiful. Extra "oomph" doesn't come terribly cheap, though...all the parts (including those to safeguard your engine and chassis from destruction) will run $4,000-6,000 whether you want to do the 2ZZ swap (the 180 BHP Celica GTS motor) or forced induction (turbo/supercharger)...but with either route, you'll have a permanent smile on your face. Cargo space is almost nilll, so unless you're going to the beach for 2 days, plan on getting a removable trunk luggage holder. This car will get looks and questions of "What is that?" "Is that a Porsche?" where ever you go, since it is fairly rare.
May 2, 2008What owners say
This Toyota MR 2 Spyder is fun to drive, its nimble, tight. Nice little roadster. Value is in the eyes of the beholder. Prices are pretty salty on most that are available. The only thing missing is storage space. Small storage space behind seats, but a luggage rack on back could help that. Compatible models might be the Nissan Miate or the Honda S2000 which is even more expensive.
April 13, 2022We use this car for Autocrossing and has been enhanced accordingly. Stiffer sway bar, Koni shocks, and muffler has been replaced with a supertrap. It used to be nationally competitive. We really haven't needed to spend any money on repairs above general maintenance and lots of tires due to autocrossing. Bad thing. Can't put baby car seats in and there is practically no storage.
August 10, 2008I've owned this car for almost a year now. The problems have been seldom, and those that have happened are acceptable for a 75k+ miles car. It won't press you into the seat coming off the line, but it'll have your passengers reaching for the "OH SH*T" handle the second you take it arond a corner. As it's a Toyota, aftermarket parts are cheap and plentiful. Extra "oomph" doesn't come terribly cheap, though...all the parts (including those to safeguard your engine and chassis from destruction) will run $4,000-6,000 whether you want to do the 2ZZ swap (the 180 BHP Celica GTS motor) or forced induction (turbo/supercharger)...but with either route, you'll have a permanent smile on your face. Cargo space is almost nilll, so unless you're going to the beach for 2 days, plan on getting a removable trunk luggage holder. This car will get looks and questions of "What is that?" "Is that a Porsche?" where ever you go, since it is fairly rare.
May 2, 2008This car is everything I was hoping for and more! What a gem this find was. A stock 2001 solar yellow mr2 Spyder with only 23,000 miles! This car is so clean and rides great.
May 30, 2022Performance ~ Noticeably quicker than the Miata, and I can't say I have any complaints Build Quality ~ Have had to replace several parts since purchased, but most is just routine maintenance Appearance ~ The prior owner put a lot of money into this car, and it's great because no one knows what it is! Looks way different than stock Cost of Ownership ~ Averages 33 mpg Fun Factor ~ YES!
September 28, 2010The MR2 Spyder is the third generation of Toyota's MR2 line. The MR2 has always been an example of an inexpensive sports car, in initial price and in maintenance. The MR2 Spyder's main point of performance is its light weight, at a scant 2150lbs, the MR2 Spyder is one of the lightest sports cars you can buy. From that light weight you get quick acceleration from its 1.8l motor, sharp and precise braking, tight and ready suspension, and excellent fuel millage. In short, its hard to have to as much fun with out $20,000 or a helmet and silly leather getup.
October 14, 2008the ZZW30 for me is a labor of love, I have owned two of them, my 2000 was t-boned in may of 2008 leaving most of my modifications and 20k mile drive train perfectly intact. later that year, a 2001 MR2 Spyder showed up on the grid. Missouri salvage title because it had no working engine and it was painted matte black over the original 1DO silver paint job. the 2001 slowly started to come apart in the shop, after the OE and worn factory components had been removed, I started transplanting the drive train and other components into the new shell. in the summer of 09', I decided to give the 01' its original, factory-intended color, 1DO silver. this cars handling is rivaled only by cars wearing M badges and prancing horses due to its mid-engined layout, fantastic brakes, its un-cannely low curb weight and its direct and precise control inputs.
December 31, 2009Lots of fun to drive, performance can be a bit dull with the 1zz, but with a 2zz swap and exhaust it's perfect. Mine is so far from stock it's not really worth reviewing, but as long as you gut the precats you shouldn't have any issues.
March 10, 2010Mine was remapped and heavily modified, acceleration after remap etc was great, breaking, handling all good, stuck to the floor on corners. Twitchy in rain and snow is scary. Veilside kit fitted perfectly as years went on started to look a bit tatty, due to cracks. Beautiful car Expensive to maintain (had huge wheels on back) Not so bad on petrol though. Very fun to drive.
February 18, 2010Like a go kart. looks good with or without the roof on.
November 14, 2007
