Growing up surrounded by the rumble of domestic cars, the occasional glimpse of a foreign sports car was a rare treat. For a young enthusiast in a factory town dominated by North American automobiles, seeing a sleek European or Japanese sports car felt like a special occasion. That changed briefly in the late 1980s and early 90s, thanks to a monthly autocross event held in the local mall parking lot. This vibrant gathering, organized by the regional sports car club, became my personal window into a world of exciting automobiles. Every month, the parking lot transformed into a symphony of engine revs and tire squeals as drivers navigated courses marked by bright orange cones. Spectators, participants, and an array of impressive vehicles lined the perimeter, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. My father and I were regulars during those summer months, captivated by the spectacle. We witnessed a diverse range of cars tackling the course, from nimble GTIs and Sciroccos to agile Civics and CRXs, and even powerful Mustangs, Camaros, and Corvettes. Sprinkled in were more exotic machines like the Lotus Super 7 and Fiat X1/9. Amidst this exciting mix, one car consistently stood out for its agility and speed: the first-generation Toyota MR2, a mid-engine marvel that ignited a lifelong passion for me and solidified its place as a true Toyota Sport Car.
The Toyota MR2 burst onto the scene at the 1983 Tokyo Motor Show, initially dubbed the SV-3, and immediately shook up perceptions of Toyota. Known for its reliable and sensible vehicles, Toyota surprised both the automotive press and the public by unveiling Japan’s first mass-production mid-engine car. While Toyota had a history of producing capable sports and GT cars like the Celica, Supra, and sporty versions of the Corolla, they had never before offered a mass-market 2-seater sports car, save for the ultra-exclusive and limited-production 2000GT of the 1960s. The SV-3 was conceived as a dedicated, accessible 2-seater Toyota sport car aimed at a broader audience with a reasonable price tag.
The journey of the SV-3 began in the 1970s within Toyota’s testing department as an exploration into engine placement for a fun yet fuel-efficient vehicle. The mid-engine configuration emerged as the ideal solution, and the SV-3 evolved rapidly into a genuine sports car through subsequent prototypes. Toyota invested considerable resources in rigorous testing at race circuits worldwide, enlisting seasoned race drivers like Dan Gurney to fine-tune the development cars. Recognizing Lotus’s expertise in mid-engine vehicle dynamics, Toyota even collaborated with the famed British sports car manufacturer to perfect the MR2’s handling balance. This collaboration underscored Toyota’s commitment to creating a truly exceptional Toyota sport car.
After nearly a decade of development, the new Toyota sport car was ready for its debut. Toyota christened it the MR2, an acronym for Midship Runabout 2-seater. While seemingly a radical departure for the traditionally conservative company, the MR2 ingeniously combined proven components in a novel configuration. This strategy minimized development and production costs, enabling Toyota to launch a new model renowned for its reliability right from the start. By adapting the transverse front-wheel-drive technology from the Corolla and positioning the drivetrain in a midship layout, the MR2 benefited from a cost-effective yet efficient powertrain and rear suspension setup. For the front suspension, Toyota again drew upon Corolla engineering, utilizing components from the front end of the AE86 rear-wheel-drive Corolla. This clever application of “front” suspension systems at both ends of the car yielded significant advantages, including a fully independent suspension and disc brakes at all four corners. In 1984, these features were not commonly found together, especially in a Toyota sport car in the MR2’s price range, making it a standout offering.
Continuing the theme of resourceful engineering, Toyota once more turned to the Corolla parts bin for the MR2’s engine. This was far from a compromise, as they selected one of Toyota’s most celebrated engines of all time: the legendary 4A-GE 1.6-liter, twin-cam, sixteen-valve engine borrowed from the iconic AE86 Corolla GT-S. This engine is a true gem, a spirited and rev-happy unit that demands to be experienced to be fully appreciated. Developed in collaboration with Yamaha Motor Corporation, the 4A-GE, while producing a modest 112hp by today’s standards, delivered brisk performance in the lightweight MR2, thanks to its short gearing. This short gearing, however, contributed to one of the MR2’s few drawbacks: noticeable engine noise. Cruising at 100km/h (approximately 62mph) with the 1.6-liter engine spinning at a busy 3,300 RPM just inches behind the cabin did make the MR2 less than ideal for relaxed long-distance highway journeys. Yet, the engine noise was a small price to pay for the sheer driving pleasure and entertainment the MR2 provided as a true Toyota sport car.
While engine noise might be a minor compromise, the MR2’s defining characteristic is undoubtedly its exceptional handling. Matching its sharp styling, the MR2’s handling is remarkably precise and responsive. It’s a car that inspires confidence at speed and encourages drivers to push their limits. Nimble and predictable in corners, the MR2 exhibits rapid and accurate turn-in with even the slightest steering input. Should you encounter a situation where the rear end begins to slide, a touch of counter-steering is usually all it takes for the MR2’s quick reflexes to regain composure, barring extreme physics-defying maneuvers. The MR2’s handling evokes the feel of a race car, characterized by superb balance, immediate responses, and steering that provides crisp feedback to the driver. This Toyota sport car possesses a dual personality, equally approachable for novice drivers and rewarding for seasoned enthusiasts. Such are the MR2’s handling prowess that it could be argued as one of the best-handling affordable sports cars of the 1980s, even outperforming admired contemporaries.
For the 1988 model year, Toyota further enhanced the MR2’s performance with an optional supercharged engine. By adding a Roots-type supercharger and Denso intercooler to the 4A-GE engine (designated 4A-GZE in supercharged form), the MR2’s output increased to 145hp. This upgrade significantly improved acceleration, achieving 0-100km/h in a brisk 6.5 seconds – a very impressive figure for the era. The supercharged MR2 could keep pace with much more powerful and expensive sports cars, allowing drivers to more easily explore the car’s already high handling limits. The belt-driven supercharger incorporated an electromagnetic clutch, enabling the pulley to freewheel during light engine loads like idling, steady cruising, or gentle acceleration. This feature was implemented to improve fuel efficiency. However, upon aggressive throttle input or when the vehicle encountered load, such as climbing a steep incline, the clutch would engage, activating the supercharger and delivering a boost of power and a surge of driver satisfaction.
With its striking, angular aesthetics and razor-sharp handling, the 1984-1989 Toyota MR2 is a visually appealing and exhilarating Toyota sport car that remains surprisingly affordable today. Adding to its appeal is Toyota’s renowned reliability, a quality often absent in mid-engine sports cars of the time, regardless of price. Motor Trend Magazine recognized the MR2’s significance by awarding it the prestigious Import Car of the Year Award in 1985. The MR2 stands as compelling evidence of Toyota’s ability to design and produce a desirable and engaging sports car that any enthusiast would be proud to own. For anyone seeking a classic mid-engine sports car, the first-generation MR2 should be high on the list. While a Ferrari or Lotus might hold greater cachet and emotional allure, they often come with drawbacks of fragility, high maintenance costs, and steeper purchase prices. The MR2, in contrast, is the mid-engine Toyota sport car for the everyday enthusiast, offering an exceptional driving experience without demanding excessive compromises. Toyota, we, the average car enthusiasts, remain eternally grateful for this remarkable machine.
