1984-1989 Toyota MR2
On my first Car Lust blog post, I had to introduce myself with a car near and dear to my heart, the 1985-87 Toyota Corolla GT-S (RWD please, not the “cute” FX GT-S). Fast-forward to today; I haven’t driven the Corolla in months due to another quirky, mid-1980s Toyota acquisition: a first-generation Toyota MR2.
Owning one of these is really a unique experience. It’s just one of those semi-old-school Japanese, timeless cars that you see once in a while. Other than sharing the 4AG motor, rear-wheel driving pleasure, and flip light characteristics with the AE86, the first-generation MR2 really has its own character. Of course, it just depends who you ask. Sometimes I get the: “OMG, my mom had one of those cute little cars ... ” Other times I get the “REALLY poor man’s Ferrari” comment. On a good day, an enthusiast will tell me that he’s won a few trophies from auto-crossing with one in the early 1990s.
Regardless of whose memory is stirred up by seeing one, you definitely feel the love. So what if I can’t put a bunch of stuff under the hood (frunk, I guess) or trunk? I still love this thing! After all, the initial goal of finding one of these was to take advantage of the 32 MPG and still have that Uncle Rico cool-factor. Plus, when it's powering a car that weighs only 2,400 pounds, the stock 112-horsepower engine isn’t too bad. I guess we can discuss the supercharged version of the Mk. I MR2 down the road.
Now, if someone can just tell me how to keep a white car clean! I thought maintaining a black car was tough--keeping a white car clean isn’t a walk in the park either.
My own MR2 isn't quite picture-worthy yet, so I found both of these pictures from Flickr user skaughtto (a.k.a. Scott Olsen). He looks to be pretty talented at capturing cars on film, among other things. There’s a little part of me that wants to just throw away my camera after seeing his collection of photos, specially his automotive portfolio. Some guys just know how to capture a car’s lines …even an old, boxy Toyota.
--Bernard B.
OldOneEye on February 08, 2009 at 12:06 PM
I worked with a guy who had a Mark I MR-2. The one thing that stood out was that he had a 15" woofer under the hood firing into the cabin. He had figured out there were a few spots that he could drill several small half dollar sized holes, and created a duct that funneled the sound in. Considering how unique the car was he got a few stares when the average joe was walking by and he had the radio turned up and the "hood" of his car was hoping like the engine was really mad or about to explode. Even with all that, he still had room to put in some stuff in a medium sized duffle bag.
Rob the SVX guy on February 08, 2009 at 07:49 PM
Awesome car. A friend had one, I loved it. I just can't get over the 'only 2 seats' thing. I need at least a pretend backseat. And Mochi, as for the styling.... to me it looks a LOT like my 89 Prelude. Both tiny little japanese wedges with flip up lights. And as for those who say they dare something to keep up with it. Hrm. And MR2 vs Prelude 4ws would be a complete riot. Not sure what would come out on top.
Editor on February 09, 2009 at 09:26 AM
This has always been one of my favorite cars of the 1980s--I've been holding off exactly because I figured Bernard might pipe up with this one at some point.
It's one of the best-handling cars ever made, it's reliable, incredibly fun to drive, and possible even more fun to look at. It's the prototypical Car Lust.
And as for the MR2 vs. the X1/9 - I've already lusted after the X1/9 (http://www.carlustblog.com/2007/10/fiat-x19.html), and frankly I'm not sure it's an either-or. You can get either so inexpensively now, why not buy both? You drive the X1/9 when it's running, and the MR2 when it's not. You'll probably drive both about equally.
Mochi Mochi on February 09, 2009 at 09:55 AM
Rob - with you on the MR2/Prelude comparison and show down. Both late 80's wedge cars are absolutely fantastic handlers, but with extremely different manners. The Prelude 4WS locks on a line and stays completely balanced and consistent in it's handling manners all through the ride (correct me if you think i'm wrong here, you live with one). It is the quintessential "driving like it's on rails" car. The MR2 sets up fast and lets you play rough with the line. It has the traditional transitional handling of a mid-engine car: little understeer, push the throttle, snap to oversteer and drift the through the turn. Both are amazing cars for completely different reasons. It would be really funny to do a shoot out between them.
The 1st gen had a surprising amount of cargo space for a car of that type - way more than subsequent models. The lack of a back seat takes some getting used to, that's why a second car always makes sense.
Rob the SVX guy on February 10, 2009 at 09:06 AM
Mochi... I think it'd be such an interesting idea.... I'm kind of thinking about doing a video comparison. I just need to find someone in the area with a mint, fairly stock MR2. This summer it would be great to do a shootout between the two, and expose the differences.... both small japanese wedges with amazing handling.... it would be a LOT of fun.
- Rob
AlaskaBrant on February 10, 2009 at 11:08 AM
This is one car lust I owned, loved and learned how one gets burned for their love. I bought a black 1987 MR2 in 1990. I had been lusting after one for about a year before I came up with the cash to buy one outright. I lived in San Diego at the time and that little car was incredible. I could take it out to the Anza-Borrego desert and let it fly, then cut up the El Cajon mountains to Julian. It handled the mountain switch backs like a rally car.
Then came the 'burn' part. California had/has this law about cars that are manufactured for California and the penalties placed on cars not made for California. My car was from Arizona. When I went to get my tags, I was to pay like $700 cuz it was from out of state. When I asked why I was told it didn't meet smog requirements. So I asked was there anything I could do to fix that and save the registration fine. Nope, they were the same engines, just not stamped for California (nor sold by a California car lot!) I thought it was a rip off for the dealer's assc. Then I wanted to get the little guy serviced and was informed that I needed a radiator flush, and that was going to cost plenty as the car had three rediators all inter-linked and pressurized. Needless to say, I kept the car exactly 45 days, I had 60 days to register it at that time. I turned around and traded it off for a 1989 Acura Integra that looked like a Ford Escort after the MR2. I never got the head snap with the Integra that I got with the MR2.
Well, last month I got myself another head snap car. I traded my year old Chrysler 300 for a 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T. Now I am much older and can't wait for a few more of them to hit the road so someone won't be tempted to steal it. It is definitely causing some lusting up here in Anchorage. Of course guys my age, the ones who lust after it, don't steal cars like they may have 20 years ago!
Rob the SVX Guy on February 11, 2009 at 02:29 PM
@ Alaska Brant: I find it odd that you'd love something as nimble, sporty, and precise as an MR2, yet also love the bloated, fatass new Challenger. 4000lbs? Give me a break.
AlaskaBrant on February 11, 2009 at 09:42 PM
Rob - 20 years ago I was 6'4" and 197lbs. Now I am 6'4" and 315lbs. Nimble is not necessary, moving 4500lbs(if you include me and anyone else) is. Mr.Clarkson would say the same thing as you did about the Challenger, but it was built for guys like me, not for real sport cars guys. This is nostoligia for fatass 50 plus types, a boulivard cruiser only. Built to go from stop light to stop light only, not up any moutain passes.
Ken on February 26, 2009 at 06:35 PM
As the owner of two MR2's I can say this is a great little sports car. I currently own an '89 with just 67,000 original miles. It's waiting out the winter, sitting in the garage with the weight lifted off the suspension, trickle charger on the battery... It's as bad a winter car as it is great a summer car. RWD and too light to get *any* traction in the snow. This winter performance is mostly responsible for it remaining rust free after twenty years! This baby is at it's best on a summer day with the t-tops out, eating up a country road. Sad to say that the current economy may force me to part with her in the coming year. Good memories!
Jonny B on April 10, 2009 at 10:52 AM
I have an '89 Midnight metalic blue MR2 and I love it! I am the 2nd owner (I bought it 6 years ago for $1000). It has needed some work (I had the engine totally overhauled, because I wanted to not because it needed it) but otherwise it's been a great car. I get lots of looks and even the service guy at the local Toyota dealership seemed a bit envious when he saw the condition of my MR2. I'm having a new stereo installed this weekend (keeping the old one with the AM/FM cassette deck). I have had to replace a few parts here and there also. But nothing feels better than driving down the freeway with the windows down and watching all the people look as you pass them by.
Aaron King on October 31, 2009 at 10:54 PM
My Mr2 was awsome for about a month then the engine blew if some one is willing to donate a engine i would be tha happy 18 year old i was a couple a months ago but it never ran right in tha first place who ever had it before me must have gave it hell... im kinda sad i never had the chance to see what it actually use to run like maybe when i get up 2,400 dollars for a new engine which will never happen BTW i can drive my awsome aw11 again :( RIP 1985 Toyota Mr2 atleast it made it to see tha 20th century :D
David on February 07, 2010 at 01:25 PM
WOW! and i thought i was the only one feeling this about the MR2's I have one, a flat black,black rims 86 just alittle lower to the ground for better controling toyota mr2 5sp i love my mr2 mk1 GT,theres a reason why this unik car has these names,and why they stop making them?ill never know.last year i raced a 2005 stock lancer just after starting it after being parked for 10 YEARS OMG this lancer fool had no F#%@*%G chance! i was doing 148mpr what the hell! were my first words out of my mouth my car was only stock. now i drove cross country from california to arizonia,new mexico,colorado,kansas,oklahoma,now im in texas,and its still going,my next project is a supercharger install and turbo,i know its sounds pathetic but its gona happend.sorry to board you guys with my life story but my thing is keep your mr2 not only it looks good it drives great and it'll take you anywere. PS.my next trip,NYandFL
David on March 04, 2010 at 07:56 PM
Great post! I had a 1988 SC (red, of course) and loved that car! Bought it used and kept it for seven years; still wish I hadn't sold it. It was a cop magnet, that's for sure! It had great low end with that supercharged engine. One of my best memories: taking it to my regular mechanic for an oil change and having him open the front trunk and wonder briefly "where's the engine?" Sold it when I got a 93 Sentra SE-R (another fun little car.) One of these I may have to have another Mister Two.
J. Thomas on July 12, 2010 at 04:12 PM
Love the article. I have an 89, last year of the old body style. Never in my life have I seen another the same color as mine (maroon metallic with maroon interior). It was my mom's first new car, and she gave it to me 3 years ago. Has 148k miles, and looks almost as good as the day it was born. The old Toyota guys at the dealership gather around her every time I take her in. I can't wait to put classic plates on her!
shad rabe on June 01, 2011 at 09:14 AM
alright well i have a 1989 toyota mr2 5 speed. and it is so good on gas. and there also fast as hell. i got my toyota mr2 up to 140 mph and then it shut off. so what i'm going to do is take the govaner out and i'm hoping i can get it up to 160 mph. but ya. i love this thing so much and i will never get rid of it