2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder Review
Fuel Economy
25 - 26 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Though better suited as a weekend car than a daily driver, the MR2 Spyder is the perfect alternative for those suffering from Mazda Miata burnout.
Pros
Lively and precise handling dynamics, scores high on the fun scale, available SMT transmission, affordable compared to other European-brand roadsters.
Cons
Severe lack of storage space, bland interior design, not many safety features available.
What's New for 2005
Say good-bye to the MR2 (again). This is the final year of production for the fun, little convertible. The only changes this year are to the audio system, which now has an amber-colored display screen and a standard six-disc CD changer in place of the cassette player.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Fun and Practical
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 2 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder 2dr Convertible (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought my Spyder with 8,666 miles on it in December 2007. I had first looked at a Spyder several years earlier. I almost couldn't believe my ears when the Carmax salesman told me it had no trunk; I had never heard of a car without a trunk. I passed on it at that time because I thought having a trunk was important. But I'm still single, so I figured what the heck, I have no one I need to please -- I'll buy what I want and put the groceries in the passenger seat. Obviously, the car is fun. It's also more economical than a Miata because it uses regular unleaded gas, and I average about 28.5 mpg in the summer, about 27 in the winter. This car is fine in the snow with snow tires.
Favorite Features
Ease of putting the top down or up (one hand from inside the vehicle), great gas mileage, cool SMT shifter, and the fact that I drive something you don't see very often on the road.
Suggested Improvements
I personally don't care that the engine is in the rear, and I would have rather it be made like a Miata or a del Sol with at least a small trunk. But it is what it is!
Hard to Beat
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder 2dr Convertible (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Purchased my green/tan Spyder in Texas when I worked at Texas Tech. Would of course have purchased the Phantom if available (black and red). Learned early on from a friend I could flip the top back without getting out and have it lock in most instances - no apparent damage. This made me want to put the top down whenever possible. Handle - goes where you point it. Great acceleration leaving cars behind at lights without many RPM. Criticized for storage but drove it to Maine with enough clothes packed in to work indefinitely. Really enjoyed running 80 much of the time. OE Bridgestones being replaced at 18k under a warranty that came with the car. Pondering adding sports muffler.
Favorite Features
Handling and acceleration, small size, appearance with top down, mileage, quality finish, did I mention handling? And of course a great buy at around $25k new.
Suggested Improvements
Better tire selection.
Add a luggage rack to allow longer trips
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder 2dr Convertible (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
Review
As a long time owner of a TR-6, I became familiar with luggage racks. Therefore, when I purchased my 2005 MR- 2 I had the dealer install a luggage rack I obtained from my local British car parts dealer. This rack leaves plenty of room for engine ventillation and holds two (2) twenty eight (28) inch suitcases which can be secured with bungee cords. My wife and I can take 2 week trips in our MR-2 and enjoy Calilfornia and Oregon coast roads as well as mountain roads for which the MR-2 was built.
Favorite Features
Road handling, economy and the air conditioning which my TR-6 didn't have.
Suggested Improvements
Adding the luggage rack expands the use and enjoyment you can obtain with your MR-2.
4 out 5 people found this review helpful
More fun than a barrel of monkeys
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder 2dr Convertible (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
Review
It's only weakness is lack of a trunk. In my opinion though, this car is made for nothing but enjoyable driving. It meets that purpose to a tea. It would take spending three time as much (not to mention gas and insurance costs) at the dealer to have a car this good.
Favorite Features
G - forces !!
Suggested Improvements
Not enough time to play with it.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Now a classic?!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder 2dr Convertible (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
Review
The car is wonderful to drive. It is a weekend car due to small storage space but go baby go.
Favorite Features
curve handling the best
Suggested Improvements
none, sorry they stopped makng them
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