EDMUNDS.COM 2004 TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER
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 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 2004
After undergoing extensive changes last year, the MR2''s upgrade for 2004 comes in the way of a newly optional limited-slip differential.
Overview
Introduction:
The Toyota MR2 (the model name stems from Midengine, Rear-wheel drive and 2 seats in case you were wondering) Spyder is a soft-top roadster distilled to its most basic nature. Introduced in 2000, the Spyder has had its work cut out for it with the plethora of roadster competitors on the market these days. Its advantages lie in its relatively low price, fun-to-drive nature and low production volume.The Spyder rides on a low-slung, long-wheelbase platform with MacPherson struts supporting each corner. An amazingly sharp and responsive electrohydraulic power steering system makes this little drop top a blast when ripping along canyon roads. With the midengine design, wide track and the suspension''s speedy recovery ability, acrobatics on curvy roads equal some good times. The Spyder''s optional Sequential Manual Transmission (SMT) is another intriguing aspect of this Toyota. It offers three main advantages: 1) Since there is no torque converter, efficiency is higher than with an automatic; 2) It''s easier to use in traffic than a regular manual; 3) Since it is computer-controlled, there is virtually no chance of driver-induced gear-change error. However, it lacks an automatic-shift mode, meaning the driver still has to manually select gears when driving around town. Some might find fault with the chunky styling of the little machine, but once you get the MR2 Spyder revved up, you''ll be smitten no matter what your opinion of the styling, inside or out. Thinking of autocrossing a small, inexpensive roadster? This Toyota is your car.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The MR2 Spyder comes in just one trim level that includes most of the features you might want. Air conditioning, antilock brakes, power windows and door locks and a tilt steering wheel are all standard. New this year is an optional limited-slip differential which will definitely make this mighty mite all the more fun to fling through corners. Like most other convertibles, the MR2 has a glass rear window with a defroster. However, the rag top is a bit more cumbersome than those on the Honda S2000 or Mazda Miata, as it is necessary to get out of the car before putting it up or down.
Powertrains and Performance:
The Spyder''s midship-mounted 1.8-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve, four-cylinder engine produces 138 horses at 6,400 rpm and 125 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm, thanks in part to variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) technology. Expect 0-to-60-mph times in the 7-to-8-second range. There are two transmissions available that apply power to the rear wheels. The first is a standard five-speed manual transmission. The second is a sequential-shift six-speed manual transmission (SMT). A rare feature in the U.S. market, this transmission combines the convenience of an automatic transmission with the interaction and efficiency of a manual.
Safety:
Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard. Premium features such as stability control, traction control or side airbags are not available. There is no crash test data available from either the NHTSA or the IIHS for the MR2 Spyder.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The interior of the MR2 is one of its few weak points. The look is bland, and the materials used aren''t very plush. The car''s more pressing problem, however, is its dearth of storage and luggage space. The hard-to-access bin behind the seats holds just 1.5 cubic feet of cargo, and the "trunk" is nearly useless unless the spare tire is removed.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Being a diminutive midengined roadster, the MR2 Spyder possesses excellent handling and quick responses. It is quite nimble and is a joy to drive on twisting canyon roads. But because of its small cockpit and minimal storage space, this car works best as a weekend getaway car rather than a daily commuter. If you do expect frequent drives in heavy traffic, you might want to consider the SMT.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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