TOYOTA MR2 Cabriolet Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

The Toyota MR2 was a coupe-cabriolet that offered seating for two.

An upgraded version of the third generation released in 2000 was unveiled in 2002.

Besides both exterior and interior styling updates, the refreshed version offered more driving pleasure and improved safety.

Aesthetically, the headlamps and the taillights were restyled: the dual-bulb headlamps gave the Toyota MR2 a sportier appearance, while the rear lamps now featured red lenses.

At the front, the MR2 got a new trapezium-shaped bumper that incorporated the more aggressive radiator grille. The side air intakes were refreshed and painted in body color.

At the rear, the MR2 featured a new big-bore exhaust tailpipe and larger 16-inch alloys to enhance stability at the rear.

Inside, the revised interior featured added chrome details, while the layout of the instrument panel and the heater controls were redesigned. New seats were installed for better support.

The available transmissions were now 6-speed manual and 6-speed SMT (Sequential Manual Transmission).

The MR2 equipped with the SMT featured standard Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, and Brake Assist.

Under the hood, the Toyota MR2 had a 1.8-liter engine that developed 138 hp. While it was not the fastest car on the road, it sure offered a great experience, together with the superb handling.

In 2005, Toyota had to discontinue the MR2 due to the low sales figures.

The third and last generation of the Toyota MR2, or MRS depending on the market, was launched in late 1999 as a 2000 model, and it was one of the lightest roadsters on the road.

While most Toyotas from those times were just bland-looking but trustworthy cars, the MR2 was special. It was built for fun and had two trunks and an engine placed behind the cabin in a mid-ship architecture. The carmaker made it for those who dared more and asked for a daily-driver fun to drive vehicle.

Its look was as sporty as a Toyota could be. Unlike its predecessor, it was available only as a roadster, the coupe being deleted. At the front, the round headlights were protected by additional lenses that enhanced the aerodynamic and flanked the low front trunk lid. There was a small grille on the bottom of the bumper, but it wasn't used to cool the engine. For that job, the carmaker installed side scoops behind the doors. At the back, the taillights' shape was similar to the lenses that protected the headlights, and on the short deck, which also served as an engine and rear trunk cover, Toyota placed the third brake light.

Inside, the cabin was cramped and for just two occupants. In front of the driver, Toyota installed a three-dial dashboard with the tachometer in the middle flanked by the speedometer on the left and by the fuel and temperature gauges on the right. Moreover, a few digital displays completed the information. Both seats sported high-bolstering sides that kept their occupants in place during high-speed cornering.

The MR2 was more of a corner-carving vehicle than a true drag-racer. Its 138 hp (140 PS) could provide enough performance thanks to the overall light weight of the roadster.