1991 Toyota MR2 T-bar turbo

Summary:

Best car I have had the luxury of driving

Faults:

Clutch went bad at 97,000 miles.

T-tops leak on both driver and passenger sides.

Suspension was shot at 98,000 miles.

Temperature Sender Unit stop working before I got the car.

Lifter tick started at about 99,000 miles.

Leather on shift knob came off.

Steering rack just about shot (loose linkage).

Radio died at 100,000 miles.

Transmission doesn't like fast shifts into second or fourth.

General Comments:

Most comfortable interior I have ever been in.

Turbo still boosts strong and smooth.

Handled good even with bad suspension.

Using G-tech device to measure 0-60 on 11 year old car---6.62 seconds with problems listed above.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st July, 2002

1991 Toyota MR2 GTE-SE Turbo 2.0 turbo

Summary:

THE BEST

Faults:

Trans went bad, car will not run with battery connected.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th June, 2002

1991 Toyota MR2 2.2 NA

Summary:

Fast, fun and reliable - what more could you want

Faults:

Valve guides leaked at 168,000 and were replaced.

Radiator leaked at 180,000 and was replaced.

General Comments:

I bought my 1991 MR2 (2.2NA: non-turbo) in 1996 with 30,000 original miles. It now has 211,708. It is by far the most reliable and fun car I have ever owned. And I'm 50.

I drive a lot of twisty-windy two-lane highways for work. The MR2 is absolutely ideal for one person with a computer bag and overnight luggage. Fast and furious. It's O.K. for two people if they don't need to carry anything in the passenger compartment.

In 180,000 miles worth of driving, the extremely few repairs are amazing (and I don't treat my MR2 gently). I replaced valve guides at 168,000, since it was blowing a little smoke at start-up after sitting overnight. I also had all wheel bearings and seals replaced as a precaution. I replaced the factory stereo and separate CD with a seven-speaker Nakamichi/Infinity/Bazooka setup only because I wanted to, not because it needed it. The original Toyota plastic radiator finally leaked at 180,000. I replaced it with a metal radiator out of a Buick Riviera. That's it. No other repairs. Just normal oil-plugs-belts-brakes-tires-clutch maintenance. It even still has perfect original factory paint - and I live in Phoenix and have parked the car outside most of its life.

I own an 11-year-old MR2 with over 200,000 on it. People at gas stations ask where they can get one. It has a timeless style. It looks more "today" than most 2002 offerings from any manufacturer. The fact that there are not many MR2's around just makes it that much more exclusive to own one. It's a great ego boost.

And you can find one for less than $10,000 in perfect condition with less than 75,000 miles. The only drawback is the cost of insurance. It's a two-seater mid-engined car. I have no tickets or accidents in 16 years, but my Pathfinder is much, much cheaper to insure. But the insurance costs are more than offset by the low maintenance costs.

Great, great car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th June, 2002

1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo 2.0

Summary:

Great bang for the buck. Second to the Eclipse GSX

Faults:

The car was bullet proof. Nothing went wrong.

General Comments:

The performance was pretty good. I liked the acceleration and handling. Then I got introduced to a 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX and fell in love. This car felt more refined and the acceleration felt stronger. Now I have a 3" turbo to tip exhaust, boost control, intake and this now would blow the socks off of any turbocharged MR2 T. Much easier to modify. Although they fair well against each other stock. When $800 is thrown into the Eclipse, no comparison at all.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th October, 2001

2nd Nov 2010, 12:01

My friend has a GSX and it feels cheap compared to the MR2. I'd rather stick to the MR2. Quality always comes first.

1991 Toyota MR2 2.2 non-turbo

Summary:

Best sports car for the money.. period

Faults:

Other than normal maintenance, I have had no unscheduled repairs done to this car.

Replaced plug wires at 95k.

Replaced timing belt and water pump (normal maintenance) at 90k.

General Comments:

The handling on this car is remarkable.

At cruising speeds, the car feels great, but the engine is a little on the noisy side (typical sports car I guess).

Seats are comfortable for short trips, but they become uncomfortable after a long drive.

This is by far the best handling, most reliable, best looking, and most fun car to drive I have ever owned and I will probably never sell it.

The MR2 even today still looks awesome. Many people ask me If it is a new car.

Rare car and very collectible.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st May, 2001

2nd Jun 2001, 13:51

2.2???

They never made a 2.2!!

You have a either a 2L 16valve or a 2L Turbo like I had :)

Steve.

21st Jun 2001, 14:00

Yes they did make a 2.2l naturally aspirated engine. I have one. The model number is something like 5S-300... not sure, but it is a 2.2

Nick.

9th Jul 2001, 16:38

Yes, most '91 MR2s have 2.2L 5SFE normally aspirated engines. The turbo has the 2L 3SGTE engine.

26th Dec 2003, 18:48

The normally-aspirated engine is, in fact, a 2.2L. The turbo (3S-GTE) is a 2.0L.

25th Jul 2004, 19:28

I got 2 91 mr2s ones wrecked with a turbo can I put the turbo on my 2.2.