2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder Review
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By Dan Carney

Overview

The two-seat MR2 Spyder is a back-to-basics sports car. It has a mid-engine design like some Ferraris (whereby the engine is mounted in front of the rear wheels), rear-wheel drive, and very few creature comforts. Perhaps the best part, though, is that it has a convertible top that lowers in a flash so you can enjoy the essence of top-down motoring. And it does it all for a reasonable price.

There aren't many changes to the MR2 since it was new last year.

Model Lineup

The beauty of Toyota's strategy with the MR2 Spyder is apparent in its model lineup: one car, few options, starting at $23,595. Toyota calls this mono-spec," which is perhaps a suspect word. Regardless, this single-model, limited-option strategy makes the MR2 less costly to build and distribute. Customers need only choose colors and whether they want leather interior (a new-for-2001 option). Dealers offer wheel locks and an unnecessary cover that can be used when the convertible top is folded."