2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder Convertible reviews and buying guide.

2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder Convertible resources:

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• 2001 Toyota MR2 review

2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder Convertible

No matter that the 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder Convertible has not changed for the new model year and remains priced very reasonably. It is just as inspiring as ever - simply an amazingly fun car to drive with its swift acceleration, superior design, and sporty good looks. You’ve heard the old saying about sports cars that “hug the corners”, and at the risk of sounding repetitive, the 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder Convertible really does perform delightfully well on twisting roads.

Combined with a terrific set of luxuries and conveniences, we estimate that you’ll find this vehicle to be a playful character on both the streets and highways. Compare the Toyota MR2 Spyder stats and specs to another Toyota convertible - the 2002 Camry Solara Convertible - also featured in a report on this site.

The two-wheel rear drive Toyota MR2 Spyder Convertible has a seating capacity of two passengers and due to its relatively light curb weight, its 138 horsepower is more than adequate to give you an exhilarating ride. The lightweight yet rigid 1.8-litre aluminum engine has four cylinders, variable timing DOHC, 16 valves, and a multi-port fuel injection system. Due to the positioning of the engine closer to the middle of the chassis, the handling is much sharper.

Up front is an independent MacPherson strut suspension, teamed with a rear independent dual-link MacPherson strut suspension. Rack-and-pinion steering with electro-hydraulic power-assist and power-assisted ventilated disc brakes intensify overall control. Standard transmission is five-speed manual, and automatic transmission is not available as an option. That suits us just fine; you get better performance and a lot more fun out of a sporty car with a stick shift!

Safety is certainly not overlooked in favor of bells and whistles. The Toyota MR2 Spyder is equipped with such standards as ABS brakes, driver depowered air bag, passenger depowered air bag, side impact air bags, and front head restraints. For the safety of those of smaller stature or youngsters traveling in the passenger seat, the air bag features a cut-off capability. The head lights on the Toyota MR2 are sunken aerodynamically, providing exceptionally clear visibility at nighttime.

However, what’s a sports car without those bells and whistles? The two-door Toyota MR2 Spyder Convertible’s most notable feature, of course, is the folding black cloth convertible top with glass rear window and electric rear defroster. The wind deflector quite successfully buffets a great deal of wind for a pleasurable top-down ride without looking as if you’ve just passed through a wind tunnel. For hot days, turn on the air conditioning and enjoy the high-quality AM/FM stereo with CD player with four speakers as you cruise down the roads.

Other standard features include cruise control, power door locks, color-keyed dual power mirrors, power windows, and handy items such as cup holders, lockable storage compartments, tilt steering wheel, center console, a remote trunk release, and a logical control panel.

For added sporty elegance, the steering wheel and gearshift lever are wrapped in leather, and the pedals are drilled aluminum for that racecar look. The cloth-trimmed sports seats are four-way adjustable. Leather upholstery is available as a package, and is augmented with a matching tan folding cloth convertible top. Fifteen-inch aluminum alloy wheels complete the package.

Base invoice price: $21,479
Base list price: $23,735