The 1995 Toyota MR2 Turbo Is a Seriously Special Analog Sports Car
CHECK OUT THIS MR2 TURBO ON CARS & BIDS!
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This is the Toyota MR2 Turbo, a seriously special analog sports car. Today I'm reviewing this MR2 Turbo, and I'll show you all the many quirks and features. I'm also going to get behind the wheel of the MR2 Turbo and show you what it's like to drive.
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 THIS...
00:35 It Can Be Yours On CARS & BIDS!!!
01:08 Overview
02:32 Powertrain
03:56 Transmission Options
04:11 All the Trunks
05:41 Removable Roof
09:04 VIN Etching
10:01 More Exterior Quirks & Features
11:48 "Baby Ferrari" Styling
12:52 Interior Quirks & Features
15:45 Driving Experience
20:31 Final Thoughts
20:53 DougScore
#dougdemuro #toyota #toyotamr2 #mr2
Corrections: SW20 MR2s have one turbo, not two, but it says "twin entry" due to the design of the intake and turbo assembly. The area behind the seats can be used for regular storage but they are designed especially to hold your T-tops when they are off. Some people put small subwoofers there. The compartment in the middle is designed to perfectly fit 6 cassettes in their boxes.
I was just about to comment on the t top storage but you captured it very well. That's why it had the straps and clips behind the seat. Toyota made a big deal about the twin entry ceramic turbo
Surprised he messed that one up..
I think he probably miss spoke. It just means twin scroll turbo. But yeah you pointed out all the things I noticed. Also those "shelves" if you don't have the factory subs open up and are decent size little bins
@@antonthrush5914 US never got the ceramic turbo.
Midship runabout
I'm simultaneously extremely excited at seeing one of my dream cars reviewed on this channel and terrified about what this might do to MR2 prices.
I'm pretty sure prices just doubled. LoL.
@@Stinger430Cool MR2
Thankfully, the market craze of 2020 is subsiding and people are going broke. So semi-common cars like the MR2 are comming back down (slowly).
@@r4raced4doom2 Even though it's not as cool by 2023's standards I love how it looks. ❤️
@@LuisUrbieta I 1000% agree.
I have to admit, the crotch vent is one of the best and most used features in my MR2, why manufacturers got rid of them in cars remains one of the greatest mysteries to me.
Yep. Had a few Jeep Grand Wagoneers. They had them also. Keeps the tags and berries cool
Probably because many new cars have more electronics and knee airbags in the same spot.
The climate control seats of the day!
Heated seats.
My 02 sequoia has a crotch vent 👍🏼
I'm a proud owner of a SW20 MR2 Turbo. I swapped the 2nd gen 3sgte to a 4th gen 3sgte but still love it everyday. I made some small upgrades like the Geometry kit and Feal coilovers, so no snap overstear for me. I have it in my favorite color - Aquamarine Pearl (Dark Green). It was my dream car for 2 decades. I bought it was I was 34. Still have it at 40 years old. So glad Doug was able to review a 95.
Also now that Doug has reviewed the SW20, he needs to review the ST185 Toyota Celica All-Trac turbo. And not the RHD GT4. The OG All-Trac USA spec. Doug wants to talk about rare, there you go. He featured it in this video, now time to find one! Luckily, I own one, but I also swapped it with a 4th gen 3sgte haha.
@@WeTryMotorsportsstill have my 91 turbo. Nah he needs to review a 74 Te27 Corolla SR5 Mango 👌🏽
@@WeTryMotorsports ST185 the OG All-trac USA spec? You mean ST165?
@@mr2marc 1990-1993 celica alltrac turbo are chassis code ST185. 1988-1989 chassis code is ST165. they're similar mechanically but aesthetically they are far different. I have the 1992 ST185 Celica All-Trac in teal metallic. I see what you thought I meant by OG, but I mean the USA Spec OG ST185. I was not referring to the 165 at all.
sNaP oVeRsTeEr is a crutch for poor drivers.
I wish Doug had pointed out the glass T-Tops fit nicely behind the seats, and the sun shields went nicely in the trunk. The curve of the rear glass is a masterpiece in itself.
Had someone smash my rear glass when I owned mine, was pretty tough to come by a replacement!
I agree about the glass. I really enjoyed how unique and well-designed the car was overall.
That's my nightmare. @@justinbrostrom241
I used to do that, fits like a glove
Yeah that's a pretty big thing, like the straps and clips aren't there to "hold stuff in" they are there for the the T-Tops, which exactly fit behind the seats. The straps would keep them from risking flopping around during spirited driving. I'm also a bit disappointed that the central storage area was just described as "having a shelf". The width of that area and the shelf are very specifically for CD cases which were fairly new at the time of the '91 MR2. It really is a very well thought out car and even more so in the era.
One day my wife came home and asked me if I could look at her car. Again. She had a light blue Honda CRX HF that was slowly dying. I had fixed different things 3 or 4 times and was getting ticked at her cars issues. We walked out of our apartment (we were just married and living off post at Ft. Benning) and I didn't see her sky blue CRX anywhere. I asked where she parked. She pointed to a white 1992 MR2. Holy moly. Did I say I LOVE MY WIFE?!!! We took it for a spin to get dinner and for the next 6 years, we LOVED that car. Thanks for making this specific video!!
Doug continues keeping it real. The Mister Two was a darling of the old school press and this generation actually got pretty too.
I like it better now than I did back when it was new: It really does look like a bit like a junior Ferrari.
I got one at age 40, now I am 60 years old and this thing still put a smile on my face when looking at it or driving it, it will stay in my garage til I expire...
It's the most fun car I've owned and I only had the UK T-bar 174bhp version. I used to terrorize the roads next to the farm I lived on until I was accosted by a farmer at the local shop who told me his cattle were stupid and would step out onto the road and end me. I'm not sure his cattle had already agreed to this threat. None of them ever did. The farmer also thought it was a lotus so props to both of us... Luv and Peace.
Thank you Doug. I've been waiting for you to review one of these for a LONG time. Keep up the good work
I didn’t realize the internet realizes, according to Doug.
You was waiting for it to sell yours ? 😁
The straps behind seats are designed to keep the T-top pieces in place when going hairdryer mode. Twin entry turbo is a bit of a meme in MR2 community, it has nothing to do with twin turbos, but the single turbo is just having an identity crisis. In N/A version the boost gauge is replaced with a voltage meter. Earlier revisions of SW20 have different rear lights (think the Koukis came in 1993-ish) American markets got the short end of stick when it came to N/A engines, 5S-FE from a Camry, whereas European and Japanese markets got 3S-GE with 150-odd hp. Of course the Japanese kept the best versions to themselves, last SW20:s had BEAMS engines and even the N/A was hitting 200hp threshold. Still a typical 90's Toyota, small from the outside, big on the inside.
Yeah instead of looking in the compartment for two turbos he just reads what he thinks he sees on the engine cover.
I thought these got the Corolla's 1.8 4 cylinder engine...or was that the next generation Spyder?
This guy MR2s.
Twin entry turbo is referring to twin scroll. The intake manifold is segmented in each runner and the turbo inlet from the exhaust manifold is segmented. It’s a more efficient design that sadly many modern turbos don’t use because of extra complexity.
@@damilolaakanni Yeah, that was the 1ZZ in the Spyder.
In 1991 I bought a new black MR2 Turbo and to this day, it's my favorite car I've ever owned. It was very easy to toss it around and get into trouble, because it was so powerful compared to its weight. It actually turned heads, and I was definitely too cool for school in that car! It was a genuine rocket. Shortly after I sold it in 1997, the cooling system developed a leak, and the new owner was unfortunately stuck with an expensive repair. But the car was otherwise in great shape after 6 years of driving it everywhere, including (somehow) on snowy Denver streets!
I somehow got my hands on a 93' NA blue metallic with ~80K miles as my first car (this is back in 2004) for $3000. It wasn't crazy powerful like the turbos, but man it turned heads. Gave me barely any issues for the five years I had it. I spun it out in NJ winters a few times, but hey, you learn from those experiences. Love that car so much.
That was most likely the water hose off the turbo. An absolute prick to get to. Called the hfh (hose from hell)
After fully restoring my sw20 i know a few more quirky features: The targa tops could be stored in the leather storage pouches in the cabinets behind the rear seats. Those and the glass panels can be strapped behind the seats on top of the storage cabinets. - the european version had a 3sge with >156hp wich had a variable intake manifold - there were japanese versions with different variations of the 3sge Beams with vvte - there are hardtop versions of both versions, but those are quite rare. - the cooling system is a complicated system that has to be bled on 3 different places. - the sw20’s with power steering had a variable assisted electronic power steering pump, which is neat! - most of the powertrain is the same as in the euro/jdm celica and even shares the engine wiring loom and ecu placement(in the rear trunk. - it was famous for snap oversteer, but the 1993> ones had revised rear suspensioj which made it quite predictable. - at it’s time in the 90’s it was the fastest accelerating car from japan, beating the skyline and supra in stock form. I regret selling it now…
Wow, didn't know the SW20's using electric power steering pump, thought that's just a ZZW30 thing.
I didn't know these even had power steering! My AW11 didn't, but at 2350 lbs it didn't even need it.
@@FWDSUXARSE my ZZW30 has got one even though it's even lighter. It can be disabled by exploiting a bug in the PS controller (turn the ignition off and on while moving), feels perfectly fine without steering assistance, even when parking. I can easily move a steering wheel with one hand while stationary. Way more comfortable with the PS though, and not overassisted at all, so all the information from the road is still present.
Didn't help me avoid crashing though lol. Snap oversteer is real, didn't even have to lift off suddenly for it to snap on me.
@@Agu_Ra My rev3 in the UK made 174bhp stock. The later ones had to reign it in due to emissions. I had a big 3.5 inch exhaust and K+N 54i air intake that made the car sound cool and make more power at high revs but lack a bit of low end torque. My car went for it's MOT and the mechanic who I knew had to stuff the air intake with a messy cloth to get it to pass. He told me in no uncertain terms it would not pass again with that intake. I took it off. Shame. It made the I4 sound like a v8 it was an amazing noise. Can't argue with your mechanic though. Nice of him to do me that favour. Luv and Peace.
I'm a bit surprised Doug didn't talk about the styling more, this has to be one of the best looking 90s cars!
He underrated it it with a 6 in styling... it's worth a 7. That would have brought the total score up to 50, tying it with the '87 Ferrari 328 GTS though...maybe why he didn't.
@@pex_the_unalivedrunk6785 same score as a miata? definitely should be a 7!
I’ll always remember the first time seeing one on the streets. Blew me away. I had only bought my first car 10 months earlier (91 Eagle Talon). I worked a ton of extra hours dishwashing in addition to somehow talking my step father in to letting me trade it in at a loss. HAD TO HAVE IT!
He didn’t talk about the styling because you can see it
can't compete with FD RX7
I've owned two of these, and absolutely loved them. They have fantastic interiors, look gorgeous, and they're super fun to drive
One day I plan on getting an SW20. I had the AW11 and that was one of my favorite cars that I've ever owned followed by my 85 Supra.
It’s just as well they NOT bring back the MR2; Toyota might decide to turn it into a junky overly-expensive EV. BLECH!
Along with other stuff mentioned here in the comments related to the t-tops, this video missed MANY MANY quirks -- at least according to my memory, which might be 80% accurate: 1. You could disengage the interior cable to open the trunk by putting the key in the trunk lock and turning it flat (to the left I believe). I'll grant you this was a feature more cars had back then, not just the MR2. Sure would be a great feature to have again with all the car break-ins these days. 2. If you twisted the headlight controller forward one click, then pulled back on the entire stalk twice, the headlights would pop up but not be lit up -- handy for cleaning or replacing them. 2a. I think there was also a way to "flash" the headlights through some other odd combo of movements, wherein the headlines would rise up, turn on briefly, then go back down immediately. Unfortunately, I can't remember the control sequence. 3. The panels beneath the t-top storage area flipped up to reveal (going from hazy memory here) some odd part of the metal floor??? Handy for small items you really want to hide and potentially lose. 4. Put the key in the driver's door and turn once to unlock just the driver's door; flick twice to open up both doors. 5. The underside had large plastic panels covering much of it (though not the engine). Really a high-end feature for the time. 6. All MR2 rear suspensions try to kill you, the average driver. That said, 1991 and (I believe) 1992 iterations REALLY try to kill you. Toyota revised the later models to reduce snap oversteer, but it's still best to gas out of corners.
Point 2a is literally just pull the stalk towards you and the whole sequence happens before your eyes. At least in my Rev5 that's how it works
I feel like no. 4 is common. My E30 had it, my 95 Camry had it, 8th Gen Si had it.
Point number 6 isn't as big of an issue as you might think. The car grips like crazy until you push it too hard, and then it doesn't anymore, just like most other cars. The issue with the suspension is that the rear tires would toe out under droop, drastically reducing grip. With the majority of the weight being behind the driver, that means that when under heavy braking, the rear-end lifts up more than on other cars, and when you add turns to the mix, i.e. you're coming into a turn too hot and panic brake to slow down in the middle of the turn, the back end loses grip and spins around. This really only happened at high speeds (90+ mph) which is where a lot of inexperienced drivers want to hang out because the car has so much grip. If you aren't going too fast and you lift off the throttle in the middle of a corner, you're not going to have an issue, but at higher speeds, things happen so fast that no human can react fast enough to stop the uncontrolled spin. The later models had increased tie rod lengths (from 11" to 15") to help mitigate this, causing the car to toe in on droop, which makes the car more predictable through tight corners at high speeds, but also makes the driving experience feel more stale.
This MR2 Turbo was the car everyone wanted to have. Still looks good to this day, was not over designed.
The straps behind the seats are not for “stuff” they are to secure the targa roof panels. There is also a subwoofer below the drives side shelf and another unmentioned storage bin on the passengers side.
The 2nd gen MR2 is a fabulous car, as is the first one. But the "R" in "MR2" stands for "runabout." BTW, those straps behind the seats aren't for "your stuff." The MR2 came with two padded bags for the T-tops and a T-top is stored behind each seat.
Midship runabout 2 seater
No, "Mid-engine, Rear-wheel drive, 2 seater"
@@5starmaniac spoken like someone who has never owned one
@@5starmaniac why don't you go back to the lab and check your research. Come back with what you found
@@dave2132 Read my link (if you are able to..? 🤣) ..and go change your diapers!!
After i got my first proper job, a black lowered '91 MR2 was the car i bought, and man take the t-top off and drive around with a babe in the passenger seat was total bliss! Wish i had never sold it! Such a good driving position aswell!
I have a 1993 sw20 with a 2GR v6. This is a beast of a car and is SUPER fun to drive. It always puts a smile on my face every time I drive it! Edit. I also own a 98 ws6 trans am that is monster of a car. But truth be told it can’t compare to my 2GR mr2
This is my dream car of the 90's. I actually think it's cooler than the Mark IV Supra. I'm so glad you did a video on it, but I'm really mad that it's probably going to get even harder to find one now.
If by harder, you mean expensive then you're correct. This one specifically is already almost 25k and still has 8 days to bid on it. A very nice example but still. Good luck with your search, don't give up
@@dubiousf00d lol you used to be able to pick these up for less than $2k all day long
@@n0isyturtle should have bought more domino's pizza or defense stocks a few years back...the future of cars lies solely in investors.
MR2 actually stands for Midship Runabout 2-Seater. Glad I got mines because the price is about to jump up on all Mr2s after this review.
Correct. Actually, I think Doug got it right during his MR2 Spyder review too.
Paid £3.7k for mine in 2004ish and sold it for £2.5k The prices now don't surprise me, but the lack of availability really does. Used to be loads
Mines line the race outfit?
Doug was correct, it stands for Mid Engine, Rear Wheel Drive, 2 seats. I’ve owned my MR2 since the 95, worked at a Toyota dealership in the 90’s, read everything on it I could get my hands on and had only ever known this as the meaning of its name. First time I heard ‘runabout’ used was when the MR2 Spyder came out and even then it was in England or somewhere. I’m not a fan as ‘runabout’ is basically a nonsense word.
🤣🤣🤣🤣
I worked for body shop that did a lot of work for Toyota dealer and I got to drive quite a few of these. I agree 100% with the shifter .It was so cool and yeah it's pretty quick handling was great as well.
Doug, glad to see you finally cover the SW20. Owned a '93T years ago and have yet to drive anything near as fun(no matter what numbers say). The factory sound system on these cars was something for the time- eight(8) speakers, incl. two(2) subs(one behind each seat beneath t-top storage). The difference in steering feel between '91-'92 and '93+ was immence due to modified rear subframe geometry, and with little modification made for hair-trigger on-center steering. The tail-happy nature of these cars made for some entertaining stories on the MR2 forum come winter every year!
Nice info! I've never heard that about the steering feel. The 91 I drove was poor. Where I live 93+ were quite rare so never got to sample one, although I did know about the changes to the handling.
Incredible video! I really do appreciate how Doug is sticking to his roots on these older car videos. It really is a niche and what keeps the orginal viewers here and gives his channel unique flare. :)
That’s because it’s an excuse to advertise Cars and Bids
Next the celica st185 pls
I was a Toyota tech in their heyday 90s those straps behind the seat are to store and secure the T-tops it also included 2 fabric storage bags to keep them in. I agree with you after driving a MR2 and then getting into a Supra, the Supra felt more like a truck than a GT coupe. Keep in mind the 1st gen car was based on many Corolla parts while 2nd gen used many Camry based parts and the 3rd gen car reverted back to Corolla based parts and a soft top since they were so impressed with the sales success of the Miata, when that did not pan out the bean counters killed off the sports car/coupe line up. Sadly in bean counter fashion they went only with 3rd party emblem engineering agreements. Recently some really cool homegrown models have returned to mostly markets outside the U.S.
This review is spot on. Last year I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to buy a stock Rev 5 NA (1998 year model). There is something so special about the 3SGE. While not nearly as fast as the 3SGTE and modern sport engines, it has so much character and the driving experience with a good set of tyres is second to none. Better yet, 250,000kms and counting and the engine’s never skipped a beat. You can see why a lot of people gravitated towards them in the 90’s.
I live in Japan and I see these cars quite often, even the 1st gen. They are quite popular with car enthusiasts here.
YWNBAJ
Happy Dougcember, fellow quirk and feature enthusiasts.
Doug, ive been watching for years and reached out to you a long time to review my mr2 turbo. You politely responded and it didn't work because of my location. Im so stoked after these years to see you finally feature my car. Now to get a 1st gen MR2 supercharged..
If you find one be sure to check the rear suspension. From factory no rear anti roll bar on SC models. Makes it understeer like a plow-on sledgemobile. I believe you can fit the rear struts and ARB from a non SC to balance it back out though (I never got around to doing it in mine back in the day, but did drive a non SC and it was way more neutral).
Love the video! I've been waiting a long time for your review of that limited edition 5th gen Celica.
The most anticipated review from this man I have been waiting for, long time coming ❤
The SW20 is one of my dream cars😩
I really like analog sports cars.
YESSS!!! Ive been waiting for a review of this amazing car!!
I absolutely love my MR2, so glad to finally see Doug review the SW20!
I had one of these in 2005. Loved it. 3 of my friends also had them and one of them didn't sell his until a couple of years ago. These are single turbo, not double. Also the storage and straps behind the seats are for storing the T top panels. These would leak really often and I'd have to clean the seal regularly. The back of the car was so temperamental, the weight was not quite mid and you'd lose the back end so easily, much more easily than a Carrera 2.
Snap over steer. Surprised he didn’t mention it lol
@@dgatan Because it's inherent to midengined cars only the MR2 was more accessible to the masses. Hence why most drove it like a front wheel drive car and well you know the rest
Many cars have “snap oversteer”, it is not inherent of just the MR2. The MR2 was much better than the Fiero, when it comes to this.
@@dgatan That’s because this was mostly corrected with the suspension revisions on the US 93-95 models. The US 91-92 MR2 are the years notorious for snap oversteer. I still own my MR2 and love track days with it.
I'll always remember the first time I saw a billboard advertising the MR2. "If it were any slower, it would be a Ferrari." 😂
One of the funnest cars I've ever driven, so quick, nimble and easy to throw around with the smoothest transmission.
Thank you Doug! My favorite all car of all time, thank you for finally doing the second gen. Not one bad thing to say!!
MR2 was indeed a "Baby Ferrari", and you could buy after market body kits (of varying quality) to make your MR2 look like a Ferrari - mostly like an F355
There was a police interceptors episode years ago where the police pulled over a "Lamborghini" which was registered as a mr2😂😂it was in fact a mr2 which had a kit to make it look like a Gallardo and the guy was heading to the DVLA to get it registered as a custom vehicle
I'd say the 1st gen 3000GT was also the "baby Ferrari"
the bodykit is more of a fiero thing, I see tons of fake fiero ferraris on fb marketplace
@@darkmatterm4a1not even, the mr2 was mid engine, had rear flying buttress just like the 348 and F355. 3000gt looked nothing like a Ferrari more like an MK3 Supra on Steroids
@@users4007fieros too, but the better ones used the MR2
Finally a real mr2 ❤
Hey Doug, thanks for doing this one. '80s and 90s imports are my personal favorites.
Never drove an MR2, but I sat in one at a car show in '92 and flicked that shifter back and forth, and it set the bar for every other car. (I enjoy driving my '92 Toyota pickup, but the end of the shift lever travels from nearly the dash to the seat as you go from first to second. Clutch-pedal travel will give your leg a real workout too.) This is one of the few impractical cars I really would like to own. Particularly when you include the T-tops - one of those '80s/'90s features I really miss - and pop-up headlights.
I really liked my MR2... Swapped/build everything.. I always found it pretty funny that the mr2 was a bit of underdog. Maybe it's just my opinion but we cannot deny the fact that this car is more fun, faster, takes more experience to unlock all potential and gave the driver the ultimate "driver feeling/experience. If i'm correct only the gtr32 was faster in an straight line. Up untill this day i think i drove pretty much everything (everything within reach for normal persons) like bmw m, audi rs, vw r... Ofcourse these cars are way faster but lacked one (for me the most important spec of a car) driver experience. I recently drove a Porsche 911 turbo S (my first experience in a 911) and it gave me a little tear because it really gave me flashbacks of my MR2. MR2 Turbo's are to way to go but in my opinion the N/A are way more fun..just because of the lack of power..you really had to work/become one with the car to be fast. Ofcourse this is basen on lots of small european mountain roads. MR2 is a legend❤
A little Toyota trivia from that time : When Toyota dropped the MR2, for a short time they offered a "stripped down" non-turbo Supra to have a sports car at a similar price point. I remember test driving one in 1995. It was called the Supra SE and it's sticker price with a manual was only $29,995 ! Toyota referred to the SE as the Special Edition, but most called it the Stripped Edition.
Finally, Doug got around to reviewing the sw20. I first saw one back around 96 and fell in love. I've owned two of them. Currently own a 93 which I think is the best year visually, with the zenki spoiler and tail lights.
This was my first car I got on my 17th birthday and even now when I own r34 GTR, Supra MK4, RX7 Spirit R and a NSX along with some a lot more expensive Italian and German cars it’s still my favourite cars to drive on and off track. So much so my first 6 cars were all MR2’s 3 NA and 3 turbos. I wish I lived in the US I would buy this one since I’ve been looking for a good one for about a year now. If anyone was watching this and is thinking about maybe getting one, trust me you should buy one you will never regret your purchase. Thanks Doug great video, brings back so many memories of my late teens early 20’s.
I had a modified version of the NA 1992 MKII in my 20s for almost 10 years. Engine and suspension mods. It's a great little car, fun to drive, and a reliable engine. It's one of the few cars I've owned I have zero complaints about. The NA has performance bolt-ons to add 40-60hp, and some adjustable Koni's sorted out the semi-spongey suspension and made it corner like it was on rails. It really is a driver's car.
There is no way you had performance mods to increase 40-60bhp. If you want that sort of upgrade and still be NA you're not going to get close. Only way would be beams engine and the forged pistons and rods, The head is already optimised so you'd need to engineer higher cam timing and there's no benefit to porting because it's already been done. Maybe bigger exhaust and exhaust headers and maybe a free flowing air intake but unless you replace the ECU you won't benefit from that. All in all Tuning an NA motor is extremely expensive compared to turbocharging or supercharging. I know what you are shooting for but honestly supercharging a v6 swap is your best bet for an NA feel but fast performance. Luv and Peace.
@@ianedmonds9191 7.5 CP pistons, standalone EMS, resurfaced 3SGTE head, exhaust and manifold. It was being prepped for twin turbos as a 5SGTE (5SFE+3SGTE Head/Turbo) but I never finished it or it would have been a LOT more.
I’ve been waiting so long for this review being a sw20 owner
Thank you for highlighting this car and thank you for gaming it worthy to put on your website. Couple things I would like to clarify as I have owned three of these. It is not a TwinTurbo. It is a single turbo with dual entry ports. It was a marking piece, but there is only one turbo charger underneath the hood. Secondly, the front tire, spare tiedown is missing. Not a big deal it can be had for 20 bucks, but if the owners representing this car, as pristine, this needs to be pointed out. I wish the owner well, these cars have become truly collectible.
Geez, at last you tested this baby! Whooohoo! I drove one for years, pumped to 400+ hp. It was a blast back then. The sound was just incredible... the turbo working merely inches behind your ears. Just a drivers car... miss it big time!
After owning a sw20 for about a year, I’ll tell you that a lot of people get hyped about them. They are so rare, especially unmodified like mine. They will continue going up in value, I hope someone gets this one and keeps it original!
I’m the owner and I hope the same.
I'm the owner of an 91 and 93T since 2001, I don't think it will go up in value.
@@mr2cqql The '95s always were higher value than everything else due to low production #s, and will remain so. The 91s are too common. Your 93T will do better. As with most "collector" market cars, only the stock/unmodified low mileage ones will do this. Otherwise, just drive and enjoy your cars! (Current owner of '86 AW11, '00 Spyder, previously '91 SW20 hardtop).
Now imagine it with a modern 300hp 3.5l toyota v6
I don’t have to imagine, and neither do you, I see from your user name. I have a 91 with a Sienna sourced 2GR-FE. It is amazing. Brofist.
My first rear-engine car since 1993-the MR2-holds cherished memories of unforgettable road trips in the US and across Europe, a journey that began when I acquired it in Arlington, VA. Even today, in Casablanca, Morocco, it emerges occasionally, a testament to its enduring reliability with around 70k miles on the odometer. The bond I share with it remains as strong as the day I first laid eyes on this remarkable pocket rocket! I love what you did for me Toyota 😊
I've had my 95 JDM Turbo SW20 since 2003 and till to this day I still smile and never get tired of driving it. I often get alot of guys come up to me asking if I want to sell and often we get into a conversation of how they regret letting theirs go. These back in the day were such weapons and not alot of people knew about them, jaws would often drop when they get gapped during traffic light grand prix or get left behind as they try to catch you on twisty mountain road.
Had an N/A one these as my second car, span it 2 hours into ownership 😂 snap oversteer is no joke
I made it two weeks with mine before a wet slippy road and a lead foot put an end to it.
My family had a 91' non turbo, but let me tell you. Perfect balance, amazing handling, but give her the chance and she'd kick out on you any time for any reason. Took a lotta skill to drive.
that's just a MR short wheelbase powertrain in general, nimble & agile at the cost of pendulum-like oversteer if loss of grip occurs.
93 and up models had revised suspensions and wider tires and solved the snap oversteer issue
@@pauldollak994 great, a lotta great, that doesn't help me now, but k good thing to know should I ever be behind the wheel of one again. :)
@@pauldollak994 i wouldn't say solved. it just made the car understeer more. 91-92 are more fun to drive at the limit imo. sharp front end, you point and it goes.
@@mr2marc you’re not the first to say this but I’ll leave it to someone else to continue this old debate. Suffice it to say I’m glad I’m in a ‘93. :)
Well, thanks Doug, only been waiting for years for you to review this little baby. Bought my NA G-Limited back in 98, still have it in mint condition to this day 25 years later. Some small upgrades exhaust and wheels, Seats Leather retrimmed to original condition. Love the thing, its become super rare too and a scream to drive.
Man, the 90s were such a great time for cars. This MR2, the Supra, the E36 M3, the R34, the ZR-1 DOHC Corvette, the WS-6 TransAm, the SVT Cobra, the FD RX-7.......and on and on. I doubt we will ever see an all encompassing sporty car renessance like that ever again.
There were so few SW20 Turbos imported in 1995 this is going for all the money. Thanks for covering one of my favorite cars Doug!
Correct. The yen was quite expensive in the mid 1990s and, although these cars were very special and totally worth it, Japanese cars were becoming very expensive. This was a $30k car new, which would be $60k today. I would add that German cars were also great but way too expensive in the 93-95 era due to currency issues.
@777jones Thanks for the response. I always wondered why the 93-95 mk2 fell off so hard.
Modern sports cars coming out these days can somehow be more developed, but those cars can't deliver a special emotion like this one does. The mr2 is a beauty which has a perfectly balanced design, performance and fun factors.
You haven't driven a LC500 clearly.
@@Fajoekit that was biggest toyota's project that failed and they stopped it with developing new sport cars
@@user-nb3xu8yw6h you have failed
@@Fajoekit I know everything about lc500. It was released in 2018 and had stopped the production so it is not technically like a super modern car sorry i didnt mentioned. I actually reffered to like ev sport cars or 4 cylinder ones like the new mr2, new nissans and so on as they are a boring craps.
I've been waiting for this Doug review
I've been waiting for this review. This was my dream car back in the 90's.
@DougDemuro You should review a 90's Celica Alltrac next. Same 3SGTE as in the SW20, same ball cooler vent, but with AWD and legendary rally heritage. I've owned one since 2006 and nothing comes close for a driving experience. Analog, well balanced, peppy (for the time), low production numbers in the USA. One of the first Japanese AWD+Turbo Hot hatches that has managed to stay off the radar for most.
I've owned 2 of these in the 1990s. Very tail happy in the wet but like a go kart when dry. One of mine was previously upgraded with aftermarket suspension. My God. It was so hard that if you hit a bump in the road, your rear end would bounce and give your driving skills a severe test 😂😮 Love both of mine. Also hard a all wheel steer Celica. Loads of electrical problems tho. The rear engine compartment wasnt easy to work on tho. Loads of back ache.😮😢😂
I had MR2 including one of these final GT models, it was the most fun car. BTW the straps behind the seats were to hold the roof panels which fitted perfectly behind the seat backs
Bought one last month, I'm so excited to turn it into everything I've ever dreamed of :D hopefully this raises the prices a bit too 😅
There was a British Racing Green one on my street as a kid and I used to dream of the day I could drive!
Always loved the second gen MR2. Now, Doug can you please review a z32 300zx? I’ve owned 3 and it has lots of quirks and features!
My buddy had one of these back when I had my slightly modified SVT Contour. We had tons of fun, especially going to Race Legal at Qualcomm Stadium on Saturday nights. Neither are insane cars but they're both just so fun to drive.
Man mr2’s and their owners are the best!
This is a fact!
I love these cars! To me the MR2 was a Japanese Dino only with much less maintenance and Toyota reliability. I needed a back seat for my baby daughter's car seat so I bought a 1995 BMW M3 instead. As great as my M3 is it did not make me forget about the MR2. I will find one in good condition though when I'm ready. I hope!
Bought a '91 turbo back in 2009 as my first car. I still have it to this day and I still love it like on day one!
Love seeing the MkII getting some well-deserved attention. I still regret selling my ‘93 model (which is when the suspension mods went into production). Another cool thing to highlight is the ability to fit all 4 track wheels/tires in the car (1 in the frunk; 1 behind the passenger seat; 2 on the passenger seat!). I could then get my helmet bag, folding chair, small cooler, hydraulic jack, etc. in the trunk (which btw could also fit two golf bags without having to pull the drivers out of the bags!).
13:44 the straps are used for the T tops. Those traps are there to hold them in place. Great review.
Yep. The car also came with bags to put the T-tops in so the glass wouldn't get damaged. The bags could be stored in those little compartments behind the seat.
Between the turbo MR2 and the early 90's Eagle Talon Tsi and Eclipse GSX, those were the hot JDM cars at the street races that could put down some serious times & power by cranking up the boost and hooking up off the line. Back then (mid 90's.... way before F&F made it more dangerous - I'm totally dating myself), the term "fast" was a 13 or 12 sec car in the 1/4 mile =P
Don’t forget about the FC Rx-7 turbos too back in early 90’s.
Great little sports car. Your drive was basically my commute and you drive by my office at an architectural firm at 18:36, where I looked out on the 8 West and occasionally enjoyed witnessing a motorcycle pulling a wheelie all the way to the ocean haha.
I HONESTLY preferred driving my 1993 Toyota MR2 automatic than my 2000 Porsche 911 (when I owned them concurrently). 🚗
Why
@@sc1338 because he didn't buy a 2000 Porsche Boxster
@@jesusbarrera6916, in fact, I was planning to get a used Boxster, but the salesman mentioned that he had a 911, and since I had three children, I decided to buy the Carrera instead.
@@sc1338, the MR2 was “zippier”. The seats in my 911 were VERY uncomfortable for my body-type. 💺
Doug is the kind of guy to bring back my dream HS car and make me want to bid
Doug is the kind of guy to have dumbass followers that make the same stupid “Doug is the kind of guy” comments on every single video.
And drive up that bid 300% !
0:19 MONKE!!
My mom had one of these and I learned to drive stick in this car. Man it was fun. I think the straps behind the seats were to store the t-top panels, from what I remember.
Love when I click your videos and it cuts straight to “THIS!” and no ads
Well there goes my chances of ever owning one of these, Doug said exactly what I tell all my friends when I see one of these, I think this was Toyotas best sports car. Looks the best, is cooler in platform regards, and it was low production. I’ll forever crave one.
Love the MR2, fun, reliable and highly tunable proper sports car
Such an amazing car, I LOVED driving these, great cornering feel.
Had one, pre facelift non turbo. Drove very effortless just like a camry but was pretty fun when the rpm passed 5k. One day I took a easy corner to fast and the damn thing snap oversteered. Flew past two trees and ended up in a field. Sold it within two weeks after the incident. Friend of mine had the generation in the video and it was the turbo version and it was great. But I was always nervous sitting in one of these cars.
so many unique design details - thanks Doug! they were prob everywhere thanks to toyota engineering keeping them on the road. fieros sure disappeared quick. would love to see your review of a mitsu galant vr4
He filmed a review of a Galant VR-4 but it was never released for some reason.
21 years into owning my MR2 Mk2 (transplanted with a 250hp JDM turbo 3SGTE and factory equipped LSD equipped gearbox) and I would never sell it out of choice. A truly fantastic sports car that is way under appreciated.
Sort of stunned that he finally reviewed this. The reality is these cars have been so overlooked in the USA. I fell in love with these about 6yrs ago.
Absolutely love these things! I had the opportunity to buy a mint one from a friend maybe 12 years ago. I regret not buying it. They’re very expensive these days here in Australia. Great video!
They were ubber cheap in Canada too. Not anymore unfortunately.
The great thing about affordable mid engine cars is that you can swap in an engine+transmission that was normally only available in a fwd car. Like the Volvo 5cyl turbo found in the T5, you can swap that into an mr2. Or the Honda K engine. Or the vw VR engine. Or the smaller FWD version of the chevy LS.
Yeah I have a 91 non-turbo and I'm in the process of putting a 3.5l v6 out of a 2011 Lexus in it (the same 3.5L lotus opted to use in their evora), even bolts up to the stock mr2 trans
@@SpookyFubuki @gr swap nice! I'm almost done putting a 5-sgte in mine, 500hp rated
my dad had a sw20 up until a few months ago. he was building it from the ground up, ordering parts and building it in his free time, it took hom 8 years, and he was almost done with it, when he sold it. it was quite annoying for me, concidering i had recently gotten into cars, and has done a bit of work on it myself, intending on finishing it, but he was tired of it just sitting there so now we have an empty garage. :( it also had a sunroof, not a t top
The fitment on the headliner panels on the t top panels looks excellent. This is really peak Toyota engineering
Ahhh yes the lovely MR2, I'll never forget mine, especially since I have videos to look back at. A blast to drive, but I will always regret having bald track tires in the rain. (Tinting the T-Tops are a must!)
Thanks so much for this review!! I had a white Turbo when I was younger. Then sold it, realized my mistake and bought a red Turbo. It was incredible. The factory sound system was to die for as well. I sometimes dream they would sell a limited edition 2024 identical model with a better interior but I realize it would be very costly. Used ones cost a ton of money here in Canada. Beat up cars as far as cosmetics but they are built like a tank! Thanks for this
Ah the MR2. I bought a 91 after my 1990 300ZX twin turbo, which certainly wasn't an upgrade. But if you were a 20 something guy in the 90s, the Z, MR2, Supra and RX7 were on many guys radars. I owned the naturally aspirated version with a removeable sunroof ( not the Ts ). It wasn't fast but it sure was a blast to carve corners with. I did however test drive a couple turbo models and they were definitely the ones to own. The leather in those cars felt pretty high end to me too. Also, aside from the turbo badge on the rear, the dead giveaway it was a turbo was the elevated engine hood vents....the naturally aspirated had flush hood vents. Great car indeed.
thank you for mentioning the raised hood vents! it's a much better indicator of the Turbo trim than the badge.
Leaving a positive comment before even watching. Thanks for this! Always thought that these were cool.
omg I owned one of these exact same colour from around 2003-2004, absolutely loved the car, I ruined it with an exhaust that could be heard from roughly 1 mile away but the car was unreal. Not all that fast but just well poised and nimble.
It still amazes me that Doug is so entertaining he's able to put out incorrect information and still remain so popular
It’s unfortunate that Toyota doesn’t make sports cars like this anymore. It would be so cool if they bring back the MR2 and Celica.
The MR2 is coming back
I'll never be interested in any EV's or hybrids
@@jethrox827 as a hybrid, I’ll pass