2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder

Body style(s): 2-door roadster

Trim levels: MSRP:
base $23,585

dest. charge: $455

Notes

    Having been introduced late in the 2000 model year, Toyota's MR2 roadster continued into 2001 with few changes. The mid-engine design of the Spyder lent it a superb driving dynamic, just like its coupe forbearers. The fixed-roof MR2s had a reputation for being no-nonsense sports car with a reputation for somewhat twitchy handling with oversteer. Toyota tuned the roadster to be more predictable in its handling and control. While the new car was still very tossable, its handling was now marked by mild, progressive understeer, with limited oversteer only upon exiting a curve. It was also very light, weighing in at barely a ton, mostly due to its compact drivetrain installation. For 2001, the MR2 Spyder's first factory option arrived: leather upholstery became available for $620, distinguishing itself with a tan convertible top.

Series: 2000-2005

design

Drivetrain:
Construction:
Seats:

Engine(s):
transverse mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
steel unibody
2

1.8L multiport-injected I-4
Valvetrain: dual-overhead-cam, 4 valves/cylinder
Bore x stroke: 79.0x91.4mm
Compression ratio: 10.0 to 1 (87-octane unleaded)
Horsepower (SAE net): 138bhp@6400rpm
Torque (SAE net): 125lb-ft@4400rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual (f.d. ratio 4.31:1)
EPA fuel economy (city/hwy, 1985 test): 25/30mpg

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 96.5"
Length: 153.0"
Width: 66.7"
Height: 48.8"
Track, F: 58.1"
Track, R: 57.5"
Clearance: 4.9"
 
Curb weight: 2250 lbs.
 
Interior vol.: 48 cu ft.
Cargo vol.: 0.4 cu ft. (front trunk),
1.5 cu ft. (storage compartments)
Fuel tank: 12.7 gal.

Technical

Tires: 185/55R15 f, 205/50R15 r
Suspension:
(f/r)
indep.: MacPherson struts, lower L-arms, coil springs, tube shocks, anti-roll bar
indep.: Chapman struts, dual links, coil springs, tube shocks, anti-roll bar
Brakes: disc/disc, power-assisted (10.0" vented/10.4" vented)
Steering: rack-and-pinion, power-assisted (ratio 13.6:1, 2.7 turns-to-lock)
Active sys.: anti-lock brakes
Airbags: dual front

Standard Equipment

base Seating: cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 4-way driver's seat, 4-way passenger's seat. Equipment: manual cloth convertible top w/ glass rear window, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, retained accessory power, rear fixed mast antenna, tachometer. Climate control: air conditioning, rear defogger. Entertainment: AM/FM radio, cassette deck, CD player, 4 speakers. Cabin features: center console w/ storage, floor shifter, 3 cupholders (2 in-dash, 1 in center console), ashtray, lighter, digital clock, remote fuel-filler & trunk releases, locking glove box, dashboard-top storage, door map bins, dome light, dual map lights, day/night rearview mirror, visor mirrors, rear wind deflector, carpeting. Exterior: alloy wheels. Lights: daytime-running lights, auto-on/off dual-circuit halogen headlights, CHMSL. Safety: compact spare tire, variable-intermittent wipers.

Notable Options

Seating: leather upholstery ($620)
Cabin features: carbon-fiber dashboard trim ($369)

Performance

Acceleration (0-60 mph): 7.3 sec. (R/T: 06/00)
Maximum speed: 129 mph
Braking (60-0 mph): 115 ft.
Roadholding (skidpad): 0.91 g
Slalom (100' spaced): 62.6 mph
Turning circle: 34.8 ft.

Other vehicles

SHARED CHASSIS: none
COMPETITORS: BMW Z3, Honda S2000, Mazda MX-5 Miata


2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder roadster
Toyota MR2 Spyder roadster [photo by Scott Jacobs, courtesy Edmunds.com].

2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder roadster
Toyota MR2 Spyder roadster.