Toyota MR2 (2000 - 2006) 1.8 VVTi 2d Owner Review

I have never owned a car with as much FPG (fun per gallon) as the 2. Remember dodgems and go-karts when you were a kid? This is the road legal equivalent.

It’s even a giggle in 20mph zones because there is no need to slow down for junctions or corners. Just turn the wheel …. and then laugh in your rear view mirror as the overweight MPVs bounce and dive their way after you. Slowly.

Is it practical? Not really, but I don’t care because I’m having more fun than anyone in a practical car (unless it’s winter, in which case I would prefer a nice sensible diesel vehicle with winter tyres please!).

Regarding the lack of storage, I have been away for a long weekend, with passenger and full luggage for two Including a crate of beer and provisions, in this car - it is possible with some forward planning! I’ve also done a major shop for two people, plus a passenger. You just learn to leave the multi-pack of toilet rolls until next time.

Is it fast? Yes and no. It doesn’t have a lot of out and out power, but it’s so nimble and lightweight, it outperforms most cars in most day to day road conditions, as long as it’s dry. I’ve had mine lowered which makes it even faster around the corners. It’s a complete hoot and it will leave other more powerful cars standing on roundabouts, back roads, corners and junctions.

Overall, the pretty 2 is far and away the best car I’ve ever owned. Because it’s cheap to maintain and reliable too, I don’t really want to drive anything else! It could use a bit more power, and yes it would benefit from more storage, but both of those would detract from the MR2’s essence, which is a compact and lightweight go-kart.

In a sea of MPVs, it’s great to be the little minnow swimming (very fast around corners) in the other direction.