The pocket rocket that is the Toyota MR2

When speaking of mid-engined cars, what comes to mind more often than not are brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini and the like. Manufacturers of high-end performance cars (supercars) who naturally have a mid engine for better weight distribution, since a heavy nose can cause unwanted handling characteristics for the track (understeer). But what most people don't even know is that there is a cheap alternative for anyone looking for some mid-engine thrill. 

Anyone who was in the market for something different and mid-engined, but didn't have the crazy millionaire lifestyle typically turned to the MR2. A rear-wheel driven two seater from Toyota manufactured from 1984 to 2007 and sold throughout the world. It changed the way people looked at mid-engined cars. Suddenly, they were accessible. It certainly wasn't for anyone, because the car had a tendency to bite the inexperienced with typical oversteer. What it did give you however in addition to all the fun you would have, was an experience like no other. One that would make you a better driver overall. 

The name itself explains the car perfectly. "Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive, 2 seater". And that's what it was really conceived as. The thing that made it affordable was the thing that made it also great. Nothing was complicated and out of reach for the average joe. The original engine choice for example, never exceeded 2.2 liters and in most cases it was 1.6 or 1.8. The power output wasn't ridiculously high either, it ranged from 120 to 200 for the Turbo model. Needles to say, with weight usually below the 2200 lb mark the Turbo model was truly a pocket rocket, a handful at 10/10 pace even for the experienced driver. 

-MR2 Performance parts

During the car's lifespan it went through 3 generations and a few facelifts, and gained the respect it deserved by everyone only after its discontinuation. In Japan however, it was always looked at as a performance vehicle, because power is virtually nothing on the twisty roads of Japan if you don't have the handling to match it. Because these cars are so popular these days, it's difficult to find a clean one that isn't expensive. If you already own one however, you've got one hell of a car and should enjoy it as much as you can. In the past parts have been difficult to find for the MR2 platform, but in recent years that changed.

Furious customs has excellent performance parts that will boost your MR2 performance index even more. Take a look at our MR2 parts assortment right here.