1989 Toyota MR2 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
What owners say
"The 1989 Toyota MR2 has garnered praise from owners for its thrilling performance and excellent handling, making it a fun car to drive. Many drivers appreciate its responsive engine and sporty character, especially with the supercharged versions. However, some concerns include limited interior space and issues like targa top leaks and aging components. Overall, it's seen as a reliable classic that stands out on the road."
I've had 7 MR2s ranging from a '93 Yellow Turbo to my current 1989 NA White MR2. I found that although the 2nd generation MR2s were a bit more roomy inside and slightly quicker with the NA engine, the steering was a bit over- boosted and had less seat of the pants feel than the non- power steering 1st generation. I love the look over the hood of my '89 (like the NSX I owned), the minimalist approach to the interior, comfortable seats, and headroom with the pop- up top. The T-Top set up costs some headroom. And here's the real kicker. I recently sold my 2005 Lotus Elise because it was just too tough to get in and out of, used premium gas, and I always worried about having it breakdown. My '89 MR2 is mechanically rock solid, feels almost as tight on the road as the Lotus with less jarring on rough roads, similar gas mileage but with regular gas, and very similar handling capabilities for a 21 year old car. I'm now doing some minor restoration on my MR2. OK, not the fastest car out there, but lots of fun for what it is. I tried a few MIatas, but liked the MR2 better. The exclusivity of the 1986-1989 model adds to the pleasure of ownership and it still looks great compared to most other pocket-size sports cars today.
October 6, 2010it has a stainless steel racing exhaust that makes it sound like a ferrari,running at about 140 bhp it is good for 130 mph. only real let done is the targa top leaks but is common on these
February 11, 2008Perfect. Precisely the right amount of power and performance for road use. The supercharger transformed the MR2 from a nippy car into a quick one. 0-60 in the low 5s, a sensible level of grip, aftermarket alloys transformed the handling into just a bit oversteery. This is rapid enough to be thrilling without hitting silly speeds. And a car of this configuration allows you to reach its limits safely on the roads. Excellent car.
January 12, 2008What owners say
I've had 7 MR2s ranging from a '93 Yellow Turbo to my current 1989 NA White MR2. I found that although the 2nd generation MR2s were a bit more roomy inside and slightly quicker with the NA engine, the steering was a bit over- boosted and had less seat of the pants feel than the non- power steering 1st generation. I love the look over the hood of my '89 (like the NSX I owned), the minimalist approach to the interior, comfortable seats, and headroom with the pop- up top. The T-Top set up costs some headroom. And here's the real kicker. I recently sold my 2005 Lotus Elise because it was just too tough to get in and out of, used premium gas, and I always worried about having it breakdown. My '89 MR2 is mechanically rock solid, feels almost as tight on the road as the Lotus with less jarring on rough roads, similar gas mileage but with regular gas, and very similar handling capabilities for a 21 year old car. I'm now doing some minor restoration on my MR2. OK, not the fastest car out there, but lots of fun for what it is. I tried a few MIatas, but liked the MR2 better. The exclusivity of the 1986-1989 model adds to the pleasure of ownership and it still looks great compared to most other pocket-size sports cars today.
October 6, 2010it has a stainless steel racing exhaust that makes it sound like a ferrari,running at about 140 bhp it is good for 130 mph. only real let done is the targa top leaks but is common on these
February 11, 2008Perfect. Precisely the right amount of power and performance for road use. The supercharger transformed the MR2 from a nippy car into a quick one. 0-60 in the low 5s, a sensible level of grip, aftermarket alloys transformed the handling into just a bit oversteery. This is rapid enough to be thrilling without hitting silly speeds. And a car of this configuration allows you to reach its limits safely on the roads. Excellent car.
January 12, 2008Good car with a supercharged engine and some mods. The handling is amazing the feeling is the same than a kart, nervous and quick. It could be better with a bit more hp but very interesting like that. You only have to put 4 good tires and you can go on the track. Talk with a guy who knows this car and you'll see !
July 17, 2008Great handling, fun high reving Yamaha designed engine, 35 to 40mpg, good safety record.
June 10, 2008I now have a 2008 Miata MX5. Very nice car, but I think Mr2 outhandles it. Nicer shifter and more comfortable. MR2 was great on the race track. fun to drive, I didn't have cruise control which would have neen nice on a road trip. A larger trunk would help too.
August 26, 2009I had this car for 8 years, and enjoyed it throughout the entire time. It was very reliable, despite having me as its driver, and only the bodywork fell apart at the end. The acceleration was OK, and the brakes reasonable, but the handling was very good (although difficult to catch if it oversteered). Overall great fun.
February 10, 2008Great cars with an awesome kick when you keep the rpms into the power band. Slam the car into a corner under power and you are doing MR2ing at its best. Learn to drive the car in an open area or you will bend it for sure. If you aren't used to it, the car can snap spin on you especially if it is an '85 with both sway bars. I have owned an '86,'87, and now an '89. If I could find someone in western NC who knew how to really build a great motor it would be tremendous. Would love to convert it to a Silver Top. Wish someone made a street legal header.
September 29, 2007all around my favorite car to drive. Cheap on gas and still plenty powerful to have fun, handles amazing, very well built cars. Placement of interior features are amazing and logical. Exterior is beautiful and sleek. Solid hard lines that make them look tough.
October 5, 2009I love this car! Wanted one for years and then found one in Somerset in mint condition! Its a real head turner because there arent many around any more. If you find a good one BUY IT!!
March 14, 2008
