car stalls when warmed up, wont start till cooled down
I have changed the plugs, plug wires, cap and rotor.
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1991 Toyota MR2 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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After taking a year off, the Toyota MR2 was completely redesigned for 1991. It was larger and more aggressive-looking, with a bigger engine and a turbo-charged option. New safety features were also available, including a standard drivers-side air bag and optional anti-lock breaks.
The 1991 Toyota MR2 came in four trims: the coupe, the turbo coupe, the T-bar, and the turbo T-bar. The regular engine was a 2.2-liter, 130-horsepower four-cylinder. The turbo charged version was 2.0-liters and offered 200 horsepower. It came standard with a five-speed manual transmission, but was available with a four-speed automatic. The 1991 MR2 was rear-wheel drive, with the engine mounted behind the seats. Fuel economy was about 20/27.
The 1991 MR2 has many enthusiasts. Fans find that even the regular engine has plenty of pep, although the turbo engine is the favorite. Although these two-seaters can be cramped, many find the seats to be very comfortable, and drivers like how reliable they are. Some have found that these cars are prone to rust, and others find that the T-bar roof can leak.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1991 Toyota MR2
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Matt W
Oct 21, 2020
A great, reliable sports car thats quick & fairly rare, especially with a turbo. I think they are undervalued in todays market.Oct 21, 2020
by Anonymous
Jan 19, 2014
What other car comes in this light, this powerful, this fast and handles this well for the money ? What other car can you buy this cheap that gives you exotic sports car looks performance and appeal all connected to Toyota reliability ?Jan 19, 2014
by Austin L
Feb 23, 2013
For performance the MR2 is outclassed by most similar imports in a straight line. However, it can handle better than any Supra or Skyline you'll ever lay eyes on and is a very nimble car. It gets up to speed very quickly due to the turbo, and has very responsive disc brakes. It's a small car so easy to maneuver and fun to drive.
So far no repairs needed. The front struts do squeak going over bumps but I don't have the money to replace them. The T-tops do rattle at high speed but that's because the seals need to be replaced. It leaks when it rains a little, again because of the seals.
Appearance wise I think the car is stunning. It's a very unique vehicle and you don't see many on the road. Inside it has a great leather interior with some great bucket seats and a nice center console. It also has storage racks behind the seats for the t-top roof sections to hide behind, but these little ledges can be used for general storage when the roof is up. Outside it has a lot of nice gentle curves but nothing over the top.
Gas mileage on this car varies. The engine is small so if you're a feather-foot you can get upwards of 25 mpg easily. However if you're a leadfoot and you use the turbo too much you're looking more at around 15-19 mpg. Maintenance varies. Most parts are cheap being a Toyota, but labor can be pricey because the drivetrain is very difficult to access without pulling the engine out the bottom sometimes.
The car is wicked fun to drive. Mine is making 288 whp right now, and it's like a rocket. It weighs very little and is very small, so it accelerates very quickly.Feb 23, 2013
User rating:
by Matt W
Oct 21, 2020
A great, reliable sports car thats quick & fairly rare, especially with a turbo. I think they are undervalued in todays market.Oct 21, 2020
by Anonymous
Jan 19, 2014
What other car comes in this light, this powerful, this fast and handles this well for the money ? What other car can you buy this cheap that gives you exotic sports car looks performance and appeal all connected to Toyota reliability ?Jan 19, 2014
by Austin L
Feb 23, 2013
For performance the MR2 is outclassed by most similar imports in a straight line. However, it can handle better than any Supra or Skyline you'll ever lay eyes on and is a very nimble car. It gets up to speed very quickly due to the turbo, and has very responsive disc brakes. It's a small car so easy to maneuver and fun to drive.
So far no repairs needed. The front struts do squeak going over bumps but I don't have the money to replace them. The T-tops do rattle at high speed but that's because the seals need to be replaced. It leaks when it rains a little, again because of the seals.
Appearance wise I think the car is stunning. It's a very unique vehicle and you don't see many on the road. Inside it has a great leather interior with some great bucket seats and a nice center console. It also has storage racks behind the seats for the t-top roof sections to hide behind, but these little ledges can be used for general storage when the roof is up. Outside it has a lot of nice gentle curves but nothing over the top.
Gas mileage on this car varies. The engine is small so if you're a feather-foot you can get upwards of 25 mpg easily. However if you're a leadfoot and you use the turbo too much you're looking more at around 15-19 mpg. Maintenance varies. Most parts are cheap being a Toyota, but labor can be pricey because the drivetrain is very difficult to access without pulling the engine out the bottom sometimes.
The car is wicked fun to drive. Mine is making 288 whp right now, and it's like a rocket. It weighs very little and is very small, so it accelerates very quickly.Feb 23, 2013
by Matt C
Jan 29, 2012
This car is great for the money I bought it for. It's fast, looks great, can carry a great deal of stuff to the track and did I mention that it looks great? The styling of this car is classic, the lines all flow nicely and nothing looks out of place. The performance is there and when it's time to go, you can do that easily by mashing the gas :)
I bought the car for racing and was able to do so for awhile, then ended up daily driving it. Snow tires made the car a tank in the snow, no problems whatsoever and very easy to drift around a snowy lot for some fun too :)
I'd recommend this car if you're looking for something fun and fast, with a little bit of money, it can definitely go faster too. It's a Toyota, so the reliability is there but it's not terribly easy to work on.
All in all, a great car to own - if you can take care of it, it'll take care of you.Jan 29, 2012
by Paul H
Nov 28, 2011
I love the MR2, its a fantastic car even though its 20 years old! Starts first time
on the original engine!
Handles beautifully! And I love the sound it makes with an after market filter on
it. Power is down as it uses a rev2 3SGE but they can easily adopt a 3.0L V6
(1MZ-FE engine)
Over all the car is a pleasure, but its hard to get one without rust these days!Nov 28, 2011
by Michael B
Nov 23, 2011
Unbelievably awesome car to drive, its my daily/AutoX car and it handles the
curves lie a pro. it may not be the fastest in a straight line, but it hangs with just
about any other car in the curves.Nov 23, 2011
by Joshua S
Oct 26, 2011
Quick car, perfect for those looking for an auto-cross vehicle and a daily driver. A bit cramped for road trips or hauling anything but one other person. Very excellent handling coupled with a fun weight distribution gives you a car that gives plenty of feedback to the driver.Oct 26, 2011
by Corey B
Dec 07, 2010
The age, it requires a lot of tlc but when it is running right, it is a dream. It is cheap to maintain until you want more power. It takes turns like it's on rails. It gets good gas mileage while still being enjoyable to drive. I feel I will never be done with it.Dec 07, 2010
by Arturo M
Dec 04, 2010
Very nice car. The turbo makes it a very fast car. His look its unbetable. The only bad part is that is a car for only two passengers and isn't so comftable. For every thing else is an incredible car. Dec 04, 2010
by Stuart R
Aug 15, 2010
Not a great shopping car, but handles in a fabulous fashion & gets more looks than ever. People seem drawn towards it & seem to realise it's got a lus amadrive layout without it turning a wheel. Plus many have forgotten the MR2 & think it more exotic than it is when the engine erupts from the rear...Plus amazing durability (with care) & you have a stunning mini Ferrari!
Aug 15, 2010
by Charles R
Feb 18, 2010
Love the acceleration and comfort. It's easy to drive
everyday but when you need the power it's most
definitely there. The only bad I can say is that it's a
little more difficult to work on than most cars and
also the tail end is twitchy when pushed hard but
with learning you can over come that. For a car of
this age I haven't seen anything else that's stood up
this well to time in terms of build quality. The car
still looks modern today and i still get asked about
it when i'm out and about. Gas mileage isn't bad
when you are just driving normally when you put
your foot down alot like me though it hovers
around 16-18mpg in the city. This is probably right
on par with my miata in the smiles per gallon dept
but the miata only makes me smile this much when
the top is down. The Mister2 does it all the timeFeb 18, 2010
by Richard P
Feb 05, 2010
Loved this car, you have so much feeling through the steering wheel!!! love it and miss it so much :'o(
Not to great in the wet though, but that used to add to the fun... Typical brilliant Japanese build... Love itFeb 05, 2010
by Amanda C
Jan 18, 2010
I have had my MR@ for about 4 years and I love him very much. This car is very fun to drive whether short or long trips. Very few repairs all done myself at home. I got it from a guy that brought it back from Germany. He put over 180k miles on it on the German highways. It still drives like a dream.Jan 18, 2010
by Anonymous
Oct 22, 2009
Bought the car new in 1990. It has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. I only drive it in summer months, no rain and it has never let me down each year when it came out of storage. Comfortable, economical and it looks like no other car on the road.Oct 22, 2009
by Nikolay A
Oct 18, 2009
Performance - Incredible kills BMW, GTI, GSI, VTi and all alike only 200hp+ car might get it.
Build Quality - very good
Appearence - very sporty and stands out of the rest.
Fun Factor - I can't think of nothing better to do than driveOct 18, 2009
by Micah C
Sep 13, 2009
Fast, fun car. will always beat you to 60mph. Exotic look and excellent handling will make the MR2 the best toy car you've ever driven. Once turbo lag drops out at 2,500 rpm, it's great. The motor is easily tuned to over 300 hp (100 hp over stock).Sep 13, 2009
by Nick W
Jul 24, 2009
Handles like nothing I've ever experienced before. The engine is in the right place to give near 50/50 weight distribution. The power on the Normally aspirated cars aren't too bad, but you'll soon be craving the power of the turbosJul 24, 2009
by Dan P
Jul 09, 2009
The most amazing sports car you will ever drive or ride in. It has great acceleration, great handling, and will still get great gas mileage. Parts are still readily available and the MR2 has one of the largest online community/support forums on the internet!Jul 09, 2009
by Roger G
Jun 30, 2009
Wow, this is the epitone for import sports cars. Mid-engine, turbocharged and the skid pad of a Ferrari...what else could one want. Acceleration is great, though 1st gear could be longer. Stops on a dime, with nine cents to spare, and corners like no other. Some complain about "snap oversteer" but that's only because they brake too far into the corner and don't accelerate out from the apex.
Great Car...yet few around.Jun 30, 2009
by Sarah D
Dec 30, 2008
I haven't had this car long, but so far I love it! It has great performance, when the turbo kicks in be prepared to be going places a whole lot sooner! It brakes and handles like a true sports car. There are a fair few noises around the interior but I personally don't mind. It does have a tiny bit of rust underneath the carpeting because the t-roofs leaks and the interior is constantly moist. This is solved by clearing out the leak channels in the t-roofs. The car is beautiful, fast, gets decent gas mileage when you keep your foot out of it, and is pure fun to drive. Haven't owned it long, will update on maintenance costs. Dec 30, 2008
by Scott B
Oct 16, 2008
Overall: The car is great. It handles well, is pretty peppy, and just feels good to drive. The price is high for the specs, but it nice to buy a car that it's rare to see once every other week let alone daily.
Performance: The car is mildly fast, however a turbo might be a bit better. The brakes seemed a bit underpowered at first, but I now think I was comparing it to the acceleration (My last car was a Volvo 240). The car has practically no body roll, but as a result the smallest bumps are pretty jaring.
Build Quality: The car has been very reliable. My biggest problem has been panels rattling either from the engine vibration or the speakers. However, I am missing some clips, and this might be the simple solution. The weather striping between the window and t-tops leack, but the car IS 17 years old. The only other problem I've had is the rocker panels were torn up a bit from jacks.
Apperance: The car is beautifuly designed. The hood is a lot wider than it apears from the side, and the entire car is sleek. Interior has little room. No cup holders, no boxes apart from the glove box, no room really to expand things much. The interior, however, is very attractive.
Cost of Ownership: Gas milage is about 24-25 city, 29-30 highway.
Fun Factor: this car is oodles of fun. Curving on-ramps become a challange, and even without the turbo this car will push you back in your seat. Some rough specs are 0-60 in 8.7 seconds, 0-100 in 24.9, top speed 126mph. The low profile and mid engine allow for admirable skid pads. Be cautioned that 91's and 92's are a bit prone to oversteer.
Oct 16, 2008
by Rob M
Aug 25, 2008
The worst critisism of this car is that it's been called a cheap man's Ferrari. As if thats a bad thing. It gives a proper mid engined drive, that is comfortable for the everyday roads. The engine performance is suprising though not dawnting. It's true that some people have managed to swap ends in them. Though this is simply down to not understanding the balance of weight around the car, and the impact that momentum has on it. Aug 25, 2008
by Cam M
Aug 17, 2008
This was my first car, a great little car... 200hp in a light body gives it excellent performance, it can even beat 5.0 liter Mustangs at the drag strip. The only downside to this car is that with the engine in the middle behingd the seats, it can be very expensive to fix minor problems as the engine needs to be removed for most repairs.Aug 17, 2008
by Corbin D
Aug 02, 2008
Car is insane fast stops on a dime , gives you whiplash when you shift gears and no matter what anybody says mr2's can drift if you know how to drive them. has they old school stylling of japan with pop up head lights and flush bumper headlights but come loaded with features like cruise conrtol , leather , steering fog lights , telescopic and tilt steering and 260hp from the factory whats not to loveAug 02, 2008
by Euhan K
Jul 29, 2008
After going with the whole drifting scene for a while I decided to get a car I've always wanted when I first got into cars. The MR2. The handling on it from factory is pretty good, I wouldn't say its anything like a ferrari or an S2000. With the right driver however the MR2 can be fast around a corner. With the right tuner it can also be a great fast car. Cost of the car is not too bad so long as your looking to buy the condition of a car you want.
The car has great acceleration from factory and can easily be made to have over 250hp with only a few bolt ons. I personally think the car looks great but some people don't like how the car looks. Braking so long as its up to spec is great, has great stopping power even when compared to super cars. The car has been really reliable for me didn't need anything besides the normal routine tuneup. I don't recommend this to a beginning driver, your asking for trouble driving one of these before getting some kind of driving experience at least in an FR vehicle. Jul 29, 2008
by David R
Jul 20, 2008
really fun to drive, probably the most fun you can get from a car that cost very little money, well put together, still going strong at 130k miles and17 years,upgrades include revision3 rear lights and centre panel with twin illumination,revision 2 wheels, leather and alcantara seats,retrimed steering wheel, and gear gaitor~ knobJul 20, 2008
by Jensen L
Jun 15, 2008
Great blend of bang/buck, fun to drive factor, and build quality. I don't like that they have been discontinued.Jun 15, 2008
by Jared N
Apr 15, 2008
This car is pretty damn amazing. It handles exceptionally well and is very quick for a stock car. It has plenty of room for customization and there are a lot of motor options to make it even faster. It has a very nice cockpit and a sleek, sexy look. Good on gas and very reliable too. I love this car and will never get rid of it. You should get one too and then you'll be as cool as me.Apr 15, 2008
by Richard M
Apr 04, 2008
brilliant car, mine has the 3S-FE engine tho, which is really slow... i want the 3S-GE engine for the extra 50bhp ;)
cant knock it, 17 years old n still going fine :)Apr 04, 2008
by Mike G
Feb 01, 2008
This is my dream car. It's gorgeous, handles well, and can challenge any age or skill level of driver because of its' suspension and drivetrain setup. Surprisingly fun to drive, this car is usually more well known by real enthusiasts, who care about handling, cornering ability, braking, and balance instead of just horsepower.Feb 01, 2008
by Will N
Jan 25, 2008
One look says it all; it's sporty, has a mid-engine, and is completely customizable.
The second generation MR2, made from '90 to '99, handles like a true sports-car should.
It's quick, has lots of tuner potential, and really turns heads.
Jan 25, 2008
by Garrett W
Jan 03, 2008
Not quite as nimble as the other generations, but easily the fastest and most practical at the same time. Fantastic handling, great acceleration on the turbo models (especially a modded turbo), the joy of T-Tops in the summer on T-Bar trims. I've been spoiled for other cars now, thanks to a lack of MR layout affordable new cars.Jan 03, 2008
by Warren K
Jan 02, 2008
Great styling outside and in, leather interior (and is actually comfortable to fit in for a 2 seater). Light weight = good braking and cornering, and pretty fast for only 200hp.Jan 02, 2008
by Matt H
Jan 02, 2008
Very reliable car with good performance until I wrote it offJan 02, 2008
by Tony S
Dec 23, 2007
I did love this car, it was fantastic to drive. I do miss it very much... R.I.P.Dec 23, 2007
What users have asked
Battery dies real fast
Why does the battery die real fast?
41 views
What are these 2 pulleys?
Bought this used 1991 Toyota MR2 and noticed these 2 pulleys have no belt on them. What are they for and do they need a belt? Drove car 2 hours to get it home and it ran fine.
32 views
is it expensive to maintain a 1991 mr2 turbo that is stock and will not be modified?
im thinking of purchasing a stock toyota mr2 turbo with 128k miles on it. is maintenance on these cars expensive? are parts expensive? thanks.
3936 views
Do you need parts for a '91 Toyota mr2?
I have a toyota mr2 that I'm parting out. If you need a certain part, reply to this.
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1991 Toyota MR2?Compare this car
1991 Toyota MR2 Pricing
Original MSRP
$15,148 to $19,678Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
T-Tops: glass
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Upholstery: leather
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
T-Tops: glass
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy