2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The 2003 MR2 Spyder saw a number of changes from the previous year. The sequential manual transmission went from a five-speed to a...
The 2003 MR2 Spyder saw a number of changes from the previous year. The sequential manual transmission went from a five-speed to a six-speed, fog lights were standard, and the gauges were redesigned. The exterior also got a facelift, including a new front end, new head and taillights, and color-keyed intake vents.
The 2003 MR2 Spyder came in one trim level, with very few available options. The handful of choices included leather seating, the SMT, and cruise control. The engine, which was mounted in the middle of the car, was a 1.8-liter, 138 horsepower four-cylinder. The transmission was a five-speed manual, and it had rear-wheel drive. The top is designed to sit flush with the body of the car when down, so no cover is required. Fuel economy is about 25/32.
Drivers of the 2003 MR2 Spyder readily admit that it is a for-fun car only. Owners say the trunk is practically nonexistent, the space behind the seat can only hold a briefcase or two, the seats can get uncomfortable during a long drive, and it can be downright dangerous in the snow. Still, Spyder owners love their cars because it is fun to drive, handles well, looks good, and comes with typical Toyota reliability.
What owners say
"The 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder has captured the hearts of many drivers with its exceptional handling and fun driving experience. Owners love its nimble performance and fuel efficiency, often achieving up to 33 miles per gallon. Many reviews highlight the sporty design and the thrill of driving a mid-engine car. However, the limited cargo space is a common downside, along with the challenge of putting the convertible top on correctly. Overall, it's celebrated as a fun, affordable sporty ride, particularly suited for single drivers or couples who prioritize performance over practicality."
This is a great, fun car if you don't need any more than one person beside you in the vehicle. Handling is incredible, it gets 29-33 mpg even the way I drive it, and for only having 145hp the 1980lb weight helps it move very well. Upkeep on it is extremely cheap and I am going to the 2ZZ engine from the lotus Elise which is easily swapped into the engine bay for a 60hp boost over stock. I have owned the car for 2 years now and other than oil changes and routine maintenance have not had to change anything. It takes about 40 dollars to fill up with premium here in Tennessee.
August 4, 2012I purchased my 2003 Spyder in 2006, finding one spec'd out exactly how I wanted and with only 6,800 miles covered at that point. I had wanted one since 2001 when myself and 4 friends each rented one and took them to a track day and had a blast all day long running nose-to-tail trying to shake each other or get past. This car has served me well - it now has just over 50,000 miles and a lot of that has been fun trips through the canyons around Malibu, CA. It is an easy car to drive fast and deceptively quick because you can carry so much speed through turns and brake so late. It changes direction with the precision of a go-kart. A lot of people complain the car lacks space for luggage and packages. I've not had too much trouble fitting nearly everything I needed to into the car. There are compartments behind the seats that hold more than you might expect. Above that with the top up you will find a parcel shelf. Then if you don't have a passenger you have all that room, plus there is a compartment in the front of the car as well which you can expand by removing the spare tire. All in all, if you are looking for a fun and sporty car that is also fairly affordable you should at least give this little car a chance unless you just can't stomach the looks.
December 30, 2011Not a fast car, but a blast to drive. Love the mid-engine handling! People think it's some exoticar. They are surprised that it's a Toyota. Good build quality. Nice, simple, well thought out interior. I would like to buy another.
April 27, 2011What owners say
This is a great, fun car if you don't need any more than one person beside you in the vehicle. Handling is incredible, it gets 29-33 mpg even the way I drive it, and for only having 145hp the 1980lb weight helps it move very well. Upkeep on it is extremely cheap and I am going to the 2ZZ engine from the lotus Elise which is easily swapped into the engine bay for a 60hp boost over stock. I have owned the car for 2 years now and other than oil changes and routine maintenance have not had to change anything. It takes about 40 dollars to fill up with premium here in Tennessee.
August 4, 2012I purchased my 2003 Spyder in 2006, finding one spec'd out exactly how I wanted and with only 6,800 miles covered at that point. I had wanted one since 2001 when myself and 4 friends each rented one and took them to a track day and had a blast all day long running nose-to-tail trying to shake each other or get past. This car has served me well - it now has just over 50,000 miles and a lot of that has been fun trips through the canyons around Malibu, CA. It is an easy car to drive fast and deceptively quick because you can carry so much speed through turns and brake so late. It changes direction with the precision of a go-kart. A lot of people complain the car lacks space for luggage and packages. I've not had too much trouble fitting nearly everything I needed to into the car. There are compartments behind the seats that hold more than you might expect. Above that with the top up you will find a parcel shelf. Then if you don't have a passenger you have all that room, plus there is a compartment in the front of the car as well which you can expand by removing the spare tire. All in all, if you are looking for a fun and sporty car that is also fairly affordable you should at least give this little car a chance unless you just can't stomach the looks.
December 30, 2011Not a fast car, but a blast to drive. Love the mid-engine handling! People think it's some exoticar. They are surprised that it's a Toyota. Good build quality. Nice, simple, well thought out interior. I would like to buy another.
April 27, 2011Hard to find, fun to drive. The top is a little hard to get snapped on right in mine. Very nice condition with low miles and a fair price.
May 15, 2021Real nice handling, good on turns and fast. Top acceleration is incredible!! No words to explain but truly amazing. Fun to drive. Its in my garage of fear of scratching it. Breaking is sensitive. Handle with care!!. Looks really nice too. I would definatly reccoment this car to a friend.
August 25, 2008Love the handling, not too bad acceleration. Basically a total package. Don't like the limited space and the difficulty with a mid engine car.
June 14, 2008Tremendous fun to drive. Very stylish. Rare. Not practical in cold or snowy climates. Low mileage cars are pricey.
October 6, 2022insane handling, can take a right hand turn at 50mph without letting loose good pickup, 14 QM stock great gas milage, 32 miles per galon Designed partly by Lotus with a tuned down elise engine, a 1ZZ very comfortable shifts nicely and smoothly not much trunk space though... Mid-Engined Rear Wheel Drive
August 9, 2008Performance - Health in standard form, grea fun to handle aroun the roads. Now modified with morepowr on tap and even finer hndling. Build Quaity - pretty good and far better than the VW, Vauxhalls, and Fords i had before. Appearance - Love it, great looking inside and out Cost of ownership - Can you put a price on this fun car? When i can squeeze 48mpg when i want to, and it's a sporty car - that's astonishing. Never been serviced at a dealer, like all dealers i've ever used they're a rip off. Fun factor - That's what this car is all about, huge grin factor, very happy.
August 3, 2008Very fun car to drive, handling is so stable. Consider one prices are going up.
May 14, 2024Trims & specs
Base MSRP $25,130 | Seating 2 |
Engine 1.8L 138 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 1.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 26 | Drivetrain RWD |
