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2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder reviews and buying guide.

2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder resources:

2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder

Toyota’s Mid-engine Rear-wheel drive 2-seater (MR2) sports car, the 2003 MR2 Spyder, has some significant innovations and upgrades on show this year. The prime one is in the transmission, which has been given a six-speed sequential manual transmission (SMT) option. A five-speed manual transmission is standard. 16-inch rear wheels are also new giving the MR2 Spyder better response and control than ever before.

Capable of 0-60 mph performance in slightly over seven seconds, the MR2 Spyder delivers the performance and handling of more expensive sports cars but low maintenance and fuel costs are typical of Toyota reliability and value.

Under the Hood

The MR2 has a single engine choice with the two transmission choices determining the different models; MR2 and MR2 SMT. The optimized powertrain features a 1.8-liter twin-cam 16-valve four-cylinder engine shared by the Celica GT. The engine produces 138 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 125 lbs.-ft. of peak torque at 4,400 rpm. Toyota Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) continuously varies intake valve operation to optimize torque at all speeds. The result is very responsive everyday performance that does not require high rpm for enjoyable sporty driving.

This performance does not impact negatively on fuel economy. The MR2 has an aluminum engine block and an aluminum-alloy cylinder head that helps keep the powertrain weight low, achieving a remarkable 26/33mpg (city/hwy).

The SMT system is a true clutchless sequential manual transmission similar in concept and operation to those offered in Ferrari, Maserati and BMW M3 models. Computer-controlled actuators perform the clutch disengagement/engagement as the driver shifts gears by moving the floor-shifter to the "+" (up-shift) or "-" (downshift) positions or the driver can shift gears via steering wheel-mounted buttons. Meanwhile, an electronic throttle control adjusts engine speed to ease the process of up-shifts and downshifts.

Standard Features, Options Packages and Style

Style is the key for changes in 2003 including a bolder look in front with a new bumper and fascia, new dual-bulb projector-style headlights and integrated standard fog lights. In the rear, new combination lamps with cylindrical turn signals have been added while dual-bulb-look reversing lights mimic the front headlights. Side air intakes are now color-keyed instead of black. The mid-ship engine design is emphasized by a rear grill garnish combining body-color ribs and mesh.

Inside, new instrument panel graphics use finer gradations in the gauges for a more sophisticated appearance, as do new chrome-trim rings, which also accent the door speakers and air vents.

Options include leather upholstery and a carbon-fiber dashboard as stand-alone options or as part of a major options package.




<<< 2003 car reviews index

2003 Toyota 4Runner - 2003 Toyota Avalon - 2003 Toyota Camry - 2003 Toyota Celica - 2003 Toyota Corolla - 2003 Toyota Echo - 2003 Toyota Highlander - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser - 2003 Toyota Matrix - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder - 2003 Toyota Prius - 2003 Toyota RAV4 - 2003 Toyota Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sienna - 2003 Toyota Solara - 2003 Toyota Tacoma 2WD - 2003 Toyota Tacoma 4WD - 2003 Toyota Tundra

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