The Toyota MR2 is a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-seater sports car. The “MR” originally stood for Midship Runabout 2 seater, but later evolved into Mid-engine Rear-wheel drive, or Mid-Rear engine, or any number of other variations. Having the engine in the center of the car allows for very quick and responsive handling; the rear-wheel drive allows some engine based modulation of the steering; and its short wheel-base combined with the mid-engine provide a very nimble combination. More at the history page.
The MR2 traces its roots as far back as 1976 when the first sketches were produced, and into 1979 when initial prototypes began to emerge.
MKI 1984-89
The MKI has a more angular, boxy design than later models, and is very agile and lightweight. It was produced as a normally aspirated (NA) model between 1984 and 1989, and in a supercharged (SC) model between 1986 and 1989.
The NA car was available in North America from 1985 through 1989 while the SC version was available in North America for model years 1988 and 1989 only.
MKII 1990-99
Produced between late-1989 and 1999 in Japan, the second incarnation of the MR2 made its debut in the United States early in 1990 as a 1991 model. The MKII was available as either a normally aspirated (NA) or as a turbocharged (T) car in hardtop, sunroof, and T-top versions. The MKII does not look much like the MKI, being longer, and more rounded. Many changes to the MKII were made over the years, moving through four revisions.
MKIII 2000-2005
Produced only in normally aspirated models between 2000 and 2005 and known as the MR-S or MR2 Spyder. The MKIII returns to the smaller size and handling of the MKI, but again visually very different. The MKIII was not available with factory forced indction but aftermarket kits can be fitted.