2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder

Easy to raise and lower, the MR2's soft top features a real glass backlight with standard defogger.

Speaking of the soft-top, it's a clever design that can be unlatched and lowered at a stoplight with a flick of the wrist. A reverse-hinge design even permits the forward portion of the top to serve as its own cover in the al fresco mode. The backlight is a heated piece of glass so owners won't suffer the dreaded yellow plague with age. On the downside, we did note a minor wind whistle at the A-pillar header on the passenger side of our car, which turned into a minor leak during a rainsquall. Beyond that, the rest of the MR2's passenger compartment was well finished and largely laid out with the driver's best interests in mind. Despite all interior surfaces being generated by injection-molding machines of some sort, an interesting selection of weaves, perforations, and textures prevent your thoughts from drifting in the cheap direction. Low seats, high sides, and a wind blocker help minimize buffeting as speed increases. Although every interior nook and cranny in the MR2 is fitted with some sort of mini storage compartment, the trunk is barely large enough for a medium-sized duffel bag. In other words, this car is ideal for sensual weekends, but not practical enough to serve as your one and only ride (except for those moving up from a motorcycle).


A poor person's Porsche in every sense of the word, the MR2 delivers a full dose of vivacity to those still not quite ready for four doors and a steel roof overhead. If you're looking for cost-effective driving fun, this is one package that won't disappoint. (www.toyota.com)