What size engine is in a 1988 Toyota MR2?
The 1988 Toyota MR2 uses a 1.6-liter inline-4 engine—the Toyota 4A-GE. This mid‑engine sports car employs a naturally aspirated 1,587 cc four-cylinder with DOHC and 16 valves, tuned for a high-rev driving experience.
Engine design and displacement
The 1988 MR2 relies on the 4A-GE family: a 1,587 cc inline-4 with double overhead camshafts and 16 valves. It uses a bore of 81.0 mm and a stroke of 77.0 mm, with a rev-happy character that benefits from a relatively high redline. The engine is naturally aspirated in this generation, and most markets paired it with a 5-speed manual transmission, though some regions offered a 4-speed automatic.
Key specifications at a glance:
- Displacement: 1,587 cc (1.6 L)
- Engine code: 4A-GE
- Configuration: inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves
- Induction: naturally aspirated
- Power output: roughly 112 hp in US-market cars; higher figures (around 130–135 hp) in some Japanese and European variants
- Transmission: 5-speed manual standard; 4-speed automatic optional in some markets
- Turbo: no factory turbo in the 1988 MR2
In practice, the 4A-GE is remembered for its ability to rev freely and deliver engaging performance for a light, mid‑engine sports car of the era, rather than for chasing peak horsepower.
Market variations and performance
Engine output and tuning varied by region due to emissions, fuel quality, and tax considerations. The core displacement remained the same, but power figures differed by market:
- United States and Canada: around 112 hp (83 kW)
- Japan and some European markets: higher outputs in the vicinity of 125–135 hp (93–100 kW) from market-specific ECU tuning
- Other regions: values aligned with either US or Japanese specs, depending on local regulations
These variations reflect the late‑1980s approach to balancing performance with regional standards, contributing to the MR2’s reputation for nimble handling rather than sheer horsepower.
Maintenance and ownership notes
Owners of a 1988 MR2 should pay attention to regular maintenance items common to DOHC 4A-GE engines: timing belt/chain history, cooling system integrity, head gasket condition, and valve clearance checks to preserve performance and reliability at higher mileages. Keeping the cooling system, ignition, and fuel delivery components well-maintained helps sustain the rev-happy character the car is known for.
Summary
The 1988 Toyota MR2 is powered by a 1.6-liter inline-4 4A-GE engine. While US-spec cars typically produced about 112 hp, overseas markets offered higher outputs due to tuning and emissions requirements. This engine combination helped define the MR2’s lively handling and engaging drive characteristic of the AW11 generation.
