What year did the Toyota MR2 come out?
The Toyota MR2 first appeared in 1984 in Japan, with U.S. sales beginning in the 1985 model year.
It is a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car that evolved across three generations from its 1984 debut through 2007. This article traces the release timeline and milestones across generations to explain when it first came out and how it expanded into global markets.
First generation (AW11: 1984–1989)
The original MR2 introduced a new formula for Toyota: a compact, mid-mounted engine driving the rear wheels. It debuted in Japan in 1984 and reached U.S. showrooms by 1985. A mid-cycle refresh in 1987 updated styling and mechanicals before production ended in 1989.
- 1984 — Debut in Japan (Tokyo Motor Show) and start of AW11 production.
- 1985 — US sales begin (1985 model year).
- 1987 — Mid-cycle refresh with mechanical and trim upgrades.
- 1989 — End of first-generation production.
The first-generation MR2 established the car’s identity as a light, highly balanced two-seat sports car with a focus on handling over outright power.
Second generation (SW20: 1990–1999)
The second generation broke with the original design and adopted a more aggressive look and heavier performance, with new chassis and a longer wheelbase. It launched in Japan in 1990 and reached the U.S. market for the 1991 model year. A turbocharged MR2 Turbo variant was introduced later in the decade, expanding performance options, and production carried on until the end of 1999.
- 1990 — Japanese introduction of the SW20, a redesigned platform.
- 1991 — US market introduction (SW20) and broader international sales.
- 1993 — MR2 Turbo variant (2.0L turbo) launched in some markets, expanding performance options.
- 1999 — End of second-generation production; transition to the third generation.
The SW20 era made the MR2 a more capable performer with upgraded engines, suspension, and styling that appealed to a broader audience of sports car enthusiasts.
Third generation and the MR2 Spyder (MR-S: 1999–2007)
The third generation, known as MR-S in Japan and MR2 Spyder in several markets, introduced a more open, minimalist design with a lighter chassis and a different driving experience. It debuted in Japan in 1999, with the United States receiving the MR2 Spyder as a 2000 model year vehicle, and production continued until 2007.
- 1999 — Third generation debuts in Japan as the MR-S (often marketed as MR2 in other markets).
- 2000 — US market introduction of the MR2 Spyder (convertible, light-weight design).
- 2007 — End of MR2 production, marking the conclusion of the model line.
The third generation emphasized a lighter, more open driving experience, continuing Toyota’s mid-engine tradition into the 2000s before production ended.
Summary
In short, the Toyota MR2 first came out in 1984 in Japan, with U.S. sales starting in 1985. The model evolved across three generations: AW11 (1984–1989), SW20 (1990–1999), and the MR-S/MR2 Spyder (1999–2007). Across its lifespan, the MR2 remained defined by its mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and a focus on handling and balance rather than raw horsepower.
