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Several things can be said about the Toyota MR2 Spyder series: including the polarizing reactions most buyers have towards their car. The four-cylinder engine is at the heart of the strong emotions, it is powerful for its class and delivers a large amount of torque.

2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder Base Specs

The restyled MR2 Spyder Base is equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that utilizes 16 valves. The engine is mated to a Toyota five-speed transaxle. This has resulted in an increase in horsepower and torque over the 2002 version.

The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. Steering is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The MR2 Spyder uses power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. Load balancing is provided by coil front springs and coil in the rear.

The fuel system for the 2003 MR2 Spyder is a traditional SFI, running on gasoline fuel. The fuel is controlled by an electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The capacity of the fuel tank is 21.10 gallons.

Statistics

The dimensions of the MR2 Spyder Base are 75.70 inches wide by 183.70 inches long. It sits 51.90 inches off the ground. It seats a standard two passengers, with 2 doors. The wheelbase of 105.90 allows for extra leg room for the rear passengers.

There is a 36,000 mile, 36 month warranty with this vehicle, including a powertrain warranty of 60,000/60 miles/months. This is normal for this price range.

The original manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) was $24,645 when new, with a dealer invoice cost of $22,302. This price was in line with the industry average price for a 2-door Convertible.

MPG Ratings

The 2003 MR2 Spyder gets 32 - 33 miles/gallon on the highway and only 25 - 26 in the city. This is below average for a convertible car.

In 2002 and 2003 the MR2 Spyder Base was availble in the exterior colors of Absolutely Red with Black Soft Top, Black with Black Soft Top, Electric Green Mica with Black Soft Top, Electric Green Mica with Tan Soft Top, Paradise Blue Metallic with Black Soft Top, Paradise Blue Metallic with Tan Soft Top, Silver Streak Mica with Black Soft Top, Solar Yellow with Black Soft Top, Spectra Blue Metallic with Black Soft Top, Super White with Black Soft Top, and Super White with Tan Soft Top.

Parting Shots

The 2002 model began the promise of the Toyota MR2 Spyder. The 2003 expanded on this success and has proven to be a strong seller in most markets. Even with strong competition from other manufacturers Toyota hopes that the MR2 Spyder Base will continue to be a profitable vehicle.

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