Toyota MR2 Mk2 Rev 1 and 2

MR2 Revisions

The five revisions of the MR2 Mk2 all look very similar, and few outside the MR2 fraternity would be able to spot the difference immediately.  The major visual differences tend to be the shape of the spoiler, size of the wheels, and the colour and shape of the tail lights.  The real differences are in the specification.  Each revision had a life span of around 2 years.

MR2 SW20 Revision 1

The Rev1 MR2 model ran from late 1989 through to the end of 1991 and is the Mk2 in its rawest form.  No luxuries such as ABS or Power Steering were included, though some will argue that without these the car is sharper.  The car was fitted with 14" alloy wheels though you'll rarely see one wearing those today.  Most owners will have chucked the factory wheels in favour of something much bigger. 

Very rarely you'll see a Mk2 Rev1 'G' without a factory fitted spoiler as for part of the life of the Rev1 it was available at a reduced price without one.  Again, most owners will have fitted a spoiler to these cars by now.  To keep prices down these cars were also missing the front fog lights fitted in the grill of most MR2s, and some of the internal features of the GT models.

The standard version of the 3S-GE engine used in the Revision 1 had an output of 168ps, though some were also available with the 3S-FE engine which produced a mere 112ps.  This was lifted from other cars in the Toyota range to provide an economical version of the MR2 but unless you're planning on a major upgrade, or want an MR2 just for its looks, then you'll probably want to avoid this particular variant.

MR2 SW20 Revision 2

In 1991 Toyota upgraded the MR2 to the Revision 2.  The key visual difference was the increase in the size of the alloy wheels from 14" to 15".  There were also suspension changes to enhance the car's handling, bigger brakes fitted with ABS and new options including a limited slip differential.

More Information - MR2 Mk2 Revisions 3, 4 and 5