Toyota mr2 Changes by Model Year 1991Number sold in U.S.: 11,211Recalls: 1) Steering wheel crash test failureVIN # SW22M, SW22N-0000001 to 0059265 and SW21M, SW21N-0000001 to 00177192) Air-conditioning expansion valve could malfunction, reducing efficiencyVIN # SW22M, SW22N-0000001 to 0076191 and SW21M, SW21N-0000001 to 0019446Price (1991): $14,898 ($18,228 Turbo)Notes: Introduction of Mk II MR2. Introduced with 130-hp, four-cylinder, 16-valve, normally aspirated engine and optional 200-hp, four-cylinder, 16-valve turbocharged engine. Driver side airbag. Turbo car has strut tower bars front and rear (lower as well, at the rear). Turbo cars available with sunroofs, T-top roof and "plain" roofs
1992
Number sold in U.S.:
6,188
Recalls:
1) Steering wheel fails to meet federal standards for crash protection.
Affects 1991-1992 cars
VIN # SW22M, SW22N-0000001 to 0059265 and SW21M, SW21N-0000001 to 0017719
2) Air-conditioning expansion valve could malfunction, reducing efficiency
VIN # SW22M, SW22N-0000001 to 0076191 and SW21M, SW21N-0000001 to 0019446
Price (1992): $16,048 ($19,378 Turbo)
1993
Number Sold In U.S.:
2,917
Recalls:
1) A/C expansion valve could malfunctionVIN # SW22M, SW22N-0000001 to 0076191 and SW21M, SW21N-0000001 to 0019446
Price (1993): $18,368 ($23,998 Turbo)
Notes: Suspension upgraded and retuned (stiffer springs, lengthened trailing arms) Normally aspirated engine receives upgrade to 135 hp. Synchros in five-speed gearbox improved. Wider tires, new 15-inch "square" spoke wheels. Larger brake rotors. Larger throttle body, retuned throttle cam
Rumored as last year of production. Less than 20 Turbo cars available without T-top roof. Last year of sales in Canada
1994
Number sold in U.S.:
908
Recalls: N/A
Price (1994): $22,538 ($31,561 Turbo)
Notes: Features a color-keyed front air dam, redesigned rear fascia (no more honeycomb) and a new rear spoiler
Suspension equipped with multistage struts for better ride. Passenger-side airbag introduced. Steering wheel 10mm smaller (370mm vs. 380mm). All turbo cars had T-tops
1995
Number sold in U.S.: est. 356
Recalls: N/A
Price (1995): $23,568 ($33,804 Turbo)
Notes: No notable changes known. Redesigned CD player. Not available in CA, MA, CT. Last year of production for United States. Power package standard on non-turbo car. Reinforced strut towers
* Data sourced from www.mr2.com.
The knock sensor on turbo cars is likely to malfunction, causing the ECU to operate in "safe" mode and that means less power. Stock sensors cost about $100 and will likely break again, or there are a number of adaptors that allow the use of a better (yes, better) GM sensor that only costs about $20.
In 1991-'92 turbo cars, beware of bad gearbox synchros, especially in the lower gears. These were updated in 1993, so the solution may be to buy a used 1993 transmission, giving you stronger synchros and a limited-slip differential.
There is a coolant hose in turbo cars known affectionately to owners as the "hose from hell," located underneath the exhaust manifold. If this hose breaks, expect a repair bill from hell. It's a good idea to change this hose any time the turbocharger is off as a preventative measure.
For some reason, Toyota elected to use Philips-head-type valve cover fasteners, which meant that they never stayed tight and the valve cover had a tendency to leak. These can be replaced with a great hex set from www.twosrus.com for $16.