Car enthusiasts eagerly await when Toyota unveils its new mid-engined performance car co-developed with Suzuki. It will be a lightweight car styled after a Lotus and fitted with a tiny engine seeking to serve serious rear-wheel-driven thrills. The new car evokes the spirit of the classic MR2 model, which sold well throughout the 80s and 90s and turned into one of the most beloved cars from Toyota.

The Toyota MR2 was a small two-seat sports car with a mid-engine layout akin to European sports cars from Ferrari, Lamborghini, and the like. The Japanese outfit rested the nameplate in 2007 after three model generations. The 1991 model was the second model following the first MR2 redesign. Many consider the W20 or Mk2 generation MR2 built between 1990 and 1999 as the best models. Unsurprisingly, it came at a period that saw the birth of JDM stars like the Toyota Supra, Acura NSX, and Mazda FD RX-7. Here are things only true JDM fans know about the 1991 Toyota MR2.

10 The 1991 Toyota MR2 Is A Real Head Turner

The Toyota is undoubtedly one of the coolest cars Toyota has ever built. It was a breath of fresh air on its debut, and it managed to attract young buyers and car enthusiasts and go head-to-head with rivals from Mazda and Honda. It served great looks and is one of the most beautiful classic JDM cars.

The 1991 MR2 came with Ferrari-like styling featuring bigger and racier looks compared to its predecessor's old, boxy looks. It is still an eye-catching head tuner in 2022 with its big rounded windshield over a sloping, curved hood and pop-up headlights.

RELATED: This Is Why Driving Enthusiasts Need To Buy A Second-Generation Toyota MR2

9 The 1991 MR2 Is A Powerful Mid-Engined Car

The 1991 MR2 was a dream come true for performance lovers. With the second generation, Toyota focused on improving the comfort and luxury of the MR2, but it was still a lovely mid-engined performer.

The transverse-mid-mounted inline-four engine offered incredible performance per dollar. It is a little lightning bot capable of zero to 60mph sprints in 5.96 seconds. This was better than some Porsche cars of the time that cost twice its price.

8 The 1991 Toyota MR2 Introduced new Tech And Safety Equipment

Toyota designed the MR2 in an era where most advanced safety features like electronic stability control weren’t on the want list for many buyers. But the second generation did try to keep pace with the many safety developments that arose during its 10-year run.

The 1991 model received a driver’s side airbag as standard, while anti-locking braking and electro-hydraulic steering came as a new option. Also, it had cruise control neatly integrated into a small switch behind the steering wheel.

7 The 1991 MR2 Is Lots Of Fun To Drive

The first gen MR2 was a fun and quick machine but never hit serious performance levels. But the Mk2 car delivered close to supercar performance while feeling lighter and wider than it is. Regarding handling, it features a stiff but forgiving independent McPherson Strut suspension, allowing you to throw it into tight corners at speed without hinting at body roll or tire screech.

Toyota initially developed the MR2 to offer exotic car looks at an everyday price, but it ended up providing big-thrill driving fun that made it feel like a racer on a budget.

RELATED: Find Out How To Shove A Camry Engine Into A Toyota MR2

6 The 1991 MR2 Is Highly Reliable

The Toyota MR2 has proven very reliable for a sports car. Many pleased owners have reported finding the car incredibly dependable. With Toyota’s good reputation and build quality, you have little to worry about when buying this little sports coupe.

A quick search on Cars.com reveals many owners who reported that their 1991 MR2s drove like a dream and ticked all dependability boxes. One claimed to have driven their car for 19 years without significant problems.

5 The 1991 MR2 Is Sporty Yet Great On Gas Mileage

Modern technology has allowed automakers to build fast, fun cars with excellent gas mileage. The internal combustion engine has come a long way, and now there are incredibly fuel-efficient sports cars in the market. The 1991 Toyota MR2 compares well to these cars, which is why it is pretty impressive for its time.

The EPA gives it a rating of 19mpg city and 26mpg highway. But owner forums have reported better returns, with one user claiming they get 28mpg even with the increased boost.

4 The 1991 MR2 Has A Surprisingly Good Ride Quality Around Town

The 1991 MR2 has a surprisingly good ride quality around town. It's not as jarring as some sports cars, and the suspension is well-tuned to absorb bumps. The steering is precise, and the car feels agile.

While it lacks space for more than one passenger or barely any luggage space, the MR2 has all the capabilities of being a fun, comfortable, and reliable daily driver.

RELATED: Auction Dilemma: Pontiac Fiero GT Vs Toyota MR2

3 The 1991 Toyota MR2 Had A Potent Turbo Trim

The standard 1991 Toyota MR2 came with a naturally-aspirated 2.2-liter inline-four engine making 130hp and 140lb-ft of torque. The same engine on the Toyota Crown of the same model year. It was fun enough, but customers who wanted more could opt for the MR2 Turbo model with a turbocharged 2-liter 3S-GtE engine straight out of the homologated Celica All-Trac Turbo.

It made 200hp in the US-spec 1991 cars, paired with a standard 5-speed manual transmission turning the MR2 into a little pocket rocket.

2 The 1991 MR2 Had More Cabin Room Than Its Predecessor

The MR2 is as practical as you’d expect from a mid-engined coupe. It has a relatively spacious interior offering sufficient elbow room and headroom and a generous boot space behind the engine. The 1991 model saw its wheelbase increase by 3.2 inches and 9.3 inches longer than its predecessor. This gave it more room inside

It also provided decent visibility and considerable ergonomics, increasing comfort while making driving easier.

RELATED: The Rise And Fall Of The MR2

1 The 1991 Toyota MR2 Is An Affordable Classic Car

MR2 valuations are creeping up, but the car remains a relatively affordable classic. Perhaps the prices are still reasonable since the car has remained largely ignored from a collectability point of view.

According to the Hagerty Valuation Tool, a 1991 Toyota MR2 Mk II in good condition has an average price of $11,300, while an MR2 Turbo from the same year costs a little more at $18,400.

Sources: cars.com, hemmings.com, Hagerty.com, fueleconomy.gov, hotcars.com