Introduced for the 1984 model year, the MR2 was Toyota's first mid engine production model. MR2 stood for Midship Runabout Two seater. The Supercharged variant of the MR2 was introduced in 1986 for the Japanese market.  There were two special edition models produced at the tail end of production. The first one was in 1988 called the Super Edition with a white and gold two tone theme, Momo shift knob, steering wheel, and 50/50 cloth and leather seats . The Super Edition II launched in 1989 and featured Midnight Blue paint with gold striping, Recaro seats, Momo steering wheel and shift knob, limited slip differential, polished teardrop rims, Mirrored T-top glass roof and rear sway bar. 

Second generation model was introduced in 1990 and stayed in production till 1999. Considered by many as a baby Ferrari it grew substantially in size and was sleeker roomier than the outgoing model. The initial models suffered from snap oversteer at the limit which Toyota addressed with the first revisions for the January 1992 that resulted in bigger 15 inch wheels in a staggered step up. There was also a shortened gear shift knob and lever. A viscous limited slip differential was available and stronger transmission synchros were put in. 

Third revision came in November 1993 with new rounder style tail lights, a one piece rear spoiler to replace the old 3 piece spoiler, deeper front lip spoiler, and color coded center body piece moldings, side skirts and front lip spoiler. The viscous limited slip differential became standard on the JDM turbo models. Cruise control was dropped from all JDM models with upgrades made to the ABS system and the electronic power steering system.  There was also additional structural strengthening to the rear strut tower.  

Fourth revision in June of 1996 saw the introduction of a passenger airbag for the JDM market and fender mounted turn signals. The 5 spoke alloy wheels featured diamond cut surfaces and further revisions on the ABS system.  

Fifth revision happened in November 1997 and came with thinner 5 spoke alloy design, clear mounted turn signals, red rings around the gauges, shift knob and stitching on the leather seats of the Turbo models. The biggest change however was the introduction of the 3S-GE BEAMS engine with 197 horsepower.

Special Versions 

The TRD2000GT bodykits and tuning program was introduced in 1998 to customers who wanted to turn their cars into similar Japanese GTC winning series race cars.  Prior to the bodykit being fitted customers choose what engine modifications, suspension tuning, wheels and interior upgrades they wanted, resulting in each car being different from one another. The kit added 4 inches to the vehicle's width. There were 35 officially done cars through Toyota's facilities with each one getting a riveted Vin plate indicating its unique status. Depending on what was done to the vehicle,some cars left with 493 horsepower.  TRD offered official complete kits for those who chose to go to the third parties. It is believed 10 of those kits made it the US. 

TOM's T020 was a special tuning conversion of the MR2 that used the 2.2L 3S-GE stroker motor to achieve 235 hp. This was achieved through more aggressive F3 camshafts, stokerkit, revised intake, lighted flywheel and upgraded exhaust system.  In addition there was race oriented suspension changes and upgraded sport brake pads. The cars were capable of 0-60 in 4.9 seconds. Body modifications came in the form of engine scoops, side skirts, larger rear spoiler, forged wheels and revised bumper designs.  They also offered parts for the Turbo models as well. 

The MR2 Spider was produced from 1996 to 1999 by Toyota TechnoCraft. These cars came with revised rear sections to accommodate a folding cloth top. Never officially branded as Toyota products there was 91 cars produced.