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What kind of auto company would want a car that sells less than 3,000 vehicles per year? One with supreme confidence in its engineers. that's who. Toyota dealers sold about that number of MR2s last year to people who prefer sporty two-seaters. Although it's not my cup of tea, I'm always ready to taste something different.
The MR2 is certainly different. With room. for only two, one might consider the interior intimate. An engine mounted almost over the rear wheels lets the car corner with the dash of an amusement park ride. The apparent modest 135-hp engine pushes the car beyond any legal speed limit in a blink. But here's a rub--this visually seductive rocket rides like an abused old truck.
The suspension is so stiff the car bounces and jars over highway expansion joints I hadn't noticed in my family Caravan. Worn speed bumps almost become obstacles. City buses ride better. Bouncing also keeps the car from tracking as well as others in its price class. In fact, stepping out of this car gives pause for relief because the...