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This is a sad review for me to write. I've always liked the MR2, but now the 2005 model will be the last. In July, 2004, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced it would discontinue production of both the MR2 and the Celica at the end of the 2005 model year. Said Don Esmond, senior vice-president and general manager of the Toyota Division:

"The Celica and MR2 have been a favorite among sports car enthusiasts since their introductions in the U.S. The past few years, however, have been very challenging for both Celica and MR2 as competition in a segment where 'what's new' dominates and we continue to add more exciting and youthful products to the lineup such as the Matrix and Corolla XRS, Solara sports coupe and recently the Scion xA, xB and tC."

Toyota introduced the mid-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-seater "Mister Two" in 1985. The MR2 was on the market for a decade when production went on hiatus for five or six years. Then, in 2000, the third generation model made its appearance.

The MR2 has always been closely associated in my mind with the late, lamented Pontiac Fiero, another mid-engine two-seater that came out in 1984. Both were developed to offer consumers exotic car design and excitement without exotic car prices. And both were highly successful for a time. Pontiac sold 120,000 Fieros in North America in 1984, which still stands as a record for the most two-seater cars ever sold in a single model year. The MR2 turned out to have more staying power, though. It proved its mettle as a "budget exotic" sports car and succeeded in attracting performance-oriented buyers to the Toyota brand for two decades.

Originally powered by Toyota's "sweet sixteen" 16-valve dual-overhead cam 1.6-liter engine, a supercharged version was added in 1988. A turbocharged version went on sale in 1991. The current MR2 Spyder is the first U.S.-market Toyota to offer a true clutchless, six-speed sequential manual transmission.

For 2005, the MR2 Spyder adds a standard 6-disc CD changer as standard equipment. Base MSRP for the five-speed manual transmission starts at $25,145, an increase of $250. The six-speed sequential transmission model also increases by $250 to $26,145.

The MR2 is still a blast to drive and represents great value for the money. Our five-speed test car had an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 city/32 highway. What else can you buy for the money that will offer as much fun and still be socially responsible? R&D