PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Loans
Car Loan
Compare Car Loans with Jerry
Jerry's Expert Advice
Car Loan Guides
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
Is a Toyota MR2 a good first car?
My son turns 18 in January, and his father and I have been planning on surprising him with his first car as an early present. When I talked to my son to get some ideas, he insisted his dream car was a Toyota MR2. As far as I can tell, it’s an older car, so I have some reservations. Is a Toyota MR2 a good first car?
Kathryn Mae Kurlychek · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
While a
Toyota MR2
stands apart from other models for its sleek and sporty style, easy-to-modify features, and lasting longevity, we wouldn’t recommend it as a good first car. For one, the MR2 is built for performance—with an inline-4 middle engine that can come turbocharged and has a lower, aerodynamic body. While it may be the perfect starter car for an enthusiast looking to tune up their vehicle, it’s not always the best for
first-time drivers
. For another, the MR2 is wickedly unsafe. Its small (if not cramped) cabin features minimal safety aids, with only a driver’s side airbag and no safety controls.
For newcomers to the road prone to make mistakes, the consequences can be a lot more severe in an unsafe vehicle like the MR2. On top of that, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has cataloged
numerous complaints
regarding the safety of the vehicle, including one recall for its singular airbag. If you love the style and power of the MR2, we’d suggest opting for a safer alternative such as:
View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies
