When it comes to life and death, Toyota's MR2 has sure been indecisive. The successful first generation spanned the second half of the 80s. Then it took a year off, came back, and died again after selling about 400 copies in 1995. Five years later, it returned in its current incarnation. Alas, third time isn't always the charm, because Mister Two is off to the grave again this year, and won't be back anytime soon. After trying so many approaches with this car, Toyota probably has more important things to do than ship niche cars to where they're not wanted.
Not that the MR2 ever made much sense. A high-tech, low-priced, low-volume convertible doesn't exactly decorate the corporate balance sheet, but then, was it ever supposed to? The MR2 has always been a designers' indulgence, signifying several unique qualities - affordable sports car, mid-engined exotic, and more recently, technology showcase - that make it deserving of one last go-around, no matter the take rate.
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