Reviews on handling for this revision are so old that they are no longer accurate. The dynamics of how to set up a car have changed so much that you shouldn't hinge this on whether you buy a particular year model or not.
True the newer the better, but think now a 92 model SW20 is pushing 25 years old. In that time the cars wearable suspension components are going to be worn to a state of replacement, or have already been replaced. You need to factor this into your purchase rather than whether it was good at handling or not.
To simplify, a 92 with refreshed suspension components is going to feel nicer and better to drive than a later year model with original worn components. I'm not just talking shocks and springs, they are good but useless unless all bushings are replaced as well. Bushings can make or break a cars handling.
Stock is fine because it gives you a base to learn the car as it is, then decide to modify it how you see fit. Sadly most modified cars you are buying someone else's purchasing mistakes, where they might have put too much power into it and not concentrated on aspects like practicality or handling, or just sheer enjoyment; no use having 300rwkw if the clutch is heavy and bites too hard too quickly. For some people that's what they like but for your first MR2 that's the last thing you'll want.