Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ Review | Sports Coupes

These new coupes are fun and affordable

Consumer Reports magazine: October 2012

Scion and Subaru have hit the spot for driving enthusiasts with two almost identical sports coupes, the FR-S and BRZ. Co-developed by Subaru and Toyota, which builds Scion vehicles, the only differences between the cars are nuances in styling, exhaust note, and suspension tuning.

Both are exhilarating to drive. Each is powered by the same 200-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, mated to a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission. That combo delivers ample acceleration, thanks to well-chosen gear ratios, and fuel economy is still an impressive 30 mpg overall.

But the rear-wheel-drive coupes aren’t about raw power or scrimping at the pump. Their magic comes from the super-sharp, agile handling and excellent braking that makes them so enticing to drive, whether on our track or down a twisty backcountry road.

Their appeal also extends to the window stickers. Both are priced in the mid-$20,000 range, with our feature-laden Subaru costing $27,117, about $2,000 more than the $25,025 basic Scion.

Their trade-offs are typical for sports cars: a jittery ride, noisy cabin, and vestigial rear seats that are better for holding gear than people. And getting in and out of the low-slung cars requires a bit of ducking.