With the FR-S, Scion has hit the sweet spot for driving enthusiasts with an exhilarating sports coupe that also happens to be affordable and economical at the pump.
Co-developed with Subaru, the FR-S and Subaru BRZ are nearly identical twins. The only differences are nuances in design, exhaust notes, and suspension tuning. The lower-priced Scion is more basic, with no available factory options beyond the choice of transmission.
The same 200-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, mated to a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission, powers each. That combo delivers sufficient acceleration (thanks to well-chosen gear ratios), and impressive fuel economy of 30 mpg.
However, these rear-wheel-drive coupes aren't about raw power or scrimping at the pump. Their magic comes from the super-sharp handling and excellent braking that makes them so enticing to drive, whether on a track or a twisty, back road.
The trade-offs are typical for sports cars: a jittery ride, noisy cabin, and vestigial rear seats. And yes, getting in and out of these low-slung cars requires a bit of ducking.
Notable changes
The 2015 FR-S suspension system’s updates reduce body roll. The 2016 models got a new standard audio system with a seven-inch touchscreen display and a standard rear-view backup camera. The Scion brand was dropped for 2017, and the FR-S was rebadged as the Toyota 86.