Vehicle Tested
2013 Scion FR-S Coupe Base (2.0L 4-cyl. 6-speed Manual)
Driven On
4/17/2012
Ratings Summary
Given the fun-to-drive and performance-oriented nature of this segment, the FR-S deserves our highest mark. It's simply really good at being fun despite lower marks in less important categories.
B
Comfort
Comfort is good in the FR-S. There's little high-frequency movement unless the road surface is wildly uneven. And even then, thanks to independent rear suspension, the ride is better than a Mustang.
| Seating Comfort |
B
|
These are the best seats in any car at this price. Soft enough to for long journeys, firm enough to not feel soggy. |
| Ride Comfort |
C
|
With undeinably firm suspension tuning, there's a certain purposefulness to the FR-S's ride quality. But it's not so stiff as to be a hassle. |
| Quietness |
B
|
The FR-S's interior is sufficiently quiet. There's a subtle and intentional intake note during wide throttle openings, but it's a good sound. |
B
Interior
The FR-S's interior is spartan but adequately detailed for a focused sports car. Material qaulity is sufficient and switchgear operates with adequate precision. Nothing feels overly expensive or cheap.
| Ergonomics |
B
|
Good gauge placement with the tachometer in the middle. All major controls fall readily at hand. |
| Ingress/Egress |
C
|
The FR-S is low and getting in and out is more difficult than in taller vehicles. It's a small price to pay for this coupe's abilities. |
| Space/Room |
B
|
If you're a really, really big driver then there will be challenges. Still, you'll have to be taller than 6 feet 4. Otherwise, no worries. |
| Visibility |
C
|
Even with the low hood line, visbility isn't as good as it could be out of the FR-S. |
| Cargo/Storage |
B
|
Folding rear seats help, but there's ample room in the trunk for more than just a weekend's worth of bags. The trunk opening is tiny, though. |
A
Performance
The FR-S isn't going to wow you getting on the freeway, but drive it in its element and you're going to have loads of fun -- more so than any other car at this price.
| Acceleration |
C
|
This car isn't a drag racer so keep your expectations aligned with its modest power. |
| Braking |
B
|
The brake system is sufficient providing repeatable, fade-free stoping power after miles of aggressive driving. |
| Steering |
A
|
Among the car's best traits, its steering is quick and communicative. |
| Handling |
A
|
Spectacular balance, communciation and control. Handling is the FR-S's specialty. It's hugely fun despite modest grip limits. |
| Driveability |
B
|
There's a good torque hit down low which provides adequate acceleration early in the rev range. |
B
Value
There's nothing quite like the FR-S at this price, which makes it a solid value. No other car offers its combinatiion of rear-drive handling and entertaining power. Fun-per-dollar trumps the logical factors.
| Build Quality (vs. $) |
B
|
Material and assembly quality are average. |
| Features(vs. $) |
B
|
Standard Bluetooth is nice, but there are few extravegences in the base model. |
| Cost |
B
|
This car could cost less, but we suspect pent-up demand has brought it to market at a price that's somewhat profit padded. |
| MPG |
B
|
At 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway the FR-S's EPA numbers are good, but not great. |
| Warranty |
C
|
These days the Scion/Toyota warranty package (3yrs/36,000 miles basic, 5yrs/60,000 miles powertrain, 5 yrs corrosion) is middle of the road. |
| Ownership |
B
|
Nothing about this car is exotic or delicate from a maintenance standpoint, and Scion provides two years of oil changes. You may chew through some tires, though, but you knew that. |
A
Fun To Drive
The FR-S defines fun to drive without going broke. That last part should always be part of the equation.
| Driving Experience |
A
|
This is a car that needs to be driven hard in the right environment to be fully appreciated. Drive it there and you'll understand. |
| Personality |
A
|
There are no quirks here -- just honest, textbook rear-drive fun. And if that gives it personality then it has plenty. |
