Scion FR-S Review

Inspired in spirit by the Toyota Corolla GT-S sport coupe of the mid-'80s, the Scion FR-S is something that hasn't been seen in ages in new car showrooms: an affordable, no-frills sport coupe.

Compact and light, the FR-S is considerably shorter in length and some 600 pounds lighter than other modern sport coupes. In addition to its impressive lack of extraneous mass, this sporting Scion has everything that driving enthusiasts hold dear, such as rear-wheel drive, a spirited engine, an agile chassis and a simple, ergonomically sound cockpit. Well-received by critics and consumers alike, the Scion FR-S will no doubt be a future classic for the latest generation of driving enthusiasts.

Current Scion FR-S
The Scion FR-S is a rear-wheel-drive sport coupe. It's similar to the Subaru BRZ, as the two cars were co-developed by Subaru and Toyota. As such, they share a platform, powertrain and most exterior and interior components. They differ only in terms of minor styling details and feature content.

Available in a single trim level, the FR-S comes fairly well equipped. Standard feature highlights include 17-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a six-way (manual) driver seat, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and an eight-speaker sound system with iPod integration and a touchscreen interface. There are no factory options available, but Scion offers a number of dealer-installed accessories. These include audio system upgrades, different wheels and performance engine and suspension parts.

For power, the Scion FR-S relies on a horizontally opposed, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. Power flows to the rear wheels through a standard six-speed manual transmission or an available six-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The FR-S has a simply styled cabin that will seem a bit plain compared to some other sporty cars, but it is functional and without gimmicks. A pair of aggressively bolstered buckets holds pilot and co-pilot secure during spirited runs. There's a backseat, but as this car is what is classically known as a "2+2," it's really only suitable for children or cargo. Another downside is a significant amount of road noise, especially when traveling on the highway.

Let loose on a curvy road, the new Scion FR-S shows its engaging character. Acceleration is brisk enough provided you keep the revs up, while the communicative steering, agile-yet-forgiving handling and powerful brakes all contribute to an entertaining drive. For novice and expert drivers alike, this Scion is thoroughly rewarding to drive and proves that there's more to a true sports car than all-out power and speed.

Used Scion FR-S Models
The Scion FR-S was introduced for 2013. Apart from lacking a standard touchscreen audio system and additional padding on the door panels and console sides, this FR-S is identical to today's version.

Read the most recent 2016 Scion FR-S review.

If you are looking for older years, visit our used Scion FR-S page.