2014 / 2015 Scion FR-S (AKA Subaru BRZ & Toyota 86) Review and Road Test - DETAILED

The Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 are all essentially the same car and together they are probably one of the most misunderstood sports cars sold in America. Misunderstood you ask? Why yes. Many assume that the sexy coupé is rocket ship fast. It's not. Many assume the svelte 2-door grips the road like it has claws. It doesn't. Many have heard rumours that it wears Toyota Prius tires. It kinda-sorta does. What most people don't know however is that these traits combine to create one of the purest, most enjoyable and certainly most affordable rear wheel drive sports cars in America.

In the same tradition as a classic lightweight English sports car, the 2+2 Scion FR-S' raison d'être isn't to eat Ford Mustangs for breakfast, it's mission is to be the best balanced track car. And it succeeds. The 200HP and 151 lb-ft of torque are unquestionably low for our modern era where even a Camry cranks out more power, but the power is perfectly balanced to the car's weight AND grip. The low-rolling resistance tires allow the FR-S to get just the right amount of tail-happy on a small track and the manual transmission is perfectly suited to an autocross style event.

Sure, putting the FR-S on a larger track like Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca reveals the FR-S is out-gunned by plenty of rivals, but doing so also misses the point. I like to think of the Scion/Toyota/Subaru as baby's first track car, the kind of car you can use to hone your driving skills before moving up to a more-powerful, faster and deadlier vehicle. The key to loving this low-slung 2+2 is to understand what it is, and most importantly: what it isn't.

[hiroanz]

I can leave 12 ft long black strips on the pavement when I drop the clutch at 4500k RPM in stock tires. I can also hit the rev limiter in first gear, and churp the rear wheels as I upshift into 2nd at every stoplight without going at speeds that could land me in jail. I love it. I’m sure I’ll love it more with and additional 50hp/50lb.ft. But as it is, it’s a car that makes me happy every day.

[bighibs]

Alex I just wanted to say that I think you do some of the best auto reviews out there. Very informative, straight to the point, and unlike a ton of other reviewers out there you do your homework before you do your review. Keep up the great work, looking forward to more.

[ClellBiggs]

It's nice to see a review of this car done by someone that understands its purpose.

[AwesomeEricD]

I like the stop sign at 15:53 where you stop so you could take a really good look at the gnarly trash can !

Seriously ... I just love you reviews ... No nonsense, In depths ... Great job

[shawntyflame]

this car is my goal. im 19 and know nothing about cars (girly girl). your review however has been so informative and im now definately purchasing this car in a few weeks!! thank you!!!

[joshmogg]

Trunk comfort index??? This guy is awesome LOL. Very technical and knowledgeable review

[guyfihi]

Hi Alex, great review.  I have a 2013 FR-S and I recently ungraded the stock Michelin Primacy HP tires to the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 tires (on the stock rims.)  Both are good tires but the Primacy tire is optimized for mileage, whereas the Pilots Sports are optimized for all weather performance and stick much better in the corners. Consumer Reports loves the Pilot Sport A/S 3 tire and I can see why. They made a beneficial difference in handling and I think they should be the stock tire on this car.  BTW, I am in my sixties and have no problem getting in and out of this car, but I am a skinny dude at 6', 190 lb.

[tabcan]

Best review ever...and I've watched them all.  Thanks.

[NemanjaGuitar]

Hi Alex, excellent review, I own the FR-S and I find it that you nailed all the features in a very objective and honest manner. I have to say: I don't like the part where you mention getting in and out of the car in relation to the age (20, 30, 40)... Let's be honest, there are some athletic people over 40 that have no complain getting into this car, and there also exists the Lotus Elise and similar cars that a true enthusiast will not mind the "snug" feeling inside the car, as well as getting in and out. FR-S may be small, but it's very wide. The driver and the front passenger will feel really nice and comfy (if they don't mind the sporty ride). I really enjoy your reviews, and find them the most helpful of all the other, some even much more popular reviewers like Motor Trend etc. Thanks for this video.

[Timpala]

Great review. The Scion FR-S/BRZ kind of reminds me of my old 1974 Datsun 260z. It wasn't as fast as my friend's "Smokey and the Bandit" Trans Am or my other friend's 1979 Chevy Camaro Z28, but going 100mph in it was way more fun than their cars.

[FrankLeferink]

8:10... Yo, did this guy just fart???

[TheMattstermind]

Excellent review as always. Your style and attention the details that matter most is fantastic. Great job!

[GoodnotGreat]

Nice review, I know you were testing it stock, but one thing to note is that a new set of rubber drastically improves the handling of this car

[vadevinp]

Best and most concise review i've seen of this car. Just one question: Where is the 2015 model review? Title says 2014/2015. I already got a 2015 FRS but you should still do at the very least an update video review on the 2015 model detailing the main differences to those who don't have one.

[sl]

Very nice review! I'm planning on getting this very soon as my very first sporty car. 

[Glacielfire]

Good detailed review mate. Thank's for uploading.

[ayrtonatif]

Spot on about the Seats it is indeed very narrow in the shoulder area.

[LiveDrift]

Excellent review. Great details... I loved it.

[Joolz]

Greta Review plus info and I have seen a lot for my next car the GT86.

[bguy]

The thing about the ages for this car... priceless. And it's true! It's really more of a car for 18-21 year old kids.