2013 Scion FR-S First Drive Racetrack Review

[NemanjaGuitar]

I'm no hater, love your reviews guys. I just gotta manual 2013 FR-S I get 35-37mpg on highway. No clue why EPA underestimates the mpg on the manual FR-S. And man... it's super engaging... I can't believe you said GTI is precise. I have a TDI Golf and it drives amazing, but no chassis comparison between FR-S and the FWD Golf could ever be made...  Also, keep in mind that the BRZ STI is coming with more power, and not to even mention Toyota FT1, all as the result of this car. One more fact: the more I drive the FR-S the more I learn from it and it never stops to blow my mind how freaking well it's engineered. I do wish the interior had a little more modern touch to it, but it's really OK the way it is now. My biggest complain to the FR-S is the stereo. It has no middle range at all and the bass speakers have that fart-ish, over-worked-gonna blow through-anytime awful sound, as soon as you put it even a bit louder than medium volume... not good at all! But I don't care much, because I listen to the boxer engine more than anything.

[TFLcar]

We used a Toyota Sienna in this video as our video and chase car because Toyota was kind enough to provide it.

[TFLcar]

To be honest with only 151 lb-ft of torque it is very tricky not to bog the DR-S on la 0-60 MPH impromptu launch.

[danmurphy]

BTW, a good thing to note about the FR-S is that they come equipped w/ the same tires as the Toyota Prius. This adds to the tail-happiness and it is a lot more planted with proper summer tires, although I'm sure putting stickier tires on would leave one yearning for more power. 

[miroku]

Hey yall are awesome I love all of your reviews and I really love the frs hopefully next year in august since I am saving up I can get it. Hopefully insurance isnt alot considering I will be 17.

[carguy]

Great review guys! This is the first Toyota product in years that I'd actually want to own. Are you guys planning on doing a review of the Focus ST?

[georgewashington]

Nathan you're so speedy! You're smoking fast!

[NavigatingWithNathan]

We have not - yet. From what we hear, the BRZ will have slightly different handling characteristics. We'll post a review just as soon as we can.

[danmurphy]

I'm totally jealous of your jobs.. Anyway, I believe the Mazda MX-5 Miata is the FR-S's biggest competitor as they are both RWD sport compacts under $30k w/naturally aspirated 4s. I think a fantastic video would be one of you in a Miata, the other in the FR-S head to head on the track! Then maybe a comparison of the fun-to-drive factor, followed by a tie breaker on long distance comfort, or interior design, every day drivability, or even practicality! I know this video is old, but it's never too late to do that video AND if you do, feel free to give me a shout out for giving you the idea :) great videos, thanks!

[richienice]

I love this vid. he says the car is great the power is great but not adequate. he days, "THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR POWER." love the review guys. it didnt seem bias like many others that seem to hide the fact that this car is a bit underpowered

[NavigatingWithNathan]

Be or become a gear-head. Take journalism in school, love automobiles, try to assist or become an apprentice to a writer/journalist, love automobiles, learn as much as you can about automobiles, love automobiles and try to become entertaining while writing about your love of automobiles. Immerse yourself into the world of automobiles: build one, destroy one, race one, steal one… whatever it takes for you to be a real car guy without reading and watching others do the same. Best of luck!

[NavigatingWithNathan]

I totally agree with you. We'll work on that!

[camaroman]

saw that, ill admit i was shocked the fr-s/brz's lap time was as close to the mustangs as it was

[NavigatingWithNathan]

That’s a tough one. Roman and I, who rarely agree on what’s truly fun to drive, both agree that the FR-S is an exciting, invigorating car. With that said – if it were our money on the line: we would both get the FIAT 500 Abarth. Roman has his own reasons, but I think that the Abarth is a better fun-machine/daily-driver. The FR-S is vastly superior on the track - big time. But, when all is said and done, the Abarth makes me laugh. Great question - thanks for watching!

[CalvinR]

That acceleration sounds like my mom's mini van.

[JohnSmith-xrqh]

they got my subscription when he went into the truck.

[doublesizzle]

awww you guys were here in vegas?? I coulda been out there a couple days ago I love red rock

[Kamai]

HAve you had the chance to drive the new Subaru BRZ? If so, which would you say is better? The BRZ or FR-S?

[TFLcar]

Don't know, Hyundai has never given the new one to us to test drive

[importcarenthusiast]

I want the Subaru version! And Im just wondering, do you guys have any tips or ideas or advice for someone aspiring to be an automotive journalist? (This isnt just a childhood dream sort thing, im 17 and i actually want to be an automotive journalist) Thanks.