With the FR-S, Scion has hit the sweet spot for driving enthusiasts with an exhilarating to drive sports coupe that also happens to be affordable and economical at the pump. Co-developed between Toyota (Scion's corporate parent) and 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.
Each is powered by the same 200-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, mated to a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission. That combo delivers ample acceleration, thanks to well-chosen gear ratios, and impressive fuel economy of 30 mpg.
But these rear-wheel-drive coupes aren't about raw power or scrimping at the pump. Their magic comes from the super-sharp, agile handling and excellent braking that makes them so enticing to drive, whether on a track or a twisty, back-country road.
Their trade-offs are typical for sports cars: a jittery ride, noisy cabin, and vestigial rear seats. And getting in and out of these low-slung cars requires a bit of ducking.
What we bought: Introduced for 2013, the Scion FR-S is available in only one trim line. While Scion offers quite a few dealer-installed accessories, the car is meant to be a blank canvas for owner customization. The only factory option is an automatic transmission. We opted for the six-speed manual. At just over $25,000, the FR-S is a good value for a focused enthusiast car.