So, just how good is the steering feedback?

[nedmundo]

I've read all the published reviews of the twins I can find, as well as many here, and most have given high praise to the steering feedback. I've taken a short test drive in an FR-S (auto), and while I thought the feedback in general was very good for an electrically-assisted system, it still seemed a bit numb/soft on center, which is a common weakness in EPS systems that really bugs me in my 2010 Acura TSX. (Tires are a factor too, of course, and I'm sure my Acura's OEM Michelins don't help.)

Good steering feel/feedback is a big deal to me, so I'm wondering what owners think, especially those who have previously owned cars with great hydraulically-assisted steering like E36/46/90 BMW 3 Series, Miatas, Porsches, some Saabs, etc. If your perception has changed over time or you've noticed any improvement from ditching the OEM tires, let us know!

[whaap]

I owned two Miatas and a 911 before owning my week and a half old FR-S. I have to qualify what I say by telling you that I don't drive my car any where near the edge of the envelope but the steering feedback is one of the big things I appreciate about the car. That along with it's size, weight and balance.

My car has Michelin Primacy HP tires.

[atledreier]

I've done aroudn 1000km in the car so far, and going back to any car feels like pushing a dead dog around when lugging the wheel. Even my old MR2 and a friend's NSX feel 'laggy' in comparison. The steering feel is the major selling point for me.

[wbradley]

Might as well get used to EPS as it is finding it's way into every car these days.

According to Porsche, the electric power steering system in the redesigned 911 saves weight, space and fuel.

[Texas BRZ]

I can only speak for my previous history of cars, so I'd probably rank the few of them this way:

1. '10 RX-8 R3 / Evo IX MR (tie)
2. '11 MX-5 Miata
3. '13 FR-S
4. '09 e90 M3

As you already probably know, my wife and I also have a '10 TSX. Steering feel isn't great in that car (as you mentioned already), but it's a solid car in most all other respects.

There aren't very many good sports cars to choose from (especially at this price-point), therefore it may be a challenge to choose something with more overall FEEL than the FR-S / BRZ.

One aspect I do have to mention is that the steering feel in my FR-S improves with the harder I push the car (at the track).

Good luck, and hope this helps a bit.

[jeebus]

I think the steering feedback is damn good, but not perfect. Ironically, I think the steering feedback on my wife's CX-5 is a tad better. LOL.

[FR-S_Tacoma]

Originally Posted by jeebus

I think the steering feedback is damn good, but not perfect. Ironically, I think the steering feedback on my wife's CX-5 is a tad better. LOL.

Might be because you don't have an high of expectations for it?

[midenginebias]

In terms of Electronic Power Steering, the FR-S/BRZ is among the best out there. Overall? It's above average, although the RX-8 is still better even with EPS. Then again, I've been spoiled driving A LOT of Lotus Elise's, Exige's, Porsche Boxster's, Cayman's, 911s of the previous two generations, etc.

I think the steering feel in a TSX and Subaru Legacy from '08 and earlier is underrated.

[jeebus]

Originally Posted by FR-S_Tacoma

Might be because you don't have an high of expectations for it?

nope. The CX-5 just has great steering.

[mact]

Coming from a Toyota 4Runner, I can't really give you a good comparo, but ***k it sure does go in the direction you point it!

[Texas BRZ]

Originally Posted by mact

Coming from a Toyota 4Runner, I can't really give you a good comparo, but ***k it sure does go in the direction you point it!

[Strive-2-B-A-Driver]

I would say the steering is quick and feels "Tight" no slack but feel is a little bit vague. My Honda Fit is like this as well as my mom's IS350... You get used to it but it isn't as good as hydraulic. My mom used to have an E46 330i and the wheel would jump when you hit bumps on the road.. You really felt stuff going on. After you drive the car for a month, it will feel normal to you. Changing the tires on the Fit actually did make a difference in how heavy the steering got, I went from 195/55 to 225/45. and I'm sure a performance tire will make it feel better on the turns. Overall I think it gives just enough feel to know what's going on with the car, but you kinda have to pay a little attention to it, details are not going to jump at you.

[midenginebias]

Originally Posted by Strive-2-B-A-Driver

I would say the steering is quick and feels "Tight" no slack but feel is a little bit vague. My Honda Fit is like this as well as my mom's IS350... You get used to it but it isn't as good as hydraulic. My mom used to have an E46 330i and the wheel would jump when you hit bumps on the road.. You really felt stuff going on. After you drive the car for a month, it will feel normal to you. Changing the tires on the Fit actually did make a difference in how heavy the steering got, I went from 195/55 to 225/45. and I'm sure a performance tire will make it feel better on the turns. Overall I think it gives just enough feel to know what's going on with the car, but you kinda have to pay a little attention to it, details are not going to jump at you.

I would define the Honda Fit's steering feel as accurate and quick with good feel, especially for a priced hatchback.

The IS350, I can't stand. Vague. Numb. It's like they took the slack out of the entire Toyota truck lineup, slapped some tight stitched leather on the steering wheel, and put it into the car. The IS300 is better than the IS250/IS350 just on the quicker steering rack and smaller diameter wheel alone.

[Strive-2-B-A-Driver]

^^ HAHAHA I bet the IS could definitely benefit with tires that ARENT 420 treadwear and lowering springs. When her back is turned I may try to install some Swift Springs with their minor 1" drop O_O

and when these damn 225 and 255 tires finally wear out, maybe go for some 245 265 action with Hankook RS-3. lol

But honestly it got a little sideways on me more than a few times and I never felt like it was leaving me in the dark, I could pretty much guess what was going to happen. The body roll is quite distracting though