The 86 platform is an amazing car for any age group. I have people all the time asking me about the cars and I always tell them the same thing.
It's a great DRIVING car. This car makes me want to take the long way anywhere I go. This car is not about straight line performance but about keeping your speed through turns. This car feels great and every single time I sit in it I am never bored.
I do notice that these cars from the factory needs new tires.. Unless you want your car kicking out everywhere. Get yourself some good performance tires and you'll love it even more. I don't plan on adding much horsepower because the whole "It's underpowered." or "it only has 200 hp" sayings are wrong. The only people I've heard that from is from people who have NEVER even driven the car. You can't base these cars completely on numbers and facts. Would you rather eat your favorite candy bar because it's delicious or eat something bland with no taste whatsoever just because the facts and paper says it's healthier? (I can't think of an example... tofu maybe?)
Anyways, I love my fr-s. I have anyone who is skeptical about them drive them, and it changes their view about cars completely. To be honest I feel this is a completely revolutionary car, due to the shear fact that nothing coming out in the past couple of years can make you feel more connected to a car than the 86.
See below;
In Europe, the GT86 was awarded the following titles in 2012:
- Car of the Year by Top Gear magazine (and Jeremy Clarkson) who also crowned it Coupe of the Year and winner of the Top Gear Speed Week (against competition including the McLaren MP4-12C, Porsche 911 Carrera S, and Lotus Exige S);[59]
- Best Driver's Car by Autocar;[60]
- Performance Car by Auto Express.[61]
In Australia, the 86 was awarded the following titles in 2012:
- Car of the Year award by Wheels magazine,[62] Carsguide,[63] and Drive[64] (shared with Subaru BRZ);
- Best Performance Car under A$60,000 and People's Choice again by Drive;[64]
- People's Choice Best Performance Car under A$100,000 by Carsales (shared with Subaru BRZ).[65]
Other awards received include:
The Subaru BRZ was also crowned:
- Fun-est Car of the Year by Top Gear Australia (against the Toyota 86, BMW M135i, Porsche 911 Carrera, Audi RS5, Ford Focus ST, and Renault Megane RS265);[65]
- 2012 Sports Car of the Year by France's Echappement;[59]
- 2013 Best Sports Car by Canada's Auto123.[59]
In addition, the Toyota-Subaru D-4S boxer engine was named one of
Ward's 10 Best Engines in 2013.
[70]
Just my .02 cents..
(sorry if it turned into a small rant...)