The Scion FR-S – A Review, Owner’s Impressions, and Opinions

[GNS]

So, the interior ergonomics are excellent for what this car is intended to be – a driver’s tool. While it is comfortable, functional, pleasing, and aesthetically sound, this is not a luxury car nor a boulevardier. Frankly, I like the compromises the designers have chosen – in the hundreds of decisions they had to make when executing this car, they always went for the path that reflects a “pure driver’s car” mission, versus watering down the experience to prioritize luxury or frills. Substance, versus frivolity. Perfect.

This is a recurring theme in Japanese art and craft where form follows function. The beauty of the object stems from the way it is constructed and/or its intended purpose, not from decorations tacked onto it. Your cupholder example is excellent because the average person would not understand why their Big Gulp is sitting so inconveniently away from easy reach, but people who 'get' this car will gain a new appreciation for the design purpose of the car as a whole.

The pagoda roof of the FR-S/BRZ, for example, is not there to look pretty. It is made specifically for extra structural rigidity - it ends up looking good as a side effect of achieving a purpose.

Nicely detailed review but it seems pretty gushy. I don't own one, only have sat in one for a while, but the interior is strictly nothing special. The seats do grip you (unless you don't fit in them) but other than that its only slightly better than an ordinary econobox. Definitely no better than a Miata in that department. Exterior of the car is gorgeous for sure and that alone will sell a lot of them.

I don't think it is gushy. 'Gushy' implies that the review raved about all of the good things about the car without much in the way of facts/observations to back it up. For just about everything he pointed out and liked, he provided a good reason why he found it to his liking. He was quite fair about its shortcomings (trunk space, rear seat space, power). And it is perfectly alright if he has a slight bias towards the car - he has only had it for a couple of months after all.

If you have only sat in one 'for a while' and you think that the interior is 'nothing special', then you need to go back and ask to test drive one for about 20 - 30 mins. When I sat in the FR-S today (test drive), I instantly knew where everything was. The shifter was just there, and it had a good short throw with a clean, crisp and precise action. The steering wheel was just there, and had a nice size and diameter. The tach + digital speedometer were front and center. Despite the small size of the car, there is indeed plenty of room for the legs to use the pedals.

Also, you said that the seats are only slightly better than an ordinary econobox. I don't think this is accurate, I've sat in most of the 'econoboxes' in production today and they are definitely meant to accomodate a wider range of body shapes (that is to say: fat people).

[iDerek]

Very well written~ Glad I took the time to read it, even though I hate reading

I noticed you didnt mention "firestorm", red or "hotlava", metallic orange as one of the colours, I guess those are not your type haha

and lastly, I will have to semi-agree with you on the intake and exhaust. The thing I agree with you is that some people may abuse this and put on "fart cans" and not know what they are doing.
And for the disagreement, the other half of the people are just using I/E/H and sometimes a ECU remap to squeeze out a bit more power from the little 2.0L to have some more fun at the track.

After I took the FR-S for a spin at Shannonville back in June, 2012, up here in Canada, I personally would do those 4 things just to spice it up just a little bit.

Anyways, enough of me and back to your review, great job and keep up the good work~ CHEERS!

[Capstan]

Originally Posted by GNS

If you have only sat in one 'for a while' and you think that the interior is 'nothing special', then you need to go back and ask to test drive one for about 20 - 30 mins. When I sat in the FR-S today (test drive), I instantly knew where everything was. The shifter was just there, and it had a good short throw with a clean, crisp and precise action. The steering wheel was just there, and had a nice size and diameter. The tach + digital speedometer were front and center. Despite the small size of the car, there is indeed plenty of room for the legs to use the pedals.

These cars are currently not available for a test drive in many places, they arrive at the dealer pre-sold. As for everything being 'just there', I don't understand what you are getting at. Everything is in about the same place as it is in other cars.

Originally Posted by GNS

Also, you said that the seats are only slightly better than an ordinary econobox. I don't think this is accurate, I've sat in most of the 'econoboxes' in production today and they are definitely meant to accomodate a wider range of body shapes (that is to say: fat people).

I was referring to the interior in general, not to the seats in particular. Actually I think the seats are very good, but possibly that's because I do fit into them. The remainder of the interior seemed unremarkable compared to other modern cars in this price range or even $5-7 thousand cheaper. Frankly I felt like the car is overpriced for what I saw.

I would call this 'review' more on the order of a very detailed illustrated walkaround from someone who is pretty determined to like the car. We hear that this person "loved the shape and placement of the center air vents". Omigawd, the air vents. Is there really something special about them? What car does not have air vents in that approximate shape and position? He really liked the "plain vanilla" manual climate control knobs and who needs that fancy-shmancy automatic 2-zone climate control after all, lol. Same with keyless ignition, if keys were good enough for the 90's its good enough for us today?

[dori.]

"if you can afford an Accord or a Camry, you can afford an FR-S."

powerful statement. not that buyers would cross shop them but the the idea got across.

[drewfrs]

wasn't going to comment (and usually don't), but this was so well done I've gotta say great job and give you your well deserved kudos. thanks for sharing!

[poudre]

Excellent read

[knaa]

Great review and very nicely writen

[Areddi]

Awesome review! My car is on order and this just makes me more anxious waiting for it.

[Razor]

Very good and thoughtful writing. Thank you

[whaap]

Very well written. Thank you.

[FRSjeff]

Thank you very much for taking the time to publish this for us. Your write-up is an A+
I for some reason didn't come across this essay when I was anxiously awaiting my FR-S. God knows I was on this forum reading and reading. Since, getting my FR-S a couple weeks ago I have spent much less time reading and more time driving (almost 1400 miles). If I had read your essay before getting my car I would have become even more excited to get it, if that's even possible. Now, already owning this car, reading your comments just kept my head happily nodding up and down in agreement. I too LOVE MY FR-S!

My "two cents" [about the color] --> silver has always been my least favorite car color. There are just soooo many silver cars out there. However, I love this car in any color and I certainly appreciate your opinion. Heck, pink would be ok; ah, second thought maybe not. I guess I am just a bit attention seeking; my FR-S is Firestorm Red (I even waited longer for this color).

Please do continue to update your experience with this fine car. Also, please speak candidly about any issues you encounter. For example, mine does this chirping and slight idle jump members here have posted about. It does bother me a little and I am hoping Toyota/Subaru fixes these issues soon. These technical difficulties are for sure overcome by how damn fun this car is to drive (even to the grocery store!)

Oh, one final note; thank you for mentioning your age. I'm 42 and happy to see others in my age range are articulating the same love for this fine automobile!

Cheers, Jeff

[2gnt2wrx]

I am ordering an frs tomorrow and this review has now made me anxious, very good review btw. I'm surprised you spent the time writing this, it belongs in a magazine.