My letter made it into Car and Driver!

[spitz]

Originally Posted by Linseal

I wonder if 240z owners are pissed their cars are Datsuns and not Nissans. Or maybe they don't care because they own an awesome car that changed everything about affordable sports cars at the time. They way I see it. The FR-S is a modern day 240z. Personally.... I love Scions, I've driven them for 9 years. I've never really thought of them as anything other than Toyotas. Very rarely do I see a "riced out" Scion. "Riced out" Celicas and Supras are more common around here. And there are WAY more "riced out" Subarus than anything else. So this argument about not wanting to belong to that crowd blows my mind.

Anways, enjoy your cars people. Don't worry about the labels. Worry about how much fun you and others are having for 25k. In the end, THAT'S the community you belong to.

I agree with you that the FR-S is the modern day 240Z. A bang for the buck investment that won't leave you without dinner on the table. However, to be fair, Datsun owners were probably not bothered that their beloved 240Z was not under the name Nissan because the Nissan name did not exist in the United States during the time. Very little American's even knew the Nissan name. The Datsun name was actually created to avoid damaging the "Nissan" name if it were to fail in the United States, which was completely proven wrong. After 25+ years of being called Nissan in the States, they are bringing the Datsun name back to niche markets in Asia. Toyota-Scion is a totally different situation.

I feel the problem people have is that for one, Toyota does exist in the United States, which probably could have sold just as many GT86 cars (with downsized options), and two, Scion is vastly branded for the younger crowd, leaving the impression that they are 'cheap.' Image is image, nothing we can do about that. However, like many others, I did strongly wish the FR-S came with at least GT86 options. Unfortunately this case is no different than all other JDM vehicles and their USDM variants. Brands aside, think of the Scion FR-S being your entry model, Subaru BRZ Premium as standard, and Subaru BRZ Limited as luxury. Makes sense... perhaps?

Also, I'm not entirely sure of your definition of 'riced out,' but I can assure there are more modified Scions (FR-S, TC, iQ, xB, xD) modified than Subarus (Impreza, Legacy, Outback, Baja, BRZ, Crosstrek, Tribeca, Forester). Scion's whole marketing strategy is to give you little, so you can do more yourself. Correct me if I'm wrong. I don't recall ever seeing a 'riced out' Outback, Baja, Crosstrek, Tribeca, Forester, or even Legacy.

[spitz]

Originally Posted by ST185RC

In the homeland that this car came from people are disappointed that it didn't come as a scion and are rebadging it a Scion to have a unique look. The whole world is just full of disappointment....

Agree, no one can be completely satisfied.

The GT86 is most likely targeted for a slightly older crowd in Japan. The Scion brand name does not exist in Japan because young people in Japan are not as likely to be able to afford a car as they are in the States.

[rice_classic]

Guys and their car labels are like chicks and their purse labels.

"OMG Becky, is that a DKNY?!" "No bitch, it's a genuine COACH, I wouldn't own DKNY if my life depended on it!"

That's the conversation I think about when people talk about the BRZ and the FRS labels.

[Brett]

I will agree that Scion's advertising seems a bit like an old guy trying to guess what you kids are into these days. Oddly it's the same impression I got when I was in LBC for the First 86 trip and I was talking with the head of marketing for Scion.

[Wise]

Not as bad as the Hyundai Genesis coupe.

Hyundai finally makes an awesome car. But then they completely ruin it... by putting a Hyundai badge on it.

Honestly how many of us would buy the Genesis if it had a Mazda badge on it. It even kinda looks like it could be a modern MX-6.

[whaap]

Originally Posted by Wise

Not as bad as the Hyundai Genesis coupe.

Hyundai finally makes an awesome car. But then they completely ruin it... by putting a Hyundai badge on it.

They could have put a Kia badge on it!!

[Re~Mix]

Originally Posted by rice_classic

Guys and their car labels are like chicks and their purse labels.

/ Thread.

Hit the nail on the head. I'm happy enough to know where it counts the car is a genuine, over engineered, quality product.

[Turbowned]

Originally Posted by rice_classic

Guys and their car labels are like chicks and their purse labels.

"OMG Becky, is that a DKNY?!" "No bitch, it's a genuine COACH, I wouldn't own DKNY if my life depended on it!"

That's the conversation I think about when people talk about the BRZ and the FRS labels.

You sound like the type of guy who says that Sam's Club brand cola tastes the same as Coca Cola.

For some of us, there is a difference. Brand image is a very real and powerful thing. I have no problem with being labeled a brand whore. I'm loyal to my favorite brands, and want to buy from them because of the positive experience I've had in the past or because of my perception of their brand from how they purvey themselves. Not all people see it though, apparently, and that's fine.

[sho220]

I went with an FR-S because all Subaru owners are lesbians...and not the good kind...

[spitz]

Originally Posted by sho220

I went with an FR-S because all Subaru owners are lesbians...and not the good kind...

^ Lol

[BlaineWasHere]

The source of the problem is Toyota (Scion included), they stopped building exciting cars over 10 years ago. Sorry but the Camry, Carola and Prius are just not cool cars.

I've re-badged mine as a Toyota already and I get people asking me if it's really a Toyota and they've never seen a cool Toyota before!

[rice_classic]

Originally Posted by Turbowned

You sound like the type of guy who says that Sam's Club brand cola tastes the same as Coca Cola.

For some of us, there is a difference. Brand image is a very real and powerful thing. I have no problem with being labeled a brand whore. I'm loyal to my favorite brands, and want to buy from them because of the positive experience I've had in the past or because of my perception of their brand from how they purvey themselves. Not all people see it though, apparently, and that's fine.

And Becky agrees with you, that's why she bought the COACH purse!



p.s. I don't drink cola. Cola leads to obesity and illness regardless of the brand. Just as the FT86 leads to happiness and fun regardless of emblem.

[JDMenrique]

great article, you were right on point!

[Splat]

Originally Posted by Tim_Asphalt_FRS

Agreed, I was a little disappointed to hear it would be marketed here as a Scion. I don't think Scion cars aren't quality, but they look like they're designed by a Ringling Bros. clown. But, I bought an FR-S because a)cheaper, & b) I actually found one. I will be swapping Toyota emblems ASAP. The aftermarket will let people go whatever they want to the cars anyways, you don't have to be stuck with a Scion. Who knows, maybe if enough people swap to Toyota emblems, they'll eventually take the hint.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I guess I am lucky vs most you poor saps. Crying about a lowsy emblem and dreams of some big daddy heritage. It still dumbfounds me that you would change the emblem thinking it would change the car to something else. I never paid any attention to 86(never heard of it) supra(looked kinda neat but no balls) toyota-carrolla(eeshh so what) or subaru(I knew Subaru did some nice racing and the WRX has some moves). I want an FR-S oil cap, not some 86 junk. So, scream all you want about that heritage that nobody paid any attention to of dreams unrealized. All American muscle, Mustangs, Camaro, Olds is where I was. Now that, is real heritage. My point is, I love my Scion-FR-S. I bought it the way I found it, without outside intervention, pure of premise what it was and where from. No magazine articles, no video clips, just a nice clean sleek looking car, then a test drive, comparisons and at the end .....Midnight Blue in driveway. Great fun car...no whining along the way, just pure enjoyment.
I wish the rest of you find some peace....