FRS First Drive Fort Mill SC

[Bristecom]

Yeah, no offense but it sounds like this just isn't the right kind of car for you. You'd probably be better off with a larger, more powerful, luxury type car like a Lexus IS or Infiniti G-series. Maybe even a Genesis Coupe or Mustang.

Even though I am 6 feet tall, I prefer and am used to smaller coupes. And although cheap looking/feeling plastics is definitely not pleasing, I don't really care unless the whole car is rattling and feels like it's going to fall apart. But from what I've seen, it's not as bad as some cars coming out of Japan lately.

Also, as strange as it may sound, I like having those small back seats. They're good for throwing stuff back there and you can fold them down for extra trunk space. And if 3 people have to ride with me, they're going to have to deal with being uncomfortable. 4 adults ain't happening though. I'm not moving my drivers seat forward for a passenger. :P

And lastly, I prefer a responsive ride where you can feel all the bumps as long as it's not too jarring. So everyone is different and as Tada-san said, this car won't satisfy everyone. Nothing wrong with that. Even I won't know if I'll be satisfied until I drive it.

[brewksy]

Gmfosset, almost no one here is arguing with you - in fact, most are thanking you for the honest review. Obviously opinions will differ, but you knew that going in.

On a side note - instead of calling this car a "2+2", can we just fold the rear seats down and call it a "2-seater with enormous amounts of trunk space" instead?

[speedrye]

Originally Posted by brewksy

Gmfosset, almost no one here is arguing with you - in fact, most are thanking you for the honest review. Obviously opinions will differ, but you knew that going in.

On a side note - instead of calling this car a "2+2", can we just fold the rear seats down and call it a "2-seater with enormous amounts of trunk space" instead?

That's how I planning on driving mine on a daily basis, seats down, open to the trunk. Since the seats fold so incredibly flat, my dog will be much happier like that instead of dealing with laying across the lumpy "rear seats".

[Rampage]

What I find interesting and a little troubling is that here was an opportunity to be one of the first to "see" and "drive" the new sports car that the world has been waiting for. Well, the world according to this forum. Yet, it was mentioned that the turn-out for the event was very small. I have had similar expereinces at the NAIAS and the Chicago Auto Show. There were no crowds around the FR-S or BRZ displays. Even when presentations were being given and swag handed out there were only 4-8 people stopping by to listen. The Fiat 500 and VW New Beattle had more interest. The crowds were around the pony cars and luxury cars.

Recently we have seen the demise of the Solstice/Sky, S2000 and RX8. Only the MX-5 and the 370Z soldier on. I desparately want this car to be a success to bring life back to the small sports car market but sometimes I wonder if there truly are any car enthusiast left in this country other than the old hot rod and muscle car guys.

[speedrye]

Look at the dwindling numbers of manual transmission sales and you'll see that car enthusiasts are a dying breed. Most people nowadays look at a manual and wonder how the heck they're going to drive it while texting and drinking their coffee at the same time.

I'm not saying that all enthusiasts drive manuals either since that's not the case, but the majority of manual drivers prefer manuals for the extra interaction and control of the car, so they're either control freaks or enthusiasts

As far as the low turnouts, these first drive events are not well-promoted and those of us that went, don't even know how we got invited in the first place. Most enthusiasts I've talked to aren't even aware of the car's existence. Those of us that have been following it are well versed, but the average Joe is just now starting to hear about it with the flood of reviews pouring in from automotive publications.

[bestwheelbase]

Originally Posted by brewksy

On a side note - instead of calling this car a "2+2", can we just fold the rear seats down and call it a "2-seater with enormous amounts of trunk space" instead?

How 'bout "2 + Tools." Helmet, torque wrench, track day supplies....

[bestwheelbase]

Originally Posted by speedrye

That's how I planning on driving mine on a daily basis, seats down, open to the trunk. Since the seats fold so incredibly flat, my dog will be much happier like that instead of dealing with laying across the lumpy "rear seats".

Very good point!

FRS -- Makes puppies happy.

[gmfossett]

Thanks for all the "thanks"" Its obviously a personal preference on many things. I too ride with my back seat down everyday but on some days I do need my back seat and cramped is not what it would be for your back seat riders, you would have to fold it down and allow them to llay down. Its just something everyone will have to see for themselves and make a decission. There is enough room to fit four tires and a few other items, I was told that was the design anyhow. I wonder what percent, prob less than 5 will ever put anything but a flat tire in the back. Im not taking abrand new car and specking it out for another 15 or 20 grand, voiding the warranty then blowing it up on the track every so many visits, sounds fun, lots of fun but whats really reality, if we are all worrying about spending 25 grand on a car, we prob dont have that type money and if you do,,,this is an awesome car for the track,,and you can take the back seat out to save weight too. Prob solved haha. As for me, one poster said this prob isnt the car for me. As hard as that is to swallow they may be right. Ive followed this car for almost 2 years, Ive seen it go from the totally awesome sleek machine at the car shows to the tamed version in production, still a great looking car but not the bait before the switch to what I saw the other day. After looking at 0-60 times and comaring them to my TC2 (I know, its not a sports car and not an FRS) but it is a Scion and has numerous simularities and it makes an easy comparison. That being said Im not thrilled with the FRS 0-60 times or the speed when I drove it. Both the FRS and the TC2 are very close to times on 0-60, milliseconds close. The fact that its so low on torque and needs 93 octane as well are both negatives to me, {for me{ The low center of gravity is awesome, one of the best out there. There is no disputing that the FRS/BRZ hit the nail on the head when it comes to this. What remains to be seen before I can reaqlly make a decission is how will the car do what I want it to do,,carve out mountain roads at high speeds, on and off ramps when pushed and everyday driving to include high speed hadling off of the track. Ive owned a lot of fast and sports cars, most not fast and sports, that seems to be a rare find except some 911s Ive had. All have strengths and weakenses,,,I think the FRS needs more discovery for me to really say yes or no about buying one, sorry though, my first impression says no but if I do it will most likely be a BRZ because even though its priced slightly higher, 500 bucks or so, they is a whole lot more to that car for that 500 bucks, my worry would be the diff in the tuning of the suspension which could destroy most of what makes the car awesome, handling,,,so a drive is needed,,,,a long one to see. But even the limited BRZ boast thousands of dollors worth of upgrades that the FRS doesnt offer and for almost zero weight gain and some I would add anyhow to an FRS. The other consideration would be Scions price lock,,,what it says is what you pay, to my knowledge and I may be wrong, the BRZ will be like any other car,,here is what we are asking,,,oh wow,,here is a discount for this and that,,this is what you pay now,,,never true with any Scion,,that can also be a bad thing down the road when trading,,price lock is good for that, holds value if everyone pays the same. Time will tell and also most likely help the FRS,,I think Scion is really on to something here, I personally dont think they are there yet. Like any other car,,,again the TC, years of refining have turned it into a pretty good car overall,,,no FRS but a damn good touring coupe,,the FRS will have the same fate,,Im sure they will eventually find a way to get more power, it will get its own interior,,maybe loose the back seat,,Honda did that to its small sport,,cant think of the name,,first year had a back seat,,second year it was gone. Im sure the FRS will come into itself but dont let that comment fuel your fires,,its already an awesome car it just not what I waited 2 years for. So in short, yes Ill prob drive my TC2, with 89 octane, same milage and a half a second slower until I get some bait I can bite from Scion or the Genesis gets more refined on handling and more power as well or its back to the 911 dealer and mortgage a house.

[TheWatchman]

Originally Posted by bestwheelbase

Very good point!

FRS -- Makes puppies happy.

my Rottweiler weighs around 120lbs, do you think he will fit haha

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by TheWatchman

my Rottweiler weighs around 120lbs, do you think he will fit haha

My Newfie is 155lbs and about 5' 7" when "standing". I look forward to trying to squeeze her in!

[ft86Fan]

Originally Posted by bestwheelbase

How 'bout "2 + Tools." Helmet, torque wrench, track day supplies....

I like "2 + Tools".

[brianbot5000]

I'm surprised at all of the thoughts about the back seats being useless. I'm had two coupes - '84 Corolla SR5 (AE86, minus the performance), and '96 Celica - and both had rear seats comparable to the FRS/BRZ. Back then, that was the norm for a coupe. So I was pleasantly surprised by the back seats.

Im 5 7,...when we tried to fit an 8 yeaer old in the back it couldnt be done.

Really?

The dash is clear but if your driving like I do you will only use it when cruising.

I don't even get what this means.

[Lost]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

My Newfie is 155lbs and about 5' 7" when "standing". I look forward to trying to squeeze her in!

I took my Chessie to the event but she didn't get to ride along. :-\ heheh I think I will be using the seat-down method for her. She won't be able stand up, but she'll be able to lay flat at least.

[Mouse]

I really like how people assume that just because a car has 4 seats that it is inherently cheaper to insure than a 2 seater. Insurance has more to do with demographics and personal driving record more than anything else. Fact is most 2 seat sports cars are probably cheaper to insure then the popular grocery getters.