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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Scion FR-S

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Overview

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2013 Scion FR-S Review

By Micah Muzio

KBB Expert Rating: 8.0

A few years ago, Toyota and Subaru joined forces to develop a fun, affordable sports coupe. Known abroad as the Toyota 86 and GT86, the fruit of that union comes to America as both the somewhat-more-premium Subaru BRZ and the value-focused 2013 Scion FR-S. With a sub-$25,000 base price the 2013 FR-S gives budget-minded sports car enthusiasts all the essentials – sporting style, solid straight-line performance and nicely balanced rear-drive handling dynamics.

You'll Like This Car If...

You'll like the 2013 Scion FR-S if you want a reasonably-priced, excellent handling car that rewards and satisfies advanced drivers without posing a hazard to those with less experience.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If lofty horsepower figures float your boat the 305-horsepower Ford Mustang V6 and 274-horsepower Hyundai Genesis Coupe each offer more ponies per dollar than the Scion FR-S. Also, while it's technically a 4-seater, humans with thoughts and feelings shouldn't be subjected to the Scion's cramped rear quarters.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

8.0
Driving Dynamics

8.5
Comfort & Convenience

6.5
Design: Interior & Exterior

8.6
Value

8.0
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#7

out of 8

MPG

#5

out of 8

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

9.4 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

All-new and channeling the spirit of performance icons like the Toyota AE86 and 2000GT, the 2013 FR-S is undoubtedly the most thrilling product to enter Toyota's portfolio in some time (even if it does technically wear a Scion badge).

Driving the FR-S

Driving Impressions Above all else the Scion FR-S is built for driving pleasure, and in that mission, it is an unabashed success. Every movement of the steering wheel and minute adjustments of...

the throttle are met with an immediate response from the vehicle. The FR-S isn't just an excellent handling coupe, it's the kind of car that makes its abilities readily accessible to drivers of varying skill levels. Less experienced drivers can explore the FR-S's handling limits without major repercussions, while advanced drivers will find the Scion a willing high-speed accomplice. Balanced handling is the big draw but the Scion FR-S also delivers good, if not earth-scorching, acceleration and firm, confident brakes. Though engineered for aggressive driving, the FR-S remains civilized enough for daily commutes with a ride that is undeniably firm but not punishing.

Favorite Features

Hidden Subaru Logos
Rich in dynamic thrills, the 2013 Scion FR-S is also fun when motionless thanks to numerous Subaru logos hidden throughout the vehicle. Searching for them is like an Easter egg hunt for car nerds.

Torsen Limited-Slip Differential
What good is power if you can't exploit it? Enter the FR-S's standard Torsen limited-slip differential (LSD). This little device distributes power to rear wheels in turns, ensuring proper acceleration out of corners. The LSD also means the FR-S is equipped from the factory to go "drifting" (on a closed-track environment of course).

2013 Scion FR-S Details

2013 Scion FR-S Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The interior of the Scion FR-S is as big as it needs to be but no bigger, resulting in a cabin that feels cozy but comfortable like a fitted t-shirt, at least it is for those sitting in the incredibly supportive front seats. In contrast, the rear seats offer very limited headroom and nearly non-existent legroom, limiting their use to desperate situations. Flipping down the rear seatbacks expands the small 6.9-cubic-foot trunk creating a useful, flat cargo space. Though compact, the interior feels smartly designed, excluding the confusing audio system, with nice materials elevating it above typical Scion fare.

Exterior

Pictures of the Scion FR-S can be deceiving. In person, Scion's sports coupe is smaller than one might expect – 15.6 inches less lengthy than the not-particularly-large Hyundai Genesis Coupe. In person, those tidy dimensions serve to enhance the visual charm of the FR-S's shapely exterior. With pronounced fenders, a planted stance and a sleek profile, the Scion FR-S projects an appropriately sporty image without looking overdone. Helping distinguish the FR-S from its nearly-identical Subaru BRZ sibling are a revised front fascia, unique fender adornment and, of course, Scion badging.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Headlining the standard equipment roster are air conditioning, cruise control, 1-touch power windows, power mirrors and door locks, 17-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth and an 8-speaker audio system with auxiliary and USB inputs. On the safety front, all FR-S's feature stability control, traction control, six airbags, and Smart Stop, a feature that cuts engine power if the brake and throttle pedals are pressed at the same time.

Optional Equipment

The Scion FR-S is sold as a single trim, meaning factory-installed options are limited to an automatic transmission and the buyer's choice of exterior color. All other add-ons come in the form of dealer-installed accessories including a rear spoiler, 18-inch wheels, upgraded brakes, lowering springs, and a sporty body kit. Buyers can also add a 340-watt Pioneer BeSpoke Premium audio system that includes navigation, a 5.8-inch touch screen and Zypr, a feature that lets users access iPhone app functionality with voice commands.

Under the Hood

A 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder is the lone engine offered in the 2013 Scion FR-S. Due in large part to the "flat" layout of its engine the FR-S boasts an extremely low center of gravity, a feature that helps enhance handling. Transmission choices include an excellent-shifting 6-speed manual and a similarly charming 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters, although the latter's hesitance to downshift in manual mode can be annoying during spirited driving. Interestingly, buyers looking for the best fuel economy should choose the substantially more efficient 6-speed automatic, which returns up to 34 miles per gallon on the freeway.

2.0-liter flat-4
200 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
151 lb-ft of torque @ 6,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/30 mpg (manual), 25/34 mpg (automatic)

Pricing Notes

Pricing for the Scion FR-S coupe starts at $24,930 including destination. Thanks to Scion's simple "1-spec" ordering system, the only factory option is the automatic transmission, a feature that adds $1,100 to the bottom line. Both the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and the Mazda MX-5 Miata cost about the same as the 2013 Scion FR-S, while the Ford Mustang can be had for several thousand dollars less. When it comes to resale value, Scions have traditionally held their worth well over time, a tradition we expect the FR-S to carry on. For the latest pricing and residual value information on the Scion FR-S and its competitors, be sure to check out the KBB Fair Purchase Price.

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2013 Scion FR-S Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.4

Out of 10

Based on 13 Ratings for the 2013 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.7/10

Quality

9.5/10
Reliability

9.8/10

Performance

9.8/10
Comfort

8.9/10

Styling

9.7/10

Fun to drive short distances.

By Gregorio (International) on Tuesday, June 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,900

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 2/10

Pros: "Sporty style, great handleing, excellent gas MPG"

Cons: "Not many, stiff ride"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"This car is great fun to drive. But, only short distances less than 25 miles. Suspension is pretty stiff so every little imperfection in the road is transferred to the driver. Also, since the vehicle is so close to the ground, getting in and out can be difficult. Gas mileage is great. Sound system is awesome. A little under powered at low revs. But, impressive a 6,000-7,000 RPM. Have had the car about 10 months. Time to find something more comfortable."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Exactly how I want a car to be.

By Asone (HI) on Tuesday, May 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Exterior, I'd give 99 out of 100. -1 for the tail light design. The car is very small, so it's easy to park. The car and the seat are very low and the seating position needs to be set differently from the regular car, which I like. The interior design is very simple. It feels like I'm back in the 90s, which I feel more comfortable than the 21 century design interior. The engine is noisy and the exhaust is quiet. The suspension is stiffer than the normal cars, but softer than sports cars. Steering is weighed nicely. The shifter feel is very satisfying. I like the useless rear seats. Small enough to prevent me from being the driver when there are more than one other passenger. Big enough to squeeze in adults for an emergency short trips. Trunk space is just enough. Height is pretty low, but the depth is good. Fuel economy is amazing for this type of car. I'm getting 30 mpg from 1/2 city and 1/2 highway drives. The car feels slower than it really is because it's not fast unless you go above 5000 rpm, but I enjoy driving slow car fast. I get to step on it without going too fast. Once in a while when I want to feel the power, I just can rev it up to above 5000 rpm. Now, the handling is just amazing. I never got to even screech the tires yet because when I think it's too fast for the turn, it's still nothing for this car. All of this for $25k. I appreciate Toyota and Subaru."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Awesome vehicle! A visceral driving experience!

By FRS8686 (OH) on Monday, April 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 9,100

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Absolute most bang for the buck!"

Cons: "Radio not intuitive. Could use heated mirrors."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Aside from motorcycling, this is the most fun you can have with your clothes on! I love driving it so much that I called TireRack & ordered 4 studded snow tires mounted on steel wheels. Great fun on the ice! Had to re-initialize a power window after it stuck to the gasket in freezing temperatures, but that was easy enough once the technician told me what to do. I'm fifty-nine and have not enjoyed any vehicle as much. It's like driving a Lotus Elise with more comfortable seats and better weather protection. Rear-quarter blind spot is no worse than any other sport coupe and not as bad as the convertibles with the top up."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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A Thing of Beauty

By Danny (MN) on Wednesday, March 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Good looks. Fun drive. Bargain Price."

Cons: "Nothing jumps out at me yet"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Can't get over how enjoyable and how beautiful this car is....and what a bargain. I look forward to many fun drives. This car is destined to become a classic."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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Drive one

By rockstar06 (IL) on Monday, March 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,600

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great driver, quick, responsive, simple, fun, sexy"

Cons: "Blind spots, fog lights, price tag"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"If you read or watch reviews about this car, all the good things you hear about it are absolutely true. It's extremely nimble, hugs corners, and fantastically responsive. People always ask me, "Is it fast?" No. But, 'quick' would be more accurate, by any measure. Shifting is tight, solid. Steering is just as good. For drivers who understand driving, the FR-S is very much an extension of oneself-- a refreshing feeling, since most modern vehicles lack a real connection with the driver. Its shortcomings are few: Virtually no blind-spot visibility. The rear windows are narrow, and pillars, wide. Luckily the mirrors provide good range, and adjusted properly, my blind spots are confidently covered. Back seat is hardly practical. However, if you're looking to buy a sports car and actually plan on using the back seat, you should reconsider. Emergency situations only. A weighted shifter/shift knob would be nice. Finally, if you're conflicted about the difference between the FR-S and the BRZ, the FR-S has slightly tweaked suspension, which makes it a better performer at a lower cost. The BRZ has options available for luxury features and accessories, but base model is more expensive. I like it simple and straightforward. And the Scion FR-S delivers that better than anything else out there. If you've ever driven a Honda S2000, the feel is similar. For some strange reason, pictures and videos don't really seem to make this car look as stunning as it does in person."

9 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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I love this car

By King Sheff (TX) on Monday, January 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 300

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I read about the FR-S in 08 and forgot all about it tell I seen it two weeks ago and I went straight out and bought one!!Let me tell you that you cant go wrong if your looking for a car under 29K. 200hr are great but I can't wait to put a supercharger on it and HKS. But even if you don't it's still a great car. I was looking at getting a Dodge Challenger Hemi or an Audi TT for sometime but your looking at 37k to 42K. And don't forget about all the little add-ons, gap insurence, lowjack, ext...price keeps going up. For the FR-S after all the add-ons I was at $29,540.00. You can't beat that!! I have lots of extra$$ for my own UP-Grades."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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