2016 Scion FR-S Customer Reviews
What customers like
Ride and Handling, Styling, Reliability
What they don't
Power, Cabin Noise, Interior Space
Pros
Ride and Handling
I went from a FWD 1989 Toyota Corolla station wagon to this and obviously it’s a massive difference. I’ve driven all kinds corvettes (C6 - C8), Camaros (Base to ZL1 and track packages) yet this car, for what it is, is amazing. I have heard about some horror stories about the FA20 not being reliable and drinks oil but so far I haven’t ran into any issues yet probably due cause I haven’t had her over a year yet. But, the car handles amazingly! I’m definitely doing a more track focused build when I pay off my loan 🫠 and the ride of the car is super smooth yet touchy. This is also my first manual car because I wanted to learn and this car honestly is perfect. I would HIGHLY recommend this car for anyone that likes a car that’s quick, flashy, and reliable. I mean…it is a sports car! (also has a pretty good resale value since most people now days want a RWD manual small wheel base car so they can drift)
Reliability
I can give her all the gas to Mexico and back. Still have probably half a tank or less……realistically, I fill her up every week to a week and a half. This is my daily and she takes premium fuel only! Cost me around maybe….$35 every Saturday or if I stretch it out every Wednesday. Yet, your still in a clean sports car!
Styling
Looks and sounds amazing. 3rd gear to the floor in low rpm brings out a deep roar that echos and bounces off walls. When people look it’s like no one has ever heard a stock Scion sound like that! LUL
Cons
Power
This is one of the cons of owning a FRS of any kind I’m pretty sure. The low end toque when you floor the car. Obviously depends on what gear your in but still takes about 2 seconds to get up and go if your rolling and put it in another gear. Yet the car only makes 200hp so I don’t expect it to be insanely fast
Cost to Maintain
No to much on “maintaining” but, the spark plugs are on the side of the motor like a rotary motor. So, if I take this to a dealer, you’re already looking at a ton of money to just change your plugs! (I’m just assuming this I haven’t do it myself yet.) Not to mention the oil filter is upside down on top of the motor. I’ve never seen anything like that before until I opened my hood and saw that. Will have to try and look up a tutorial on how to do an oil change on this car 😂
Weather Versatility
I will say having a manual car in the rain with small 215s in the rear can be kind of scary. I’m not a huge fan of driving in the rain in general but, just a tad too hard on the throttle you’ll start to spin. Even if the roads been dry for a couple hours and still slick, the car will kick out and try to drift if you apply to much throttle. Hints why everyone wants a car like this to drift with
Pros
Ride and Handling
handles corners like it's on rails
Fuel Economy
affordable
Cons
Cabin Noise
Interior Space
Pros
Ride and Handling
Handling is really sporty feeling.
Styling
Looks great!
Value
It's a sportscar priced very well
Cons
Cabin Noise
Road noise is a little louder than expected
Fuel Economy
Uses High Grade gasoline
Interior Space
Backseats are more for decoration
Pros
Braking
Ride and Handling
Reliability
Cons
Power
Cabin Noise
Technology and Entertainment
Pros
Ride and Handling
It's solid and very responsive handling.
Seat Comfort
It cradles you like a formula one race car.
Styling
It's very sleek and sexy styling.
Cons
Power
Wish it had better acceleration.
Interior Space
Would be nice to have more rear seat space.
Fuel Economy
Regular gas would be cheaper than premium.
Pros
Ride and Handling
Fun to drive and good handling.
Styling
Great design and look
Fuel Economy
Good on gas
Cons
Reliability
It makes an unsettling noise under the car now and then but when I brought it into service mechanic couldn’t detect noise which is very frustrating and worrisome
Cargo Space
Minimum and all cargo space
Visibility
The rear camera is horrible and distorted and does not give accurate view
