2015 Scion FR-S

The Scion brand started as a youth-oriented division of Toyota, offering smaller, less-expensive coupes and hatchbacks with sportier designs. Some Scion models gained mainstream appeal, but the brand was discontinued and absorbed back into Toyota in 2016. The Scion iM was rebranded as the rebadged Toyota Corolla iM, and evolved into the Corolla Hatchback. The Mazda-built iA subcompact sedan was rebadged as the Toyota Yaris, and discontinued in 2020. The rear-drive Scion FR-S lives on as the Toyota GR86.

The rear-wheel-drive Scion FR-S features a 200-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, teamed with a choice of a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Its mere 2,800-pound curb weight and optimal weight distribution give it super-agile handling and balance at its limits. In corners, the car turns in promptly, with virtually no body lean. The steering is well weighted, with decent feedback. Inside, the cabin is relatively plain, with well-bolstered front sport seats, but the stiff ride and elevated noise levels can be taxing, and the vestigial rear seats are best left for cargo. Taken as a sports car, it's an admirable effort, but the FR-S might be somewhat tiresome as a daily driver. The Scion brand was discontinued after 2016. The FR-S was renamed Toyota 86.