I am not a huge Toyota fan, despite my love for the quirky 1970s models. But despite it all, the current lineup does have a certain appeal. Nice family cars like the Camry, rugged SUVs like the Four Runner and retro FJ Cruiser, and oh-so-modern hybrids like the Prius, Prius C and Prius wagon, led me to visit the local purveyor of all things Toyota one fine Sunday.
My initial draw was the Scion FR-S, so hyped in the press months, nay, years prior to its availability. There was no shortage of the model at my local dealer, with no less than five on the lot, if you counted the chili-pepper red one sitting in the showroom.
These silver-gray and gunmetal-gray examples were sitting out back. Though I am loathe towards a silver anything, the dark gray example looked pretty nice.
The interiors were suitably purposeful, albeit with tasteful red accents to the black upholstery. As befitting a true 2+2, the back seats were unsuitable for anything save short-distance travel.
I am happy to see that Toyota is trying to get a bit of the sports coupe market back. While not directly aping any particular styling element, the FR-S did remind me a little bit of the current Skyline sports coupe, in a smaller and less dear package.
Since the departure of the Celica, Supra and MR-S Spyder, there really hasn’t been anything to stir the blood of the lively set. With its 200-hp and light sub-3,000-lb. curb weight, I hope the FR-S will bring a bit of Toyota’s sporting pedigree back.
Out front was a much more traffic-friendly version, with black paint and bigger wheels.
This one obviously has the upgraded interior as well, with leather buckets. I miss the red accents on the cloth-seat version, however…
And I had never seen these wheels on an FR-S before. A factory accessory, I assume.
These are really nicely styled sports cars, both the Toyota and the Subaru variants. I especially like the slight Coke-bottle flanks. They are quite tidily-sized as well. I know not everyone will agree with me, but I like the looks of the new Camaro, although I don’t care for the limited visibility. I wish they had been sized more like this car; it would have been truer to classic Camaros of the past.
While both the Soobie and Toyota versions are very similar, I must confess that I prefer the Subaru version. Maybe it’s that lovely metallic blue they come in…
…although I like the Subaru’s nose better, too. The Toyota’s flared parking lamps and side intakes look a little too ’70s Trans Am for my tastes.
This was originally going to just be a “Future CC” on the FR-S, but I saw several other interesting new “Toys” on the lot. Like this tangerine-orange Prius C. I do not know too much about hybrids, but I liked this little hatchback. Nice to see one in a real color!
Also refreshing was an interior not done entirely in monotone dark gray. The two-tone cabin, though done in shades of gray, looked quite pleasant.
Another thing that struck me about the Prius C was its resemblance to the entry-level Yaris (seen to its right). Here’s a question for Len and any other Toyota fans: is there any structural commonality between the Yaris and the Prius C? They looked very, very similar.
Just down the line from the Prius Vitamin C were several examples of the Prius V, which should have been called the Prius wagon in my opinion. It has more room than the sedan, it is not four- or all-wheel drive, so let’s just call it a station wagon already!
As a current “Vovlo” wagon owner, I must admit I have a thing for the Prius wagon. Most of the ones I’ve seen in traffic are silver or white, but this one looked better in ice-blue metallic.
I happen to think that a full line of Prius models is a no-brainer, as not everyone wants the Citroën-looking standard model. Personally, I really like the wagon. If I ever move to hybrid ownership, this is the one I want, though I would prefer one in fire engine red with tan leather. And it will take some doing to wrest this biased Volvo owner into another marque, though it is a possibility. I am nothing if not practical.
I also like the “neon” Toyota logo on the hybrids, which has a bit of a blue glow. A subtle but cool touch.
But really, the one car that appealed most to me on the lot was this bright-blue Camry XLE. Most of the Camrys running about are LEs in silver or trademark metallic beige, but this one was much more appealing.
I had not looked at an XLE for several years, and was particularly impressed with the tri-tone leather upholstery: light gray, white and dark gray. Classy, but not overdone.
This treatment extended to the rear compartment. I also appreciated the bright aluminum-effect trim and cubbys for miscellaneous items. I could actually envision trading in the venerable V50 for one of these babies.
Much of it was helped by the bright blue paint-not the usual old-man’s Grand Marquis blue, but quite a bit brighter. And the alloys look so much nicer than the usual LE plastic wheel covers.
The upside-down-L taillamps are also very attractive. While I know the current Camry is but a refresh of the 2007 model, the 2012-13 model has taken the unattractive lines of the ’07 and remade them into an inoffensive design in LE form, and downright attractive as a flossier XLE.
As I was heading back to the car, I noticed this ’13 RAV4. I was unaware that a new model had been introduced, and had to pause for a few more pictures.
Despite clearly being a base model (black cladding, plastic wheel covers, etc.) it had a very hospitable interior, with stitched vinyl on the dash and two-tone cloth on the seats.
This is the first 2013 RAV4 I’ve seen, as I was unable to attend the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. I wanted to go, but my brother had to work and I wasn’t about to drive solo; it wouldn’t have been any fun. I kinda liked this one though, despite my aversion to SUVs and crossovers.
In closing, let me part with this shot of a pearl-gray Scion tC. While not a huge fan of these cars (they seem to hold the place that triple-white VW Cabriolets held in the ’80s), I did like this pearl-concrete color. It may look a bit drab in the photo, but I much preferred it to the ubiquitous silver gracing far too many of today’s cars.
Sub 3000lbs is a very fat sports car, if Toyota can make something capable of a U turn at 40mph call me untill then I dont feel like downgrading
Even an MX5 roadster is in the 2,500-lb. range these days. All that mandatory safety equipment adds up. An FR-S is in the 2,700 to 2,800-lb. range.
Affordable, Light, Safe.
Pick 2.
Unless you want to blow out the budget with lots of expensive materials this is about as light as you can get a car that meets todays safety standards. Now if you throw $15k of Carbon Fiber or Aluminum at it you could shave off some more weight.
Bryce, it’s called safety, and it’s kind of a useful thing to have. What cars are you thinking of? ’60s British roadsters? Good luck surviving a crash with anything bigger than a mailbox.
Perhaps I could interest you in a Toyota Sports 800? (check those patio chairs for scale!)
I’m really not a fan of silver at all, but that FR-S looks great in it.
Rav4? Hideous. I would have guessed Saturn. Yuck.
I’m more of a vintage car guy but there are two new models I would like to own. One is the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ sports car, which I haven’t driven but imagine is perfect (and it looks very original as Tom says), and the other is the Mazda CX-5. On the Mazda I would wait for the upcoming turbo diesel. If I don’t buy one of these now then I will in a few years. I like buying used to save on the depreciation.
In these parts, anyway, popular models like the Civic depreciate so slowly it’s often a wash whether to buy new or used.
As for used sports cars: No thanks.
I had great ownership experiences with two used Miatas (and one used ‘sporty’ car, an Eclipse). But I think it definitely helps to shop that were often bought new by non-enthusiasts, the folks that just wanted a stylish or ‘fun’ commuter and probably didn’t beat on them. A used WRX or Evo, I’d be a lot more wary of…
My mother asked me about the BRZ a couple of months ago—I think she was considering it as an empty-nest car. It’s a fitting choice for her—she’s a current Subaru owner and her first car was a RWD Celica—but she also asked me whether her dog (a fifty-pound standard poodle) could fit in the back seat. I haven’t heard a word about it since.
I’m honestly not sure whether the Prius-V really counts as a wagon—it’s not that much more wagon-like than something like the Mazda3 and seems like it belongs somewhere in the middle of the hatchback-wagon continuum.
Regarding the FR-S/BR-Z’s back seat it isn’t even useable for short trips unless everyone in the car is 5′ or under. I saw them at the auto show and the stop for the front seat is the bottom of the back seat and that is where I needed the front seat to be comfortable in the front.
The tires and wheels on the black one are dealer installed based on the sticker still being on the tread of the front tire. They may be official accessory wheels though.
The Prius C shares a platform with the Yaris. Over at TTAC they talked about how its really a breakthrough from an engineering perspective to be able to offer a Hybrid below $20k.
Did we really need a review of the whole Toyota line-up? I call for equal time for Ford (Chevy, Dodge?)! Certainly Ford’s line-up is even more complete, from 47 MPG C-Maxes to F250+ on up.
I’ve heard so much bitc^ing about Lincoln’s MK* series names. I understand them (am I alone?) but I can’t remember the LETTERS of the Toy/Sub sports cars for the life of me! Nor do I get all the brouhaha about these two obvious badge engineered cars. Does it make it any better that they are engineered by two different companies? Rather than say a Ford/Mercury?
I’m biased, I drive a Miata (MX-5 for other markets and people who don’t like “real” names) and find it hard to believe a fixed top coupe is a better sports car than a roadster/convertible.
“The Bottom Line
For a speedy cruise down a country road, the Miata is a blast. The Mazda’s performance bandwidth is just fine for anything less than the limits of the chassis. Plus, unlike the Subaru, it comes as a convertible.
But it’s clear after a week of hard driving that the new Subaru BRZ is the more capable handling machine—it’d be our choice for a day at the track. The BRZ is quicker in just about any situation, it provides serious feedback for the driver, and it can hold plenty of gear as well. If we have to pick one lightweight speed machine—it’s the new Subaru BRZ.”
Read more: 2013 Subaru BRZ vs 2012 Mazda Miata: Featherweight Sports Car Faceoff – Popular Mechanics
Neither are terribly quick, actually a new V6 minivan is probably faster. A V6 Mustang Sport Package will beat either handily (and a Genesis Coupe R spec too).
As for silver painted cars, I love ’em! They look cleaner, don’t show dirt for one. Two, silver is a natural color for metal. It looks “right” for the material underneath.
This wasn’t the whole lineup by any means, I just took photos of the ones I found interesting.
I went to the local auto show a couple weeks ago and saw this red Miata. They still look pretty good.
To put in “Curbside” speak, would you prefer a MGB coupe or a roadster? A BMW Z3 Coupe or roadster? To me, putting a fixed roof on ’em lessens the sports car appeal. Only a few cars are more appealing as a coupe (1968 Ford XL-GT comes to mind). Some look better with 4 doors, some better as a wagon.
But a small, real sports car? Convertible only for me 😉
I can see where you’re coming from. Friends of ours had a white MR-S Spyder for years, and only recently got rid of it. Now that was a nice car! There’s just something about a convertible…
MR-2 Spyder? I used to see them around occasionally. Not so much anymore.
Tim, are you confusing “sports car appeal” with “fun car appeal”? As a fellow Miata driver, I completely understand the attraction to open top motoring. However, from strictly a “sporting” perspective, a hardtops structural rigidity gives it an inherent stiffness and handling advantage. Many people find this appealing. Look at the price difference between an old 911 targa and hardtop, or more dramatically, the price difference between an e30 convertible and coupe.
I doubt any of this is news to you. Also, I’m sure you’re aware that the FRS/BRZ will soon have a convertible version. It’ll be interesting to see in 20 years which is more desirable.
Both actually, add in a manual trans with RWD, and it’s all about “being there” and involved in a rawer experience….that can’t be experience in say a Geo Metro or a Sebring convertible tho!
There is a new Miata coming too of course. Lighter by 200 lbs.a miracle in this day and age. I doubt the F/B convertible twins will be lighter than the already heavier coupe vis a vis the Miata.
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2014-mazda-mx-5-miata-rendering-and-info-news
I don’t do the Qualcomm events, I prefer the more relaxed yet fun canyon driving.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MKNMJ39zya0
Certainly the Miata has been the most raced car of all time. http://www.wired.com/autopia/2011/02/the-mazda-mx-5-breaks-another-record/
While for maximum rigidity a coupe or a roll bar/cage is better, other things (struts, shocks, coils, tires and a million other things) are equally important. And can be $$$$. And I’ll bet everything has been done to a Miata! These boys and girls are serious!
There have been better sports cars? Yes. Even from just Japan there was the S2000. My neighbor has one. Silver too, but everything on it was 2-3X as much money. She raced hers at the Q, so did her hubby with the WRX. But for basic fun on mine, 14″ tires are $60. Koni struts/shocks are $77…..as a basic sports car a Miata can’t be beat.
It isn’t just the initial cost.
Give me an old Mercedes SL with a removable hardtop and we’ll call it a day.
I like the new Miatas. The “smiley” face on ALL Mazdas are too “Cars” for me though. And I prefer the older dash layouts.
I don’t come here often and might have to drop by more. On this rainy Sunday, this article is almost as good as dropping by the dealer to ogle the cars. The commentary is great, too- feels like walking around the lot with a buddy.
Thanks and hope to see this more often. Maybe a different brand every week?
Just watched “Looper” (best science fiction I’ve seen in a long time) and young Joe’s hot ride in 2044 is a de-badged 1st-gen Miata, red like mine.
What, no CC love for the Corolla?
Seriously, the Camry is a *somewhat* more appealing machine to me now than it was just a couple of years ago, and the new Avalon seems to be getting largely positive reviews.
The Camry V6 is pretty fast, I will give it that. But the suspension is so soft and vague that it feels even faster because it is so incapable.
The new Avalon? Yikes is IT ugly! It looks like they got a sneak peak of the Fusion grill and grafted it on, awkwardly. A modern Tucker………not in a good way.
When I saw the new Avalons on Top Chef, I commented that they looked like a Matador from the front. Since then I have seen several on the road, and other than that grille, they are quite nice looking.
It’s like they couldn’t decide on “Grille A” or “Grille B” and at the 11th hour, decided to put both on, much like the bizarre roof treatment on 1975-78 LTD coupes.
I test drove an FR-S last week and very nearly bought it. The car drives great and has beautiful balance. Sure it isn’t an old MG, but if you want and old MG, go get one.
The FR-S goes on the road for less than $400 a month on a 48 month lease. That’s Velostoer money, ladies and germs, for a real sports car. It’s a screaming deal.
Alas, living in the middle of a congested city brought me back to reality.
I seem to be one of the few people that prefers the Scion’s look over the Subaru’s.
I prefer the Scion too, I like 70s Trans ams! haha
Though that Scion badge would promptly be swapped for a Toyota one and I’d put an old Celica emblem over the FR-S.
Interesting mention of the MGB and Z3 by Tim B. in those two examples I much prefer the hatch versions.
While I think the MGB GT is pretty cool, especially the styling, the Z3 Coupe is a little odd looking……..the market ultimately determines their value. I could be wrong, but I prefer convertibles generally. 450 SL or SLC? I’d guess the SL is worth more. But the 300SL Gullwing is worth a LOT more than the subsequent convertibles.
I’m a 2012 Subaru Impreza owner and have been awfully tempted to drive a BRZ. It has the same family engine as my car but with 50 more hp. The buff rags have given the car orgiastic reviews, but I would have a problem with a rear wheel drive car with limited interior volume that requires premium fuel. My driveway is steep enough that even with all-wheel drive the traction control kicks in. We have had snow-three to six inches every day the past three days. I want a car that I can drive 365 days a year without special tires or cement bags in the trunk.
Aside from the unique fuel injection arrangement, which was engineered by Toyota, Subaru did the majority of the engineering on the car. Toyota did the styling for both cars. As I recall, Toyota owns 18 percent of Subaru.
I too enjoy a nice stroll through a car lot on the weekends. Yesterday I was in Bay City and I stopped by Labadie Toyota where I bought the Alero and took a walk.
You have inspired me to consider doing a similar piece on another make. Stay tuned…
I’m a believer in Toyota…I don’t think their cars inspire anything like fandom, but there’s no denying meticulous engineering (yeah, I know there have been problems) and long life.
But that Scion…that sends me. It reminds me a little of the Opel GT I never got to own…doesn’t really say Corvette; but a cross between the GT and a Jaguar XKS.
And all of it in a package that’s certain to be as reliable as the sunrise.
Two things work against it: First, my income has been “downsized” to a third of what it was four years ago. Second, my age has been multiplied to about twice what that car suggests. And…being old, I know this…an old fart in a sports car, is still an old fart.
And twice as laughable to the young chickies.
So…I guess I don’t get. A shame…a shame…fifteen years ago I’d have been all over it.
“And all in a package that’s certain to be as reliable as the sunrise” You may want to check the FR-S/BR-Z forums about that. Initial reports do not look promising. http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11587 Yes some of them are the dealers not doing the proper prep but some are outright poor engineering, assembly or lack of proper testing before release.
Okay.
Eight million Toyota buyers can’t be right.
And GM just went broke because of a CON-THIRAPFY!!
I’m not sure what how many people who have bought Toyotas has to do with the problems of a Subaru engine, nor how GM figures into it.
At this point it is way to early to tell if these cars are going to be reliable over the long run or not.
Just saw the Top Gear where they try to kill a Toyota pickup. Be sure and see all three parts. Incredible.
Interesting article Tom! My thoughts:
* The Toybaru is the first time in a long time I’ve thought “That’s a car I’d actually like to own one day”. It’s the first small car and the first Toyota in aeons that has caught my attention in a good way.
* Thos big wheels kill the design.
* The red trim on the cloth buckets is subtle and nice.
* Someone in my town just bought an orange Prius C. It stands out a mile away. I’m philosophically opposed to Prii, but dang the C’s kinda cute, the interior’s different and I like it, and that orange is sheer awesomeness draped over a car.
* The Prius V isn’t my sort of thing, but that ice-blue is an amazing colour in the metal – and really suits the clear tail-lights.
* The Camr…zzzzzzz…where was I? I know they’re a dependable family car, but they’re just not different enough or RWD enough for me. Another great-looking Toyota paint colour though.
* The Rav4…very interesting. I like the dashboard, and the size seems about perfect. But I need to see one in the metal to understand the overall styling. The upswept window line in the D-pillar seems very derivative of other makes, and makes the rear three-quarter seem blocky and almost clumsy.
* Can kids seated in the Rav’s second row see out the windows with that shallow glasshouse? If they can’t what’s the point of the Rav?
* Scion tC – not the prettiest car around, but interesting nonetheless as it seems like a spiritual successor to the JDM Toyota Levin coupes that are/were very popular as used imports here in NZ. I don’t believe the tC is built in RHD format, so it’s unlikely I’ll ever see one here, thus increasing it’s rating on my car-awareness scale.
So yeah, my 5c worth!
The Subaru/Toyota twins look fun. I’d like to drive one sometime just to say I did. Heck, I might even like to own one, but I will probably never pull the trigger.
The rest of the Toyota line…eh…blah.
The Twins scare me a little..having to drop the engine to do a plug change seems a little extreme to me. I wonder how the head gasket job will be on these when they inevitably fail too…oops I probably wasn’t suppose to say that.
7 million Toyota people can’t be wrong though right….(eye roll)
I was unaware that you could get leather in the FR-S. I just checked Scion’s website and it isn’t listed as an option. New feature or was it stolen from the BRZ?
Probably aftermarket.