Scion | RNR Automotive Blog

2006 Scion TC Review

In the mid-2000s, Toyota created Scion, a division catering to a youthful audience. Scion’s first three models were the xA and xB compact hatchbacks as well as the TC coupe. Based off the European Toyota Avensis (Think European Toyota Camry), the 2005 TC sought to combine affordability and reliability in a fun package. The first generation was a success, selling over 70k units in its first model year. Another reason it sold well when it launched was because of its low price and its long list of standard equipment. For 16 grand, you got dual sunroofs, keyless ignition, cruise control, Pioneer sound system, and alloy wheels. I remembered wanting one of these when it came out. I liked the styling, and that you could get one for so cheap, and I liked that it could be customized in many ways. One of the reasons Scion appealed to young people was because of the huge tuning support and the customization options that came with the cars. I first became a fan of this car through the Midnight Club 3 video game. You started out with a couple of entry level cars such as the Dodge Neon SRT4, Volkswagen Jetta, Volkswagen Golf, Mitsubishi Eclipse, or the Scion TC. I chose the Scion TC every time I started the game. I am not a fan of the second generation TC, but I have always favored this first generation which is why I was excited when I got the opportunity to review this TC. Continue reading →

2014 Scion FR-S Review

In the 1990s, Japanese sports cars dominated the automotive industry. You name it, every Japanese automaker had their own affordable sports cars that boasted a fun to drive index with four or five seats and relative affordability. Mazda had the RX7, Nissan had the 300ZX and the 200SX, Honda had the Prelude and the NSX, Toyota had the Celica, MR2, and Supra, Mitsubishi had the 300GT, and so on. But sadly, all of the aforementioned were put to pasture due to growing demand for more mainstream vehicles. Before the Scion FRS, the cheapest sports car with a rear wheel drive layout and four/five seats with an emphasis on handling was usually more than 25,000 dollars (besides the Mustang or Camaro). Automotive purists have been demanding for a back to basics car, a car that is all about driving enjoyment for not a lot of money. This is where Toyota and Subaru came in. Toyota wanted to return back to building fun cars like it did with the Supra, Celica, and the MR2, and it wanted to up its credibility with a new affordable sports car. Subaru and Toyota teamed up in 2007; Subaru would focus on the engine and the chassis development while Toyota did the styling and marketing, and both would get their own version. They looked at the Toyota AE86 (1983-1987 rear wheel drive Corolla hatchback and coupe), 1967 Toyota 2000GT and 1965 Toyota Sports 800 (both rear wheel drive sports cars) for inspiration during development. After a long five years of teasing us car fanatics with countless concepts, the production GT86 and its twin, the Subaru BRZ finally came to market in 2012. It was sold in other countries as a Toyota, but due to Toyota’s “youth oriented” division, Scion which was struggling in North America, the Toyota GT86 was branded a Scion FRS (Front Engine, Rear Wheel Drive, Sport) as an attempt to make Scion relevant again.

Continue reading →

Jan 09 2015

2 Comments

Automotive Reviews, Manual Transmission Cars, Scion