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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 24 / 33 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,900 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 320 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 4 passengers |
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $17,956–$23,678 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2013 Scion FR-S at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sports. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 7.8/10, while Technology at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sports — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.5/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.0/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.8/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Technology scores 6.6/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $17,956–$23,678, 16 MPG, seating 4, the Scion FR-S sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sports market. The 7.5/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 13 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2013 Scion FR-S is a passable sports but not a standout one. Weaknesses in technology hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2013 Scion FR-S ranks #251 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 21% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $17,956 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $46,090 by about 61%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →
Across the FR-S model years we've scored, the 2013 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 7.5/10 | $20,368 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.4/10 | $19,564 | Read review → |
| 2014 | 7.5/10 | $18,760 | Read review → |
| 2013 (this review) | 7.3/10 | $17,956 |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Engine and engine cooling / Engine 01/11/2018 · 18V772000 | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine… |
|---|---|
| Power train / Automatic transmission / Park/neutral start interlock switch 10/02/2016 · 16V075000 | Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles manufactured March 13, 2012, to January 14, 2016 and equipped an automatic transmission and ignition key. Vehicles with a push-to-start button are not… |
| Equipment / Other / Owners/service/other manual 05/06/2012 · 12V255000 | TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 SCION FR-S VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 22, 2012, THROUGH MAY 14, 2012. THE OWNERS MANUAL CONTAINS AN INACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM.… |
| Equipment / Other / Labels 09/04/2013 · 13V123000 | Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Scion models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.