i am 51. had something like 26 cars. had the GT86 for three months now an it is the only car i have had that after that time makes me get up sunday mornings and go out and drive for driving sake. this video as well as numerous others is why i got the the GT86. thank you to you all.
Porsche is at least twice the price but not twice the Drive ..... I also own a GT 86 and love the Naturally aspirated Engine . No Turbo No bullshit just a Really good drivers car love it its old School ..Magic ...
Scon Bott Well, a Porsche is worth the money you pay for. Its a LOT faster, a lot more pleasurable to drive, Porsches are pure driver's car and they sound great too. They are also easier to live with, more classy and much more comfortable than the Toyota.. The toyota ft86 is an affordable car made for young people whereas Porsches are luxurious exotic cars made for people who can afford them, so its quite hard to compare... :P
Dheevesh M Yep it is a lot faster (The Porsche ).I own a 911 and love it to bits just saying the toyo is a joy to drive . I own a B.M.W M3 too also a nice car
I've owned two Porsche 944s. I've also owned two Rx7s. Fellas do not be ashamed to own this car. This is not a slow car. It's the best sports car I've ever owned. This is one of the best reviews of the GT86. This video came out before all the nay sayers started making videos saying the car was slow. I trust Chris Harris look at the honesty in his reactions to the GT86.
Now, Here is a fellow that has driven Pagani, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti, McLaren and such. And he gets just about the same reaction and excitement from a car that cost just around £25,000!
3 years of ownership and I still love driving the car on twisty mountain roads at dawn. Chris Harris is right, this car is not about laptimes, or acceleration, or corner speeds. It does not need to be faster to be better. It is better because of what it is and what it can do.
mike cassey yep, im coming up on 18months and 60,000km. Its still an amazing car that makes me smile every single day, and importantly at speeds that won't get you thrown in jail.
Matt Botelho Save your money after purchasing for mods that matter, at least $1500 US can get you a serious power boost, with OFT 93 octane tune, Openflash Header, and a quality intake or pulley mod
Came back because I was so excited for Chris to review the new GR86. God how time flies! I remember when this just dropped and I was immediately searching for an 86 online!
Chris, I am 48 and have had BMW 330Ci M, Audi S3, Lexus IS250 Sport, TTS, 6pot A4, all cost 25-45k. The 86 is the best drivers car I have ever had at just £18k for a 2017 Orange Edition. Incredible sports car, who needs a Porsche at 3 times the cost!
1. I watched the video. 2. Bought a 2012 model, red as well. Drove it for some time. 3. Had a snap oversteer moment unexpectedly at low speeds. 4. Now I respect this guy even more watching him throw this around.
I've had a 2016 GT86 for about a month now. People who say this car is slow don't understand its purpose. It's not a straight line drag car. You will not keep up with a Camaro or Mustang in a straight line for a long time. However, once a turn is involved this car will make the mustang look like it's standing still. Not to mention that this car is an incredible base to build on. I can slap a turbo on my gt86 and make 300+ HP in a 2700lb car. You cannot drop 1300 lbs off a camaro or mustang and still have a comfortable daily driver. This car, in every way, is a better car then a mustang or camaro. The potential is crazy.
I've owned this car for 3 years and counting. It has it's flaws but at the end of the day, it gets everything I care about in a sport coupe right and when I'm hitting the twists, all the drawbacks become muted and I live in the moment with it with a grin that spans from ear to ear. It's like finding a girl who becomes your best friend and lover and all you want to do is spend all your time with her. Sure, she may not sing well, but she sure as hell can dance with the best of them.
Really likes the way he drifts, not slow massive burnouts but quick and slick drifting, still being fast around a corner by following the out-in-out conventional line. Pretty much like Japan's DK, Keiichi Tsuchiya with his AE86.
Also, the less power you have in the car, the less angle you can carry through your drifts. The GT86 only has 200 hp which is just about enough to get it sideways and still keep it going, which is one of the reasons it's so easy to drift - it's hard to overdo it.
Just test drove a beat up automatic frs. Endless smiles. I did full throttle acceleration and full braking with beautiful paddle shifter downshifting for 30min and never above 70mph and had a blast. So much fun. Instant drift too. Amazing. I keep coming back to this damn car!
I've had the FRS for going on about a year now and it doesn't disappoint. I even find myself coming back to the same videos that made me want this car. Only car I've driven, next to test driving the 370z Nismo, that puts a smile on my face just sitting down and hearing the start-up.
I've wanted one since they came out. I finally got one today. Drove it home in the worst rain we've had in years. Cars pulled over everywhere. Not me. Blew right by them without so much as a wiggle in all that water. What a car!
I went out and bought one too, couldn't wait for this car to become available. The salesman tried to tell me it wouldn't be enough car (I had come off of a new 2006 STi) and that I would get bored with it. Let's see, four years, six sets of tires, three sets of brake pads, and 75,000 miles later...and I still love this car! I'm at the point where the suspension is weeping oil and I really do need to upgrade to a higher quality (and larger) set of brakes/rotors, but I still really love the car! I haven't touched the motor and won't, beyond keeping it maintained. I have tracked it a couple times (which was fantastic!) but the car is a street car and because of that, I'm glad it isn't as fast as my old STi, that thing was ridiculous. In the FRS I can flog the piss out of it and just thrash my way around and I'm not going so fast as to be immediately arrested upon capture. As a standalone street car, it IS BRILLIANT. Even though I love getting a fresh set of tires, my favorite time to drive this car is when the tires are spent or when it's raining, just hilarious! So, I intend to freshen it up soon with slightly larger brakes, possibly a lighter 17" wheel set, and some Bilsteins, can't wait!
What kind of a sales strategy is that!? Reverse psychology!? Well, if so, it’s a Good thing! And your mods sound killer! I love a set of hard bilsteins, they make even an old Volvo feel like a sports car… kinda. ^^
@@AndorRadnai I still have that same FRS. Creeping up on a 100k miles….I have lost track on how many sets of tires….but I’m on my second set of front brake rotors (only replaced the rears once) and probably my fifth set of pads; I ended up getting Tein Coilovers and I replaced the clutch and flywheel when the throw out bearing failed. Honestly, given how I thrash this poor car, it has held up really well. I had planned to sell/trade it on the new Yaris GR when I heard they were building that car, so I waited for it….then Toyota decided not to import it into the US market🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬😡😡😡😡. My wife has a 2021 Civic Type R so my FRS is just for driving to work and thrashing when I get the chance. It’s completely paid for and still runs great…. I haven’t decided if I will sell/trade it or just keep it indefinitely. For now, though, I love these cars! The new one is “out” now, but I still have yet to actually see one in person. I may get a new generation 86, but it will be a BRZ, I will never buy a Toyota product again after being snubbed by the Yaris GR. I’m still extremely angry at Toyota over it. The fact that we (US market) will get some kind of overweight pig car consolation prize Corolla “GR” hatch just makes me even angrier!
@@robertrishel3685 That is some ownership! ^^ It’s so nice to hear about cars being driven! Really shows the love for them! 😁 As for the Corolla… I thought it would go to the US… Because we in Europe don’t get it either… That is infuriating!! At least I could hope to import a 400Z, but that one is completely off the table then… 🙄 Really disappointing! The new 86/BRZ seems like a dream though! Looks fantastic in my opinion! ^^
@@saulespino2510 it gave up right around 50k. The clutch was still good, but I replaced it and the flywheel since replacing the bearing is essentially the same amount of work. If you have an 18’, more than likely your throw out bearing won’t fail prematurely. The early cars were sourced with shite quality throw out bearings, which they improved once the problem became apparent. I’d bet you will wear out your clutch before the bearing goes👍😉
All is takes is one good example to get you hooked on cars. I think the gt86 will be the catalyst for alot of people, I really enjoyed this video. Especially when you can see chris's love of cars shine through
I've had my FRS for 4+ years so far. I still drive it like I first got it on day one. Amazing vehicle. I always look forward to driving it everyday. Never a dull moment
I actually drove this car today, on Norwegian roads, and it was a strange sensation of almost coming in my pants and watching my life flashing before my eyes. Truly an amazing car.
8:48 “you’ve got a car that feels like it, it wants to move around a bit UNDER POWER, and that’s something that - a joy all DRIVERS love....” When a car gets Chris excited enough to twist all his words, I instinctively know that’s it’s a Brilliant car! And I’ve got that same car in my garage! I absolutely agree with Chris. I can still carry the silly warm smile hours after I get out from a drive. Just don’t tell anyone that I sometimes catch myself giving out a spontaneous shout of sheer joy exiting a roundabout the right way....Yes! I love it.
+BrakeHorsePower92 lol don't worry about the horsepower, people talking about how mustang or whatever is better, the real greatness comes in a car which people think is slow, but then ends up beating a lamborghini. The frs with a ls v8 swap, crawford turbocharger would shit on a 2016 gtr. Besides, better to buy a reliable slightly slower car, than a slightly faster car that would break down in no time...
I'd rather keep the 2.0 Boxter and have amazing balance than put a V8 in it. Personally I'd add a supecharger (not even a turbo, so I don't get lag), coilovers and an exhaust system and probably slightly wider tires (not very much though) and that's it. I don't think it would need more traction and speel than that to become even better at his purpose..To be fun! As Jeremy (old top gear) said at his review: It's slow, but for this car we must turn and listen to bay Jesus who once said "he who shall be last, shall be sideways and smiling" :D
he was right about millions watching it. And love that he didn't just repeat the trope that it needs more power/a turbo. Personally, if I get another, I'll eventually put the edelbrock twin screw supercharger on it for more low end grunt where I would be driving it 90% of the time (under 4500 rpm). Never saw this guy before but I like him ... looked like he had a few too many gallons of coffee though O.O at the camera :p one of the best brz/frs/86 reviews out there, and his enjoyment shines through.
I've been driving the GT86 since June 2012 and it has been a bloody fun car. I've had more powerful cars before (600hp supra, V8's, and a hot hatch) but none, none of those cars were close to the fun I'm getting from the GT86.
Well, I have tracked the car for 2 years now. I have changed the following. Tyres, Brake Pads, Engine Mounts, Ignition coils, bushings, Brake Rotors, 2 sets of clutches. That's about it!
mike cassey That's interesting to know. I currently have an AM V12 Vantage and I'm thinking of getting shot and getting track days in again so the GT86 or a second hand S2000 are my cars of choice.......
The S2000 would be the slightly faster car, that is for sure. IF you want to go out to the track to have a laugh and just enjoy driving the car on the limit, the 86 is by far the best. May I suggest that you go for the 16x6.5 wheels with 205/55/R16 eco tyres and you'd be pretty much on the limit lap after lap. The bigger tyres you put on, the more boring the car becomes. I best thing about the 86 is the chassis balance. I used to think that drifting a car on 4 wheels has no point, but when you can do it lap after lap, you actually understand why the 86 is so good. good luck and have fun.
I bought one (BRZ). Love it, one of my favorite cars. It (like my RX8/R3 before it) is just telepathic. Something I never had with my Mustangs, and even C5 Corvette. Love this thing to pieces. It just puts a smile on my face - and I want to drive it all the time.
I went from rwd v8 then to a fwd turbo 5cyl (both fords) to a 86 NA 4cyl. 1yr on i still love the 86. Ppl need to drive it to understand, numbers alone do not give the car any credit... The steering on this car is just so spot on, Seating feels great, gearbox is awesome and engine does have a kick above 4.5k rpm. On straights it is not the best... Still feels nice but you wont feel that torque 90% of drivers like. All in all, you cant drive like this on public roads... U can however drive dam close. Only way to enjoy the 86 drive it fast, as dangerous as it may be... If you want to be safe then get something else, otherwise buy the car and wiggle your rear at every junction, round about or on/off ramp and enjoy the smiles :)
KrazyGame17 Well i am very pleased with it! Most i like the view and the sensation you get while driving it. The seating position is really low (not easy for my folks to get out of the car) , you can see the humps of the hoot while driving, the sound is really great especially above 4000rpm, the acceleration especially in 2nd and 3rd gear is really nice.. The only bad thing about it , is to park it.. You cant see shit.. But to conclude : loving it !
I've had my 86 since October 2018 and have loved every minute. I've had more powerful cars previously and at no point have I felt my 86 needs any more than it's got. It does what it does and it does it perfectly. I've never owned a car I HAVE to drive every day because I enjoy it so much.
be sure to read FT86 forums about all of the TSB and problems to avoid yourself the pain of having a blown engine or a defective component. I want to get one too, but I am still waiting more feedback from users about the problems.
People saying it needs more power no it does not you forget what this car was modelded after the AE86 which is known for being low hp amazing handleing and small light and very nimble i know cause i own one and will be buying a gt86 later for a modern daily driver but of course has to be a fun drivers car the hp is perfect factory (:
Thank you! i bought it for 500 bucks not drive able and fixed it all up and drive it around everywhere but soon i will be redoing the suspension for track and buying a 20v swap :D just have to look man they are out their!
Reminds me when japan had to limit their cars power to 200-hp range in the 1990's. We ended up getting amazing cars like the Rx-7, R-34, Supra, Silvia... The good times. This car definitely feels like a throwback and a good one at that.
Right now im actually turning the tables and going with a 1UZ, just got a new job so hopefully soon ill post a video of it running but check out my channel for my shitty drifting :p
Deus Exodius for a 4 banger it actually sounds pretty nice and if you get the TRD exhaust it sounds even beefier, however, to be totally honest the engine does sound a little whiny around 7 K RPM..not really a big deal though. I think Chris is a little spoiled with all the amazing engines and exhausts he gets to experience :p
Deus Exodius its only ok out of the box BUT with a good exhaust setup, proper headers/catback, you not only get 20hp but a fantadtic deep throaty boxer rumble too.
Retired, Going on 2 months in my 2019 86 Basic package. I almost bought a Harley, NOPE! I’m lovin’ my TOY. I bought the auto. Shifts more efficiently even quicker than I ever could on curved mountain roads. I’m 65 yrs old. In five o’clock rush hour, you will be glad you have the automatic.
Just got an 86 two weeks ago and im loving it. If you want more power to the car. Put a turbo or super charge in it. I think it might even fit twin turbos or twinchargers.
Test drove a BRZ today on a whim and instantly fell in love. I'd originally dismissed it for not being enough faster than my Civic Si, but it's a revelation. It's the most fun car I've ever driven.
I dont normally leave a comment. But Chris Harris, this has to be by far the best video I have seen you in. Thumbs up to you sir. Great piece of machinery, great clip for Drive. You have kept me in TUNED for 11 minutes straight sir. Job well done.
Real car guys and gals will find something great about every car. Douchebags trying to get attention will try to put a car down and tell you why there's is better, and it seems like there's a lot of those people in the comments. Now don't get me wrong, there's some cars that have been modified in a way that just makes you shake your head :) but there's a gear head behind it who is in love with it. I love everything, muscle, tuner, family hauler, whatever, I don't get why so many people have come to the comments without have ever driven the car to tell everyone it sucks.
Chris Harris is the best advertisement that this car can possibly get, based on his reactions and his reactions alone, I ordered one, a Scion version the FRS (as it's cheaper in Canada). Good job Toyota, good job.
So good to see Toyota back in the sports car segment. The celica, mr2 and supra were wonderful cars, and now we have this beauty. Thanks Toyota, great job! And for all those who complain about power, this car is just begging for mods. Power can be added easily, but a good chassis is the real gem that you need to start with.
I'm so happy I purchased this car. Driving through the streets of new jersey and Pennsylvania have never been so much fun. I have a BRZ (identical car) and boy am I blessed. Alhumdulilah
It's a car far beyond massive hp but it's a very gentle car to drive. For me, i love driving it with no stress. Not for speedways but it seems nice to drive on hills. I really love it
I loved my 140 hp 2000 Celica GT 5 speed. It was a blast aside from the horrible brakes. It was light 2500 pounds averaged 32 mpg over the life of the car. The first 100k miles all I did was change the fluids and tires. At 100k I changed the front pads (that were still good) and the spark plugs second set of tires. At 150k tires, Slotted high performance rotors (brakes improved 100%). more tires. 200k TRD clutch, Struts more spk plugs. I sold it with 300k miles. Got a 2013 BRZ. I love......
Finally the world is coming back to what I truly care about. 09:34 to 09:53 in the vid is the absolute HIGHEST praise a car can recieve in my ears. :) Kei
+Hazel Hawthorne No. go for the base spec one. That way you'll have enough money left for tyres, brake pads and petrol. You see, mechanically they are the same, the fun is the same. This is not a show car or a poser car, the only way to enjoy this car is to throw it around corners and have a laugh with mates.
Dunno why people overpraise this car. If you look at the numbers, the Mustang is cheaper and faster in a straight line. "But this car is about handling and track performance". Well the Mustang beats it at track, sorry. You might be eating my dust close behind me in the corners but come straights I'll pull away slowly and surely. Sure it's a tuners car but 95% of you won't do anything major to it besides an exhaust and an intake.Give me a reason to justify your purchase besides 'but it feels good'.
With all respect to you, sir, I absolutely understand where you're coming from. I've had the pleasure of driving or riding in some fantastic cars (from my own highly tuned $25k invested Subie) to a modded Ferrari 458 on road and on the track. I didn't get the whole "the GT86 is not a 'numbers' car" until I drove one. Then I got it. If you have 'mentored' track driving experience, the GT86 (aka BRZ/FRS) can deliver 8.5/10ths of what the best from Porsche or Ferrari gives you on real roads, at speeds where you *won't* risk losing your license. I have a very close friend who is one of the world's per-eminent tuners, and who has access to the very best cars in the world. In a 25 minute drive of my little FR-S (on Blizzak snow tires, none the less), he decided he needed one. Some cars are just special. This is one of them. If you can afford to run track days in a Cayman S or RS, or an Exige (and the maintenance that goes with it), then by all means - go for it. But if you want a car that will lose drag races to Honda Accord V6 Coupes (not my thing, had cars that can go 0-60 in sub 4sec), the 86 is not your thing. On the other hand - If, like me, you LOVE driving. And you've driven or been in every "classic" around...but can't afford to spend $10-15k per year in maintenance on a semi-exotic, and instead want a car that makes you smile EVERY time you drive it - whether on the track or going to fetch groceries....than you need to give some serious thought to the 86. I've been in or driven dedicated sports cars/ exotics/ race cars. They are all awesome in their own way. The 86 is meant for the 95% of us that can't afford to own a daily driver + a Lotus Exige Cup or tuned Cayman R or whatever. And - unlike those cars, the GT86 is a blast at 20-45MPH. You don't have to risk life and limb (because let's face it: how many hours a year do most of us 'real folks' get to spend on track per year?), instead you can experience bliss on almost every drive. Do I care that a V6 Camry can toast me from 0-60? Nope. There was a time, in my 400+WHP Subie days, when I would drop the hammer on ANYONE, from Accord drivers to the guy in the Audi R10 that I destroyed. But I've evolved. I lot. I love owning a car that always puts a smile on my face, without threatening me with jail time. I love owning a car that can lose 99.85% of everything else on the road in a good long set of twisties. Do I ever miss 'dropping the hammer' and embarrassing someone - sure - my ego compels me to say yes. But the reality is, I get more pleasure more of the time in my 86 as I ever did in any other car, without serious legal risk, without compromise of comfort or driveability, and without breaking the bank. I have not once regretted my choice to purchase this car, and I could have afforded to have gone for a much 'faster' (on paper or the track) cars. And, because the GT86 is well designed for 'tuning', I can make it be whatever I want. Wishing you all the best, and I hope you enjoy whatever car you own (or choose). But I'd bet money my smile will be bigger whether on the road or track, unless you spend more than $70k. DJ
David Jessup Why would your smile be bigger than anyone who has a Mustang that can smoke you in a drag race AND the track, for spending the SAME amount of money? I guess unless you like seeing the rear of a Stang up close in the corners then you could smile. I get it's low to the ground. I get it's light weight. I get it handles nicely. But out on the streets when you're sitting in a car as agressive looking as this, you're going to get a lot of rowdy kids trying to provoke you. You would have to just look down to your floor mat when some punk pulls up in his Camry starts revving at you. Try smiling then.
Ever since I watched this video a decade ago I really wanted an 86, finally after keep buying sedans like the manual is250 and the manual is300 finally pulled the trigger on a 2019 86 TRD and man it’s in a different class. The driving position to the steering feel to the suspension it’s just an amazing experience. Don’t really give a damn about the 0-60 cause I only enjoy to Cary speed through the corners on tight back roads!
I drove one of these at an auto X course, if you're a 90's lover for the supra, RX7, Silva, you'll love this car, I couldnt stop thinking about the supra when I drove this car.
