2017 Toyota 86 review
2017 Toyota 86. Image credit: Peter Anderson.2017 Toyota 86. Image credit: Peter Anderson.2017 Toyota 86. Image credit: Peter Anderson.2017 Toyota 86. Image credit: Peter Anderson.2017 Toyota 86. Image credit: Peter Anderson.2017 Toyota 86. Image credit: Peter Anderson.2017 Toyota 86. Image credit: Peter Anderson.2017 Toyota 86. Image credit: Peter Anderson.2017 Toyota 86. Image credit: Peter Anderson.2017 Toyota 86. Image credit: Peter Anderson.- Price N/A
What we like
- Terrific handling
- Characterful engine
- A bargain
What we don't
- Automatic a bit dull
- Some ropey interior parts
- Terrible media system
Toyota's 86 wasn't a glitch in the matrix, it punched a hole in the fabric of space and time. Okay, it wasn't quite that big, but for Toyota, out of almost nowhere, to produce a new sports car that wasn't a front-driver with a cool body but not much substance was... well, amazing. Since the GFC, we'd only seen a steady stream of worthy hatchbacks and SUVs as it weathered the lingering storm. But all of a sudden, fun was back on the menu at Toyota.
Sure, the Japanese giant needed some encouragement, and that came in the form of a joint-venture with Subaru. Together they created the first proper rear-wheel drive sports car to come out of Japan since the deaths of the madcap Supra,Nissan's 200SX and Honda's bananas S2000. And the first affordable sports car since, well, the MX-5.
Verdict
The 86 GT is still the best value, most fun sports car on the market. Before 2012, there was nothing but tumbleweeds if you wanted a rear drive fun mobile under $40,000. The 86 was a game changer because nobody could get away with charging 10 grand more for the same sort of thing. Could they, Mazda?
The only real dilemma facing the 86 owner is whether the money is best spent on the GTS's extra kit or your own idea of what the 86 needs. Most owners seem to take the former route, but you're not missing anything (much) by going with the GT.
Still want an 86? Of course you do. Tell us which one in the comments below.
2017 Toyota 86 review
What we like
- Terrific handling
- Characterful engine
- A bargain
What we don't
- Automatic a bit dull
- Some ropey interior parts
- Terrible media system
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