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Toyota GT86 GT86

Aggregated reviews, user reviews, videos, photos and stats

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Average score for the GT86:
8.510
based on 10 expert reviews

There are several reviews of the GT86 now, and they all appear to be highly positive towards Toyota’s all-new sports coupe. The critics seem to love the car’s focus on being a ‘drivers’ car’, with several praising the superb dynamics, the sublime balance of the chassis and the ‘breath of fresh air’ that such a car brings to the marketplace. However, not everything is perfect about the GT86.

The main example of the Toyota’s deficiencies is the engine – whilst it’s a smooth and linear one that loves to be worked hard and revved, several testers were a bit disappointed with the lack of low-down torque, with the general consensus being that the unit only ‘comes alive’ once you extend it beyond 4,000-5,000rpm. Refinement at high speeds was also a recurrent issue that the critics had with the car.

The rest of the package, though, appears to be exemplary, with all the reports suggesting that the Toyota is one of the best drivers’ cars on sale today, especially at this price point. Whilst there are undoubtedly faster and more practical hot hatches for this kind of money, very little seems to be able to match the GT86 for pure enjoyment behind the wheel.

Long story short, whilst it does have flaws when compared with other sports coupes and practical performance cars in this segment and price range, few can hold a candle to the Toyota GT86’s breadth of dynamic ability. If you’re a keen driver who’s looking for a second car or weekend/track day tool that won’t break your bank balance, the GT86 is seriously worth considering.

Compiled expert reviews

810

On this showing, the agile and engaging Toyota is one of the sports car bargains of the year.

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  • AutoExpress
  • | James Disdale
  • | May-12
810

...amateurs will want more grunt to extract traction-free entertainment at lower speeds, the more talented will want more grunt because… Well, they always do.

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  • Car
  • | Anthony ffrench-Constant
  • | May-12
810

If you're planning to do track days with your coupe, the GT 86 is probably still the way to go. However, if you'll be limiting your driving to the public highway, we reckon the TT is the better buy.

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  • What Car
  • | Ivan Aistrop
  • | May-12
1010

No doubt there will be more powerful versions in time, but for now we're content with how brilliant the GT86 is in its basic state.

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  • CarEnthusiast
  • | Shane O'Donoghue
  • | May-12
810

On this showing, the agile and engaging Toyota is one of the sports car bargains of the year.

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  • AutoExpress
  • | James DIsdale
  • | May-12
810

The icing on the cake is that, as it’s a Toyota, the car is also keenly priced, generously equipped and should be reliable, too

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  • AutoExpress
  • | Mat Watson
  • | Jun-12
910

...the GT 86 represents something rather more than the sum of its parts. In a way, it represents the future as far as the ordinary car enthusiast is concerned.

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  • Autocar
  • | Steve Sutcliffe
  • | Mar-12
1010

The GT86 is a gem, and we adore it.

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  • Autocar
  • | Matt Prior
  • | Jul-12
1010

The beautifully engineered GT 86 offers the sort of engagement normally reserved for cars like the Lotus Elise

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  • AutoExpress
  • | Jul-12
610

A sharp handling sports coupe that’s well worth considering if you plan to do track days in your car. However, the Toyota GT86 can infuriate on the road.

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  • What Car
  • | Jun-12
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