Overview & Reviews

Scion is one of the youngest brands on the market -- which seems appropriate given that it's targeted at a very youthful demographic. Scion has quickly found a home in the hearts of buyers seeking its winning blend of value and style. The frosting on this cake is that Scion is part of the Toyota family, offering all the quality and reliability you'd expect from a marque with its parentage.

When Toyota realized early in the 21st century that it was losing market share in the younger demographic due to a stodgy image, the company took a chance and decided to spin off a new brand called Scion (its name means "descendant" or "heir to"). The first Scions, the xA and xB models, were introduced for the 2004 model year. These edgy little cruisers were first available only in the California market; after a staggered rollout, Scion vehicles became available nationwide.

Both the xA and xB were immediate hits, snapped up by young (or young at heart) buyers looking for high-quality, fun and affordable wheels. The boxy yet funky styling of the Scions provided a lot of passenger and cargo room for the cars' small footprints, making them ideal choices for campus and urban residents alike. They also coddled the youth market with flashy sound systems; Scion's stereos are among the best in the economy-car segment.

The following year, the Scion brood grew to include the tC. This compact but sporty coupe offered more performance relative to its older siblings, thanks largely to a more powerful engine. The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor. By 2012, Scion had introduced the tiny iQ city car and the sporty FR-S sport coupe.

In the interest of keeping things simple for buyers, Scions typically come in only one trim level. However, buyers have the option of customizing their rides with a host of dealership-provided accessories, such as a subwoofer, body kits and custom exhausts. Scion also offers no-haggle pricing wherein buyers pay the list (window sticker) price, thus streamlining the negotiation process.

So far, a simple and well-equipped model lineup, no-haggle pricing and a variety of dealer-added options have combined to make the Scion brand popular with American consumers. The economy car segment isn't typically the first place you'd look for stylish, fun-to-drive vehicles, but Scion has changed all that by offering cars rich with a seductive exuberance that belies their modest pricing.

User Reviews:

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  Shoe shaped fun! - 2005 Scion xA
  By Mike - September 23 - 4:43 am

  The Scion I bought was in the Polar white, and I got this little bad boy fully loaded. Sure the dealership was a little "snooty" but I got all the info and help I needed. The Scion xA did it for me. The MPG is great and the interior is quite comfortable althoug it can use a arm rest in the middle console. The stereo sounds good but it needs cross-overs badly. The paint could easily use the "clearcoat" protection paint, and there is a little road noise here and there but NO wind noise. Amen for that. Small fun and very econimical this is a grea car. It can use a little bit more room in the back though.

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  I love my car- it completely rocks - 2005 Scion TC
  By Nikki - September 19 - 4:16 am

  I looked into every car in my price range (under 20k.) This car was THE ONLY car that had everything that I wanted and needed. Sunroof/ Moonroof is awesome. The car has a great feel, good power. Its a fun, practical car. People are very surprised that I paid so little for such a great car. All in all I adore my car and am extremely proud of my purchase. I highly recommend this car to anyone in the market.

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  Fun Wagon to Drive - 2004 Scion XB
  By nipgerm - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Wanted a Corolla, but wife conviced me to go with the Scion. If tall and have a belly this car is for you. Got so many compliments from neighbors and people, that they want to sit in it or ask if they can drive it. You have so much room in it you should see for yourself. Go to your nearest Toyota/Scion dealership and test drive the wagon....and I bet youll fall in love with this wagon

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  tuners - 2005 Scion XB
  By miatamike5 - September 18 - 10:00 am

  The aftermarket world has been fairly kind with this car I put TRD springs, shocks, DC headers, DC strut tower bar, Hochkis front and rear sway bars, and a alpine dvd changer.This wagon is a very good and reliable cruiser.

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  Love It! - 2006 Scion TC
  By Bre - September 17 - 11:59 pm

  I absolutely love this car. I have never had any issues besides the vibrating and flat tires from my own mistakes. Its good on fuel, especially where I live. Smooth driving and easy controls. I cant review the center console electronics because the last owners took horrid care of it. Its a perfect first car and a good buying decision.

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  Sleek XD! - 2008 Scion XD
  By Sleek XD! - September 17 - 2:30 am

  Love it, love it, love it! Need I say more? I love the sleek exterior and the MPG.

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  My Pricey Christmas Present to Myself - 2006 Scion xA
  By adnilem03 - September 16 - 9:30 pm

  The Scion xA 2006 is an awesome car. The buttons and displays inside the car are very easy to use, and big, so I can wear gloves and still push everything. I love the stereo controls on the steering wheel. It has lots of room inside the car, especially lots head room for those vertically challenged. I love how you sit in it when youre driving, instead of lying down. When driving you can see right over all the normal sedans, and this helps with driving in traffic.

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  Best Car that I have Ever Purchased - 2007 Scion TC
  By Crystal - September 16 - 12:10 pm

  The 2007 Scion tC. It drives so smoothly. I caught myself driving 85 MPH on the freeway and didnt even know it. It is so quiet and smooth. The gas is very touchy though. I have a manual so It is a little different than what I am used to. I think who ever buys this vehicle will be very happy with it. I know I am.

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  Scion - 2008 Scion XD
  By Dawson Lande - September 14 - 11:10 pm

  After buying the XD for my wife and loving the performance, gas mileage and all around fun driving this car my Ford Wagon went down. We decided to get another XD and as of today we are a 2 Scion family. No more fighting over who drives what today, We even got the same Red color. A 2 red Xd we feel really young again and are having a blast Highly recommend the Xd to drivers that want to feel fun again.We love all the options that come standard, We Rate the scion XD 100 out of 100.

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  Scion tC - 2005 Scion TC
  By Monet - September 10 - 9:10 pm

  I love this car! Amazing on gas. Good Mileage. Great comfort. And i love the style.