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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  I love my Scion - 2008 Scion XD
  By SpankyD - December 25 - 5:36 am

  My last car was the xA and I was totally happy with it. When I first heard the xA would be replaced, I was really annoyed. But then I test drove the xD and I was sold on it immediately. Its a definite upgrade. I love the xDs power, and it feels safer to me. I drive a lot of highways on my daily commute. Its a great feeling that can keep up with everyone else on the road and do it safely. My only wish is 16" alloy wheels. Will they ever be available?

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  Great Car at a Great Price - 2005 Scion xA
  By ryan759 - December 24 - 6:53 pm

  This car gets great gas mileage, is fun to drive and has all the bells and whistles you could ask for. It even has a fantastic stereo all for under $14,000!

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  2010 Scion TC - 2010 Scion TC
  By Loretta - December 22 - 5:56 pm

  This is a great car. Not only for youngsters but seniors too. I just love this car! It performs well, handles even better and the Scion folk are wonderful people to interact with. This car pops! Got it in January and broke my drivers foot two days later and couldnt wait for it to heal so I could get back in my car!

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  Excelent Car - 2006 Scion xA
  By Martin - December 20 - 8:43 am

  Driving the car is very fun and very economical. I have not had any problems with it and people are usually impressed when they get inside, surprised with the space when compared with the size of the exterior.

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  Scion xB - 2005 Scion XB
  By BruinsFan - December 18 - 9:46 am

  Overall with the price of gas spiking almost daily, this little car gives a lot for the little gas it burns. It has a roomy interior and though its mileage doesnt quite stack up to its sticker, it is much better than most vehichles out there.

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  Love my first Auto Car - 2008 Scion XD
  By Bonrek - December 17 - 4:46 pm

  I have had my Scion XD for 7 months now and I love it. It is my first new and auto transmission. I live in the DC/Baltimore area and this car make commuting easy and comfortable. Fast pick up allows for easier merging onto highways. I had been looking into purchasing the XA, but am very happy I waited for the XD. It practically parks itself. After spending 9 years driving nothing but Manual, I am still getting used the the auto transmission. It is a wonderful car for those that love to save on gas mileage.

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  scions are hot and sweet as all hell - 2005 Scion XB
  By partypunker101 - December 17 - 9:13 am

  ive had my scion xb for a while now and i love it - i wouldnt spend my money on any other car. im 17 and my xb is perfect for all of my needs and wants. its a true party machine - its modern, fun, futuristic, truly built to appeal to the younger generations. if you wanna be hot its the car to get . scions forever

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  Awesome Car with an Affordable Price - 2007 Scion TC
  By Kevin - December 17 - 1:33 am

  I just exchanged Sienna van for this coupe. It is really fun to drive, I test drove it three times before I bought it. The coupe is perfect for what I need with its great handling and speed. It also has great build quality. I dont need to upgrade much because most of the things I need come standard. I love the sunroof, it looks cool. This car also has a nice stereo. I cannot complain about the price. It comes with 17 inch alloy wheels! Its awesome. Thanks again for the Toyota build quality.

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  great car, for a great price - 2006 Scion TC
  By Rashed - December 14 - 9:06 pm

  This is my first car, and I love it like a child. We cant expect a lot with a price tag of $17,000, but we get a lot. The exterior design is beautiful, with a mix of the BMW 5-Series and a Volvo. I think Toyota hit the jackpot with this one. I am not the only one who is in love with the car, anyone who drives or rides in the tC thinks about auto theft, and in fact I have had someone try to steal the car... It was a bad day. The sound system is amazing, interior is beautiful, with very comfortable seats, and great gas mileage, I would deffinently advise you to consider buying this beauty.

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  The best box on wheels - 2005 Scion XB
  By Flash - December 13 - 3:50 pm

  Just picked up the Scion XB release sires 2.0 with a ton of extras. Love it a lot