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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Had to Have It - 2006 Scion XB
  By thaddeus - October 29 - 2:33 am

  Go buy the Scion xB. You know you want one. Heres the deal: this is THE best built, no frills (unless you upgrade) big car hiding in a samll cars body. Its tiny on the outside, but so spacious inside. True, youre not going to win any drag races in this thing, but it will get you to work, the grocery store, out on the town etc.. for the next 10 years! It drives great and is soooo good on the gas. Plus it looks cool. Go buy one. Im going to get another for the wifey.

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  A lot for a Little - 2005 Scion xA
  By John Klos - October 28 - 7:56 am

  The Scion xA is the best all around city commuter car going. It gets great mileage with inspired looks. I look forward to keeping my Scion for years. I will continue to purchase the Scion line for as long as it continues to be made. Thanks Toyota - great job on the Scion line of cars.

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  Great Little Car - 2008 Scion XD
  By FBC - October 23 - 9:53 pm

  Like the way the car handles on the interstate and in town. Super MPG. Wish I had purchased this car sooner.Better than the Fit and the Yaris. Nice sound system, easy to park, great acceleration when passing. I will mostly likely buy another one soon.

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  Fill it shut it and forget it !!! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Urbandale XB 2008 - October 21 - 8:10 am

  Very practical, no nonsense reliable car for the long run. This car is a glue in snow and the stability control (VSC) works amazingly in snow. Had 2 blizards each amounting 16 inch of snow within 2 weeks and it drives amazingly with VSC taking care of skids. I have a Nissan Quest minivan which has VDC same as VSC but it doesnt work this good. I felt very secured driving this car in ice and snow

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  Incredible Mileage!! - 2008 Scion XD
  By Vogl - October 20 - 6:23 pm

  We love this car. We recently averaged 39.8 miles per gallon a trip through New Hampshire and got it up to 41.4 mpg at one point. The car is a great deal and has good storage space. Weve got a 11 month old son and it fits his stroller, play yard and a duffel bag for long trips. The only critique I have is that I am 6 2" tall and on long trips, the car isnt the most comfortable. Its snug in the back seat when I sit next to my sons car seat, but other than that it drives like a dream, turns on a dime and is a great buy!! Will definitely purchase Scion again!!

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  Rating my xA R.S. 1.0 - 2005 Scion xA
  By Mike Angelo - October 20 - 12:36 pm

  Great auto, gets lots attention. People ask "what kind of car is it?"

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  Owner - 2004 Scion XB
  By J.T Nechanicky - October 20 - 12:20 am

  The XB is what I expected. When ever I park I always get asked what is it? And I tell them what it is and who builds it, then show them the interior room and they like it. For a compact little wagon its a great vehicle.

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  Scion xB 2006 Model - 2006 Scion XB
  By Viv - October 18 - 1:56 pm

  I traded in a 2004 Jeep Liberty (avg. 17 mpg) for a 2006 Scion xB for better gas mileage. So far, we are averaging 28 to 30 mpg for around town driving, and it costs so little to fill the tank. The only downside to this car is you feel every bump in the road, I would not recommend it if you have back problems. Also, our insurance company rates it as an SUV, not as a wagon. So if you buy one check out how much it will cost to insure it. We are happy with this car and would buy another one!

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  Love my BOX - 2006 Scion XB
  By ciscokid1970 - October 17 - 8:36 am

  Is the best "car" I have ever had. It gets excellent gas mileage, 29 mpg city with the AC on and in heavy stop and go traffic, and 36 mpg highway. It is roomy on the inside yet, easy to park. It has an excellent price for such a quality built product. I love the BOX look. It is great to buy a statement car for working mans money. I changed the speakers to improve the sound and added Dynamat to reduce the noise. I replaced the exhaust resonator with something quieter. I love the ride now.

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  2008 Scion xB - 2008 Scion XB
  By Hokdon - October 16 - 1:43 pm

  Have had the 08 xB for 1 week, and Im still thinking of excuses to hop in and take it for a whirl. Great room, comfort, and pep. Dig the styling, including the center mounted dash. Didnt think Id like it at first, but now all cars should have it. Standard safety features are tops, and the mileage is better than the sticker advertises, especially for highway driving. Ride could be a little suppler, but then again, Im coming from a midsize sedan so its different. Ignore the reviews about the blindspot causing C-pillar. .Its not nearly as bad as the reviews say. Much better vehicle than the Fit, esp. w/the engine power and safety features.