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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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 toaster - 2010 Scion XB
  By capnjackflash - October 8 - 3:46 am

  Im much older than the people Scion targets for the xB, but this car is perfect for baby-boomers. Strap in the grandkids or flop the back seats forward for 69 cubic feet of space. Previously I drove a Toyota Avalon or an aging 4-Runner. The xB gets better gas mileage than the Avalon and has the same cargo space as the 4 runner. Its short 167 inch length and tight 34.8 ft turning radius are useful in any parking situation. (think San Francisco) The 2.4 liter 4 cyl is from the Camry, but the Camry weighs 400 lbs more. So the xB has plenty of pep when needed. Getting in or out of the xB is so-o-o-o easy, front or back seat.

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  2nd Scion XB, Love em! - 2009 Scion XB
  By Seattlescottb - October 6 - 7:30 pm

  I bought my Son-in-law an XB 18 months ago, and when we got back to Seattle decided to buy myself one. I was looking at the Honda CRV, but at 10K more I just couldnt justify the cost. Granted the CRV is a more plush car, functionally they are very similar. I wish the XB had an extra 12v outlet, but other than that its exceeded my expectations. After 1 week of driving we are averaging 25.7mpg, MUCH better than I expected. I didnt get many of the extras (unlike my Son-in-Laws car) but I did get the rear cargo deck. Only one other thing Id be critical of is the Pioneer Radio. It has an SSR feature that I cant quite get right? Anyway, overall a wonderful, cost effective car.

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  Amazing - 2005 Scion TC
  By velvetrope - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Just picked up my tC and all I can say is WOW. This car is amazing, in every way.

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  Just bought one - 2005 Scion TC
  By John F C - October 4 - 10:00 am

  After driving E class mercedes, a Porsche Carrera and recently a Lexus SC430, I got tired of high priced cars that depreciate a great deal. Im 51 but listen to my sons who really enjoy driving and performance. When I chose the Scion Tc my wife told me she wouldnt even drive in it (too small and not enough luxury). Thank god I dont listen to my wife, the car drives like a dream, solid as a rock and what a price performance curve. Ive bought a lot of cars in my days and for the $$ the Scion is an excellent value. Looking forward to a lot of fun, safe driving and easy on the pocketbook.

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  Excellent for the money - 2005 Scion TC
  By flthc - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I love the no haggeling over price. You can build your car with option over the web and know EXACTLY what your price is. Lots of standard options that you will see in more expensive cars. Quite the value and fun to drive. Nice mix of fuel economy, horse power and handeling.

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  Nothing else comes close. - 2005 Scion TC
  By Dan - October 1 - 11:43 pm

  I purchased this car new three years ago because it was by far the best bet for the money. I have driven it coast to coast with everything I own and my dog in it. I have driven it in ice and zero visibility. I have left it in the pouring rain with the sunroof and windows open. At no point in the last 40k miles have I been disappointed. It is very much a toyota, and it is cheap. I have read through these reviews and have been shocked to see people listing things like lack of power, cheap materials, and "I cant work my iPod and drive at the same time" type criticism. If you want the perfect car, you had better look to BMW or Audi. This is a Scion, built for good looks, value, economy.

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  Love the xA - 2006 Scion xA
  By Pat and Naree - October 1 - 2:33 pm

  I wasnt sure about the xA when we first looked at it since it was so small. Worried about lack of trunk space and comfort with 4 people. Wife loved the look and feel. Once we got it home, I started driving it instead of my Toyota Camry! Its really fun to drive, the car really does have enough room for 4 to be comfortable. "Trunk space" good enough for groceries, no problems with space in any situation so far. A comment on previous posts about gas mileage. The sticker mileage is EPA rated and is always at least a few MPG higher than what you actually get. We have auto transmission which has overdrive button, tachs about 2700 at 65 mph, helps reduce engine noise and improve MPG.

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  xA, Great Little Ride - 2006 Scion xA
  By N - October 1 - 3:26 am

  I use my Scion xA for mainly city driving. After driving larger cars this is a great model for moving in and out of traffic. I havent done a lot of highway driving with it, but it has handled well in all four seasons.

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  I love this car!! - 2006 Scion xA
  By Christina - September 30 - 2:43 pm

  I bought mine in 02/2006, and as of 10/2007, Ive put 42,000 miles on it. I love my xA. I have it decorated and always get looks and nice comments. Its been cross-country several times, and its perfect for a 3 to 4 week roadtrip for 2 of us. The front is very roomy, though the backseat can get tight for adults. With rear seats folded down, the cargo space is huge. I get 32 to 34 mpg, doing lots of highway driving, but frankly, it can vary wildly depending on the quality of gas. I once got 10% ethanol in Illinois, and only got 26 mpg on that tank, but thats very unusual. Im bummed that theyve discontinued the xA in favor of the xD. I was planning on buying another xA in a couple years.

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  I Love My Scion! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Virginia - September 30 - 5:26 am

  The xB is bigger on the inside than on the outside! Loading groceries (and everything else) is easy and fast and theres always room for more. Pick up and power is exceptional for its 1.5 ltr engine - better than most 6 cyl. autos. The headroom is fantastic ... my husband is a big guy, 300 lbs., and he can sit anywhere in the Scion with his cowboy hat on and not worry about knocking his hat off! And we turn heads everywhere we go. The only problem is for the other drivers on the road ... they think that a little car must be passed and because they do theyre going to get a ticket cause I drive fast!