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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  My xA rocks your face! - 2006 Scion xA
  By anneonymous - August 23 - 10:50 pm

  I love driving my vehicle. Its cute and extremely efficient. Ive had it for over 2 years and I take great care of my car. Im currently modding out my car and its worth it! Ive added an intake and exhaust and really cool diamond plate floor mats and Ive even joined a Scion club!

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  Love my little white xD! - 2008 Scion XD
  By Sharon - August 19 - 12:36 am

  I had seen my first xD about a year before I bought mine. I was hooked from that point on. I looked at other cars- just to be sure-but always came back to the xD. Had to wait a few days to get my white manual, but it was worth it. I love driving it...it zips everywhere...and I love to brag about the gas mileage to my gas hog driving friends.It is just too cute.

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  Great Value for the Money - 2005 Scion XB
  By MISSOURI BOX DRIVER - August 17 - 5:40 am

  This is my 2nd review of my Scion the 1st was on 1/22/2005 Ive now had my Xb for 8 months and am very happy so far the only complaints I have are minor 1. the A/C could blow colder or blow faster 2. power on some of the Ozarks was only O.K. The transmission could downshift sooner instead of slowing down to 40 mph. These are minor on the interstate it was fine as it is around town. Gas mileage is around 27 town / 32 highway, which is good enough for me. For the folks wanting more power Toyota should offer a supercharger option and for the ones who want better mileage Toyota should make a diesel.

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  Nice car with a few quirks - 2008 Scion XD
  By Jeff - August 16 - 2:20 am

  This car is overall a great car to have. It gets good fuel economy, and has enough pick-up to get up to speed on the highway. The small design allows this car to be navigated through the tightest of spaces, while the height that you ride at almost makes you feel like you are riding in a SUV or a crossover. You do get looks driving in this car, I had a guy in an Acura looking up and down the side of it trying to figure out what I was driving!

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  Alright, but I wouldnt buy it again! - 2008 Scion XD
  By jess78 - August 15 - 7:13 pm

  Okay,its a fun car to drive, gets you lots of questions/stares,so if you want attention great,if not move on. Best mileage about 29mpg, not bad/but not great. Brakes are poor at best, and I slide all over in the winter (illinois) and good luck getting snow tires,almost no one has them!!! and when you do find them,a single new tire can run you $150, yikes! Paint is weak/scratches easily. Must say lift back is great, can really get a ton of stuff in w/seats folded flat (got a recliner in there)but overall, cars just okay! No major mechanical issues, but road noise,lots of rattles, brakes and traction lacking! Oh,and sooooo not a green little car, same emissions as HUMMER, wish id known.

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  The worst car I have ever owned - 2008 Scion TC
  By William A. - August 15 - 1:16 am

  Although it has a nice interior that is comfortable, the driving experience is ruined by the car catching while shifting. I have had my transmission replaced twice as well as the engine replaced once. This car is under 30,000 miles and only almost a year old! The Toyota dealerships have been terrible about returning phone calls and it has been almost scary to drive. The gears have locked while shifting causing grinding, the car has felt as though it is sliding through corners. I would not recommend this car to anyone! Unless of course they were looking at wasting hours and hours frustrated at their local Toyota dealership. Buyers beware, she looks nice but is really a piece of junk.

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  Love my toaster on wheels! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Chris - August 13 - 1:03 pm

  This is a great small car with a lot of extras for a wonderful price! There should be more of these type vehicles instead of the gas sippers out there!

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  Amazing little car - 2005 Scion XB
  By Nikki - August 12 - 9:43 am

  I purchased my Xb about 8 months ago. I was suprised how well it did on muddy roads, and icy streets. While it doesnt have the control of a 4 wheel SUV for a Front wheel drive vehicle Id say its far above average. Exteremly roomy interior. I can sit in front with my seat all the way back and my 67" friend can sit behind me comfortably without even knocking his knees! Not the most powerful car on the road but it has better pick up than many other wagons. Exteremly fuel efficient. Im avid road tripper and its always gotten me where Im going without issue. Reliable start up even in winter. Great car overall especially for price. I highly recommend some of the extras! Like LED lights!

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  Noisy - 2005 Scion TC
  By butterflyjones - August 12 - 4:10 am

  I took a test drive of about 10 miles in a 5-speed Scion tC today and felt it needs a lot more insulation for reduction of wind noise. The engine was fairly quiet at 3,000 rpms at about 70 mph. This cars rear cargo cover is not designed for use on a regular basis. It is very flimsy! Also, severely pulled to the right side when you took your hands off the steering wheel and when braking. I looked for the clutch reserivor and could not find it so a technician said it was included in with the brake reserivor so that eliminates having to put fluid in a seperate one. Changing my oil should be o.k. and the air cleaner is easy to get to. All the fluids were full and are easily accessible.

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  A whole lotta car for the bucks... - 2009 Scion XB
  By Great family car! - August 10 - 12:23 am

  Owned this little dickens nearly 2 weeks..We love it!Mpg is around 24-26 in a 50-50 mix..It likes to scoot. We love the deep burgundy color. Hope to add wheels and spoiler at a later date.Traded a Highlander with 135,000 miles. Hope the Scion is nearly as good to us..This is affordable and fun..Give it a shot! Big Camry motor.