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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Worth More Than It Costs - 2006 Scion TC
  By Kat from Atlanta - July 4 - 3:50 pm

  I had a 95 Chevy Camaro that had become very problematic and so I purchased a tC to replace it. The tC had the sporty look I wanted without a high price. The car rides very well and accelerates quickly. It was also nice to be able to customize it to make it personal and also to ensure that the additions would fit properly. The car blocks out a lot of outside noise. When I pull into my garage the sound of my dogs barking are now only a muffle. To top it off, Scion cars have been noted to be very reliable so its great to know that this car can get me around safely. I definitely recommend this car to anyone who wants a lot of features and reliability without having to pay a fortune.

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  Loving our Square Car! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Snarf09 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  We have had our xb 5speed for a little over two months now and love it. Coming from VR6 VW i was a little concerned at first about only having 108 hp, but with its VVti engine and light weight it really does feel quick around town and has no trouble doing 75-80mph on the highway. We have been averaging about 31/32 mpg overall in mixed city/highway driving. The room in the back seat is truly amazing and with the seats folded down it can hold huge amounts of cargo. I cant wait to try out the traction control in some snow! Anyone looking for reliable, efficent and totally unique transportation thats a blast to drive should really take a look.

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  1st Impression - 2005 Scion XB
  By BobV - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I found a odd vehicle but one that grows on you! Very well assembled and well thought out. Very well behaved on normal or winding roads a bit pushed on toll roads though. Economy above average Engine quiet and the list of normal extra cost equipment is amazing as it is all included in the base price!

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  I made the best car purchase - 2006 Scion XB
  By aliengirl2004 - July 4 - 9:20 am

  It is so nice to know with gas prices rising, I will hardly feel the pain! I love this car, and at first glance, I hated it like most people. The xB is something you warm up to when you start to get it. I love it so much, my husband and I both have one!

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  Exelent Vehicle - 2005 Scion XB
  By Benjamin - July 4 - 3:53 am

  The scion xB is basically the best car that Ive ever owned. It handles great, but you realize fairly quick that its not a muscle car. The interior of the car is incredibly comfortable. With high gas prices its one of the best options out there.

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  Great Car!! - 2005 Scion TC
  By OMork06 - July 1 - 6:26 am

  Bought my Scion about 6 months ago. Its been the best decision I couldve ever made. The only thing that was a concern was the 50,000 miles already put on the engine. With the miles already on engine, it runs great with its powerful 2.4 engine but wouldnt hurt to go a little faster. The car looks great stock! Bought mine slammed about 5 inches off the ground and takes corners like a champ! Great on gas, especially when I drive from PHX to LA about every month. AC comes in handy with the 120 degree weather in the AZ.

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  Pros and cons of Scion xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By cool car - June 30 - 5:16 pm

  When I first saw the Scion xB I thought it was a cheap and not that good looking of a car. Then the guy at the dealer told me not to put down the car untill you drive it, so I did and ended driving it home. I have been driving my Scion for four mounths and now I love it. It offers plenty of space, a good stereo system and the comfort of higher priced cars. I also love the fact that you can customize the car to however you want it. This car has been a good investment for me.

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  I love it! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Leslie - June 29 - 5:50 pm

  I have had my Scion XB for a month and truly love everything about it. It is fun to drive, though it does have a small engine and is not going to beat a ferrari out of a toll booth, it is peppy, especially the manual. I am very happy with it and advise people to test drive one if you are curious!

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  Whats not to love??? - 2005 Scion TC
  By tc_lover_baltimore - June 28 - 10:33 am

  I traded in my 1 year old Camry for this just because I was tired of being anonymous and driving something that wasnt really FUN. Sure the storage in the tC isnt as plentiful, but the one thing I loved about my Camry was that silky smooth and powerful 4 cylinder - and the tC has that with 300 less pounds. Add that to the exceptional handling and its genuine GREAT looks and this was one car I couldnt wait to own. THANK YOU Toyota for adding yet another great product to your line-up!

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  Fun little car. - 2009 Scion XD
  By F.W. - June 26 - 3:00 am

  Bought it as a replacement for my wifes Olsmobile Alero. This really is a great little car. Lots of pep, the handling is great, gas mileage is phenomenal, features are fantastic, and it looks like a little monster in a good way. I researched these small style cars for about two months now and it came down to a toss up between the Honda Fit Sport and the xD. Thankfully the xD comes in one base model and comes fully loaded vs the Fit, which you have to spend the extra cash for the Sport to get the same features. Granted the Fit has a little more cargo space, but for price (Pure Pricing), reliability, style, features and peppier engine, xD all the way. No regrets, we love this car.