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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Sweet Box - 2005 Scion XB
  By Nat - June 7 - 3:46 am

  This box is the best vehicle ever. It got the looks and buying gas doesnt hurt your wallet!

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  What Gas Crisis? - 2006 Scion xA
  By Rich - June 4 - 6:10 pm

  The average gas mileage for my xA at 2,100 miles is 35.8. I keep it at 65 mph for the most part. This car is comfortable enough for my 55 mile drive to work. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  I Love my Scion xA - 2004 Scion xA
  By April S - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had my Scion xA for a couple of months, but I love it! The xA has a nice, smooth ride and it handles great in bad weather! I have yet to see any other Scions on the road in my area. Lots of people mistake in for a Mini Cooper, but Im quick to tell them that its a Toyota made car. In comparison to other cars, the xA is much better than the Ford Focus (we have one of those too) and the new Chevy Aveo. It comes standard with TONS of features like Pioneer CD/MP3 player, power everything, remote keyless entry, etc. I even had a sun/moonroof installed! Not too shabby for a lil car! I love this car and hope others will enjoy driving it as much as I do.

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  i like this car. - 2004 Scion xA
  By hnefrdo - June 2 - 2:00 am

  in total, there is not a better car on the market that gives more bang for the buck.

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  Just got my Scion Xb - 2004 Scion XB
  By Just4Mail1269 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Wow, thats all I have to say... there are a few things that the xb are missing are an armrest and a map light up frount. The car is a fun ride... and I love it! Im telling all my friends to get one!

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  My toy Scion - 2004 Scion XB
  By Trishski - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Been driving the XB Scion for 10 months. So much fun to drive, but little disappointed in gas mileage. I drive to work/return through 12 miles of mountains and this takes a toll on the economy, but wouldnt trade it for any other. Im music/dance teacher and carries all my books, equipment, sound system, etc. Im tall and I have no want for extra leg room or height, both front and back seats.

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  Love Your XBox - 2006 Scion XB
  By Cybberness - May 30 - 7:10 pm

  The car is an all around excellent buy. It gives you good mileage and is very comfortable.

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  So much for so little - 2005 Scion TC
  By JoeJoeAZ - May 29 - 9:03 pm

  I cant beleive what an amazing value the TC is. I cant think of anything that I could possibly want that this car doesnt have.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR- GREAT VALUE - 2004 Scion XB
  By MIKBENDER - May 28 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE BEST VALUE IN THE CAR BUSINESS. ALL THIS (AND THAT) FOR UNDER 17 GRAND. WOW

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  My new xB - 2005 Scion XB
  By Dennis Vogel - May 28 - 10:00 am

  It is fun to drive right past the gas stations. It handles well but gets blown around in strong crosswinds because its so boxey.