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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  A dream to drive - 2005 Scion TC
  By indigoinkSMO - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Scion made this car for people who want to customize. It handles great, even with the stock Potenzas(Anyone wanting real handling needs to upgrade these) And for the price, how could they fit everything under the sun and still price it this low?

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  My Super White 2005 Scion tC - 2005 Scion TC
  By DONSCION - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Greatest car out now for under $17,000. Comes standard with panorama roof (all glass) and 17 inch wheels. Sport tires are excellent. This car guhs the turns at 70 mph! Great Job Scion!

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  Heres your Scion - 2009 Scion XB
  By tb8173 - April 20 - 10:43 am

  I had a 06 Element. I drove that car for 1.75 years. I hate the suicide doors and the road noise. I went to Scion for a giggle to see if I could get a decent deal on XB well I did. I test drove it and fell in love with instantly. I have had it for about two weeks now. I absolutely love this little car. I drives like a dream, has 4 doors and is quite unlike the Element.

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  Love It - 2005 Scion TC
  By dlookn27 - April 17 - 10:16 pm

  After I purchased the Scion TC I have had no complaints. Living in North East Pennsylvania my main concern was how it would handle in the snow. I have to say it handles great.

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  What a Wagon! - 2006 Scion XB
  By mommy2one - April 17 - 9:26 am

  This car is wonderful. I have to admit at first I was totally against the car because of the body style but after buying one because of husband I love it. The xB is fun to drive, has more room than you could image, and it gets great gas mileage. Looking at the outside I thought it would be small inside, but NO. I have a 300 pound 6 ft. 3 in. husband and there is still plenty of room in the back seat when he drives. I would like for it to have more get up and go but Im a lead foot person. Plus, they give a wonderful environmental package that sound proofs from outside and scotch guards the inside. All I have to say is, LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE...

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  Plesantly Surprised - 2009 Scion XB
  By S. Ellis - April 16 - 8:10 am

  I bought my xB because I needed something family sized and though I wasnt too keen on its looks, I had heard great reviews from a friend who has an earlier model. Overall, I think its a great value, good fuel economy, great handling, lots of interior space, and the guaranteed reliability of a Toyota (of course). I think its a great vehicle for someone with a small family or someone who wants a different kind of small suv/wagon.

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  2008 GOLD RUSH MICA SCION XB R.S. 5.0 - 2008 Scion XB
  By chris - April 15 - 11:00 pm

  I was so impressed with this car when I test drove It I put a down payment the same day and I bought it the next. It has everything I was looking for in a car, 4 cylinder engine, a lot of seating room because I am 61" tall, decent fuel economy without compromising performance, safety with six air bags, and toyotas legendary dependability and longevity. The brakes stop firmly without the ABS overly intruding. The steering is not soft or hard it is just right. The car takes corners without to much leaning.

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  XB Country Box - 2010 Scion XB
  By Georgeimpact - April 15 - 3:43 am

  Had my XB 2 months now. Fuel economy was one of my top concerns. Along with room for the family. I use it to commute against traffic as I work for a manufacturer in the country town opposite Dallas. Everyone at my plant drive pickups and laugh at me when they see me pull up in my box. I guess Ill be the only one laughing when gas goes back up to $4.00 a gallon. Im averaging about 31 mpg but I constantly am watching the fuel economy gauge to see how far up I can get it. I have a manual transmission so I coast down all hills in neutral. Plenty of room inside for the family. My daughters love the look of the box.

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  Awesome Bang for the Buck - 2010 Scion XB
  By Chris - April 14 - 12:36 pm

  We have had our box for almost 2 months now and are very pleased. Weve averaged 29-30mpg combined city/highway, so I dont understand how it can have such a low rating. My only real gripe is that Im 65", and my arms stay outstretched with little to no support, which gets tiresome on long trips. Lumbar support in the seat and a telescopic wheel would be very helpful. My wife is 54" and is very comfortable driving it. We love the styling, and its a blast to drive. Overall very happy with our purchase.

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  Sold on Scion - 2007 Scion TC
  By 2nd tC - April 14 - 12:26 am

  Ive just traded my 2005 Silver Streak Mica Scion tC for a 2007 Black Sand Pearl Scion tC. The other "econobox" and "pocket rocket" cars, while trading styling for fuel economy are NOT as practical or good looking as the Scion tC. Pontiacs G5 and Chevrolets Cobalt lag FAR behind the tC in standards (AND offered options to bring them up to tC standards) and the Honda Civic Si is BOTH over priced AND overrated (been there, did that, NEVER again). NONE are hatchbacks with anything NEAR the STANDARD features offered on the Scion tC! Also, ANY car maker that forces daytime running lights on me (Im 52 years old and know WHEN to turn the lights on) is BUMPED from the list IMMEDIATELY!