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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  the toaster - 2008 Scion XB
  By bloke - May 17 - 1:13 pm

  It has been a great car for the price and I wanted something good on gas and the interior size was a big surprise.I will be selling mine soon as I want to go back to AWD and something with more of a luxury feel.

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  Great Gas Mileage - 2008 Scion XB
  By AK - May 16 - 4:06 am

  I have gone 1800 miles so far and am averaging just over 32 miles a gallon. Those getting less must have a lead foot. Car is better than expected and glad I did not get the Fit, Maxima or Versa which I test drove. The safety features in this car are great.

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  Love it! - 2011 Scion XB
  By klub182 - May 15 - 3:53 am

  Love the look inside and out. Roomy. Very smooth drive. Feels like you are in a little race car. It has more zip than I expected. You cant beat it for the price.

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  Overstayed Its Welcome - 2005 Scion XB
  By jed - May 15 - 2:46 am

  The good qualities of the Scion Xb, lots of room and exceptional visibility remain. However, they are overshadowed by a harsh and noisy ride, and terrible gas mileage. Ive tried everything, and the best mileage I can squeeze out of this car is 27 mpg in the summer and a ridiculous 20 mpg in the winter. Also, cruise control isnt available and the interior lighting is poor.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Scion XB
  By Jafo - May 13 - 7:06 pm

  This is an AWESOME car. My wife and family said I was crazy to buy it. I now laugh at them as I pass the gas station and they are filling up twice a week. The car drives well and handles well also. As the fuel prices are going higher and higher I am so happy I own this cool car.

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  What A Surprise! - 2010 Scion XB
  By Toni C - May 11 - 11:46 am

  A baby boomer who loves the sporty feel of a very practical car. I simply love my Scion XB and really got into the buying process. With the addition of many of the performance features, the car is a joy to drive. The addition of interior and exterior features makes for a very classy look. I have gotten better than reported gas mileage, particular with the addition of the sports muffler that helps with coasting and keeps me from speeding! The sunroof addition has increased my driving experience on those pleasant summer evenings where you can enjoy the intermix of music and soft breezes.

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  Out with the old, in with the new - 2008 Scion XB
  By Mary Jo - May 10 - 7:00 am

  I just traded my 05 xB for the 08 xB, I wanted more power and more weight because I drive on the highway most of the time and the other box lacked power. I checked many cars before going for another xB and in all of them I felt claustrophobic, no space at all. The new Scion fit my budget and my need for more power. It will take some time to get used to the new model, at first I did not like the older xB, then I loved it. I am sure this car shape being different will take some time to get used to too. Its way ahead of its time. I love the stance of the car and the price has no comparison with any other brand. For the same specs you need to shell from five to seven thousand more. Enjoy, I do.

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  BEST CAR IVE OWNED - 2004 Scion XB
  By SCIONMAN - May 9 - 10:00 am

  FUN CAR, SPORTY, QUICK, VERY ROOMY. I HAVE 2 KIDS AND WE HAVE PLENTY OF ROOM. THE PRICE CANT BE BEAT. I BOUGHT IT WITH THE SPORT PACKAGE. IT CAME WITH THE 18" WHEELS AND THE COLD AIR INTAKE. I OWN A DENALI, BMW AND A BENZ,AND IF I HAD TO KEEP ONE, IT WOULD BE THE SCION...

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  Initial Impression - 2005 Scion xA
  By brooktroutchaser - May 8 - 10:53 pm

  Ive owned this almost new car for just a couple of days. It has only 16,500 miles, so it was a peach of a used car purchase. Love the high seats and the hatch. Had I driven it longer on the test drive, I might have had second thoughts; the ride is ultra firm. One feels ever road imperfection and Michigan roads are very poor. This car was marketed to youth, but Im AARP material. It should be a great grocery getter, but I dont think Id like to take a long trip due to the harsh ride. Perhaps softer tires would help? Ill report back after Ive logged more miles.

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  Good balance of everything i needed - 2008 Scion XB
  By ShugaShane - May 6 - 7:53 am

  I have had my 08 xb just over 2 years and have approx 75,000 miles on it. Not one issue ever. Plenty of power, and my avg mpg on the dash currently says 29.8 I drive alot of highway at roughly 73mph, when I was driving at around 68mph on these trips I would get around 31mpg. I love this car, holds all my stuff for camping, and a large dog. only complaint...that stupid skinny arm rest. fatten that thing up!!