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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  bang for the buck - 2005 Scion TC
  By B - April 13 - 2:56 pm

  I drove over 10 different cars before buying the scion. The power, styling and reliability of this car far outdo its competitors like the rsx, vw 1.8t, tiburon, neon, etc... Not to mention the price, at anywhere from 1K to 6K cheaper it is an awsome sport compact. There is also the TRD performance options that are available. Overall I have to give this car a 10.

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  great car - 2005 Scion TC
  By craig - April 13 - 1:23 am

  This car is really nice -- i love it. it is a really fun car to drive

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  I love my Car!!!!!! - 2005 Scion TC
  By Laura - April 9 - 2:50 pm

  I would recommend this car to anyone. it is the best car to drive, not to mention the most comfortable.

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  Great Value!! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Shelley - April 9 - 10:13 am

  I love my xb!! This car was such a great value for what you get. I dont love the look on the outside but the ride and features for the price make me love this car. We shopped around for over a month and no ohter car came close to what you got in this car for the price. It is fun to drive and I feel very safe in it. Great buy!!!

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  Too Much Fun! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Gid Pool - April 8 - 1:16 pm

  This car is way to much fun for the low price. I have the special edition yellow version and it is almost impossible for me to be at a gas pump without someone asking me about it. I get 34 mpg on the highway, and cruise at 70 - 75mph. Its a bit noisy at those speeds, but hey..turn up the CD! I have taken a long road trip (1,700 miles) and found it to be as comfortable at the end of the day as the beginning.

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  fun box - 2004 Scion XB
  By p benton - April 8 - 4:23 am

  very fun, economical vehicle. ride with stock tires was a little harsh, but a set of pirellis helped a lot. quality of fit and finish is outstanding. the offset speedo and info panel is rather awkward. really dont like it all but car is so much fun to drive ill live with it

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  scion xa - 2004 Scion xA
  By amanda - April 7 - 4:30 pm

  As far as reactions from people, I get about 50/50 - Half of the people saying "aww, how cute" and the other half think the xA is ugly. But Im proud of my little xA, I think its cute, fits into parking places easily, good on gas, and has nice features (the interior lighting, etc) I have fun driving it knowing that their arent many on the road yet, and when I do see fellow scion owners, they usually wave at me =) Its a great car so far, and Ive had no problems with it yet. Suprisingly, Having the speedometer and everything all in the middle is convenient. I love mine, and after having it 4 months, I cant imagine driving anything else :)

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  Great buy - 2008 Scion XD
  By Erv - April 2 - 7:10 am

  Drove from Gr. Rapids, MI, to Ocala, FL, in 19 hrs. Averaged 35.4 mpg. No problems with car or driver.

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  Absolutely Love It! - 2006 Scion TC
  By Max - March 31 - 5:46 am

  My 2006 Scion tC is just fun to drive. I love the style, color, and features. By far, this is the most enjoyable car Ive owned.

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  Great Car - 2008 Scion TC
  By A.M. - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the car used with 17k miles on it in February of 2010. It now has close to 40k and has been great! Excellent performance for a 4 cylinder engine. The car actually has some torque so its not necessary to downshift every time you come across a hill. The transmission is a little clunky, and it would be nice to have a 6th gear for extended periods on the highway, but its not enough to take away from the car. Stock tires were junk, but still had a little tread left @ 35k. Good sound system for a factory stereo, and its nice that its ipod compatible. Overall its been a great car!!