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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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:

• 

  Better then my Matrix - 2005 Scion XB
  By wethankyou - March 16 - 10:00 am

  First off I would like to say my experience with Scion of Naperville was beyond excellent, Between the people to the cars it was all out perfect. I love the xb because it gives me what I need more then my toyota matrix could and I paid 5-6 thousand more the xb. So when I seen the xb and the price I jumped right on trading my matrix in. Best choice I ever made. Sure people look at it funny at first, but once they see the inside and go for a ride they are sold.

• 

  BEST BUY FOR YOUR MONEY - 2005 Scion XB
  By Deanster - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Scion XB is a definite head turner. People cannot help but ask on every stop light, every chance given. Its definitely not for the enclosed, traditional and closed minded person. Because, "its different". It is not a Car, nor a Van, or an SUV. Scion is in its own category and class. It was originally designed to attract young people, thats why they have priced it very affordable specially for students or first time buyers, but litle that they know,middle age up to seniors are loving this car. Why drive what everybody drives? Be different, be noticed, and step out of "the box", but step in into a "cool and unique box".

• 

  cant lick this box - 2005 Scion XB
  By rob1102 - March 16 - 10:00 am

  best value on the road. dont waste money on high priced gas hogs....

• 

  My little hot pocket - 2005 Scion TC
  By CourtneyM25 - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I waited for this car to come out since January 2004. When it did come out in /04. I was so excited. I bought the car one week while on the market. I waited for 3 weeks to have it shipped in and when I got it, it was more than what I expected. This is the best little sports car I have owned. It has an beauitful exterior and interior, a very peppy motor, shifts great, and overall fun to drive. This car was my first 5 speed ever, but the car was very easy to learn on. My fiance is going to trade in his car this December for the 200hp supercharged version that is supposed to arrive late 2004. For the price this car is perfect!!! I love it.

• 

  Loving this Car - 2006 Scion TC
  By taraesque - March 15 - 9:26 pm

  The worst thing about my Scion tC was having to wait four weeks to get it! I absolutely love this car. Its sleek, sporty, and sexy, yet comfortable, roomy, and reliable. Im so pleased with the quality of car I received for the small price I paid - and cant get over how LOADED it comes in the base model. It drives smoothly and accelerates nicely, hugs curves, and catches the eye of so many other drivers (I see you looking!). Its an absolute gem.

• 

  best car i ever bought - 2005 Scion XB
  By Xb_lover - March 15 - 6:26 pm

  I absolutely love this car. I was in love with it the first time I sat in it. I looked at many other cars, such as the Mazda 3, Toyota Matrix, and Nissan Sentra, before I finally decided on this one.It is so much fun to drive and I get looks from other people where ever I go. I love the roominess and everything else about it. It is deffinately the best car I have ever owned and I used to own a Mustang, Honda Civic, and Subaru Impreza RS. I reccomend this car to anyone.

• 

  love my scion! - 2012 Scion TC
  By scionlover - March 7 - 6:12 pm

  Ive owned a 2006 release series 2.0 and recently decided to upgrade to the 2012 scion tc..and i LOVE it! i bought the base model with an manual transmission and i have been getting inbetween 31-33 IN TOWN. no exageration on that either. the new model has much more room, in the front and back and has a sleeker look. It has Plenty of horsepower for a car that only cost me $18500! great reliability and great design. i recently added foglights which i love and a K&N intake and it gives the engine a good bark! long story short, couldnt be more happy with my purchase and i recommend this car to everyone!

• 

  My little red box - 2005 Scion XB
  By JDSusumu - March 7 - 11:30 am

  My little red xB is fun to drive, people talk about it all the time, it works great for the family and they are popping up all over town. There are 4 in my complex alone. Anyone who has driven in or just sat in one is crazy about them. They cant believe the cost and the milage! IT ROCKS!

• 

  Great Car! - 2009 Scion TC
  By Inga - March 3 - 9:13 am

  I have been so happy with this car. My son was in an accident and was hit on the driver side door and the airbags deployed and he walked away and played hockey that night. The car had $13,000 of damage but is as good as new now. The car has really great pick up and is so peppy and reliable and comfort. I love driving it.

• 

  The Poor Persons Car - 2005 Scion XB
  By XB - March 2 - 9:56 am

  Excellent gas mileage, reliability, priced to afford to buy, lots of room for cargo space, funny looks but public thinks it is COOL, lots of cubby holes to put stuff in, not expensive to maintain, and built by Toyota (the absolute best car builder with affordable prices-low maintenance. I am delighted with this affordable, large car and will keep it a long time as it fulfills all my needs!