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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  What A Fun Car To Own - 2005 Scion XB
  By Linda Ruth - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my XB for 2 weeks and it is absolutely a fun car to drive and own.Im 62 years old and this has been a great experience. This car is geared toward the younger generation, but Im here to tell you this car makes you feel young. Every day that I drive it some one always asks what is it? Who makes it? I love this car.

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  Hot Lava is Hot - 2005 Scion XB
  By Jim Seattle - September 23 - 10:00 am

  great car fior the money...turns heads everywhere

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  Xb is the BEST - 2005 Scion XB
  By Tony10 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  The best feature was no hassle buying. One price for everyone. Toyota makes the best cars and trucks. Get your NOW

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  Love the Scion - 2005 Scion XB
  By rwindmc - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Waited 6 months before it was offered on the east coast. I have had mine for over 5 months now and I have not gotten tired of the question "What kind of car is that? Who is it made by? I make everyone sit in my Scion XB. They love all the room. Like sitting in your living room.

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  Scion TC - 2005 Scion TC
  By Octoberlady - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Went to Toyota thinking of buying a Solara. When I saw the Scion, I fell in love with it. Drives beautifully. Great on gas mileage. Im very happy with the car. Great gas mileage. For the price, its worth taking a look at it. Im very happy I went with the Scion.

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  Shoe shaped fun! - 2005 Scion xA
  By Mike - September 23 - 4:43 am

  The Scion I bought was in the Polar white, and I got this little bad boy fully loaded. Sure the dealership was a little "snooty" but I got all the info and help I needed. The Scion xA did it for me. The MPG is great and the interior is quite comfortable althoug it can use a arm rest in the middle console. The stereo sounds good but it needs cross-overs badly. The paint could easily use the "clearcoat" protection paint, and there is a little road noise here and there but NO wind noise. Amen for that. Small fun and very econimical this is a grea car. It can use a little bit more room in the back though.

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  I love my car- it completely rocks - 2005 Scion TC
  By Nikki - September 19 - 4:16 am

  I looked into every car in my price range (under 20k.) This car was THE ONLY car that had everything that I wanted and needed. Sunroof/ Moonroof is awesome. The car has a great feel, good power. Its a fun, practical car. People are very surprised that I paid so little for such a great car. All in all I adore my car and am extremely proud of my purchase. I highly recommend this car to anyone in the market.

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  Fun Wagon to Drive - 2004 Scion XB
  By nipgerm - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Wanted a Corolla, but wife conviced me to go with the Scion. If tall and have a belly this car is for you. Got so many compliments from neighbors and people, that they want to sit in it or ask if they can drive it. You have so much room in it you should see for yourself. Go to your nearest Toyota/Scion dealership and test drive the wagon....and I bet youll fall in love with this wagon

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  tuners - 2005 Scion XB
  By miatamike5 - September 18 - 10:00 am

  The aftermarket world has been fairly kind with this car I put TRD springs, shocks, DC headers, DC strut tower bar, Hochkis front and rear sway bars, and a alpine dvd changer.This wagon is a very good and reliable cruiser.

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  Love It! - 2006 Scion TC
  By Bre - September 17 - 11:59 pm

  I absolutely love this car. I have never had any issues besides the vibrating and flat tires from my own mistakes. Its good on fuel, especially where I live. Smooth driving and easy controls. I cant review the center console electronics because the last owners took horrid care of it. Its a perfect first car and a good buying decision.