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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Increadible Scion TC - 2007 Scion TC
  By caseyscion - December 21 - 9:23 pm

  The Scion tC is an increadiable car. I went from a 2004 Toyota Matrix XR supercharged and the Scion has just as much power. The tC is a lighter car and has the acceleration that will throw you back in your seat wanting more.

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  I love my car - 2004 Scion XB
  By doesey - December 21 - 10:00 am

  I absolutly love my Scion xb. I went on vacation a while ago and could not wait to come home so I could drive her again. If you are going to get look into the sunroof, it is huge and I love it. I was originally going to get an xa, but I am so glad I got the xb instead. It is such a better value then the xa in my opinion. If you are thinking about one, dont wait go get it, you will love it! I only have two minor complaints- I wish it had more power and I wish it had automatic lights since my last car did and I keep forgetting to turn them on and off. To compinsate for the power issue get a cold air intake, I think it helped a lot!

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  The Best car for the money!! - 2006 Scion TC
  By Dmitry - December 21 - 4:20 am

  I got my 2006 Scion tC about a months ago. I traded in a 2000 Nissan Maxima. Im really happy that I bought it becouse it has a lot of standart options such as one touch power windows, a panoramic roof (sunroof and moonroof), folding rear seats, tire pressure sensor, 4 wheel ABS, an MP3 player, 160hp and 163 lb/ft torque, and Toyota quality!

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  She saw it, test drove it and bought it! - 2005 Scion xA
  By phil - December 20 - 1:50 am

  My wife saw this Absolutely Red Special Addition Scion on the dealers floor, test drove a like model and bought the RED one. Its Special Editon #3. She loves it! She is stopped in parking lots by admiring young men and women inquiring about the styling, performance and handling. She enjoys the interior finish, the handling characteristics (It is a lot easier to park than her Mercedes Benz SLK) and it has plenty of room for three adult lady friends and all of their Christmas shopping! I am pleased about the purchase price and the mileage. Sounds like a Toyota ad? The surprise is that we are both Senior Citizens and this little Red Rocket is Fun to Drive! Try one!

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  A Blast to drive - 2010 Scion XD
  By Ryan - December 19 - 5:16 pm

  I have just over 1,000 miles on my new ride. It has been great to drive, it is a zippy little car, with good handling. I have averaged 30-31mpg with mixed driving, better than the stated average of 29 mpgs. I like that even the base xD is quite loaded.

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  Great - 2005 Scion TC
  By Laura - December 18 - 12:36 am

  The price is good and you will not find a better buy for the price

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  Just Drive A Scion tC...Its Amazing - 2006 Scion TC
  By MysticPath - December 17 - 11:03 am

  Im in my late 40s and have never been one to get very excited about cars. I took a test drive just for fun in a 2006 Scion tC and instantly fell in love with the body style, handling and curves of interior. When I compared it to the Civic and Corrolla in terms of price and features the decision was hands down for the tC. I have read over 50 pages of reviews by owners and agree it is a major fun to drive. You tend to smile every time you get in it, and I am serious about that. People honestly think it is in the $25,000 - $30,000 price range. Its gas milege can be a little low though. I am averaging 25ish during the break in period but word is after 3,000 miles of break and adding a non-stock air filter 29 is possible.

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  First New Car - 2008 Scion TC
  By Ice Penguino - December 15 - 3:43 am

  This is one hell of a car for the price. It offers great performance and is extremely stylish. I traded up from an old Accord and this is a remarkable improvement. This car does so much right that the complaints are extremely minor. I tell everyone I know about how much I enjoy driving this car.

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  high teck - 2005 Scion XB
  By Don - December 11 - 11:03 pm

  i love it (and so does my mother who a month after i bought mine went and got a red one with an auto,) but i wish that it was geared a little differently or had a six speed. highway crusing with a 4000-5000 rpm whine frome the engine at 80 gets a little annoying when traveling long distances, plus the lack of arm rests on the front seats takes a while to get used to and need to be installed from the factory although it would take away from the side bolster which is very supportive to a big guy like me.

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  My First New Car! What a Winner! - 2008 Scion XB
  By girlbuffalo1 - December 10 - 3:13 pm

  I just purchased this car 3 days ago so perhaps I am a little biased but I really think its quite wonderful. We had tested the HHR, Mariner, Freestyle, LaCrosse, Vibe, and Caliber (I know I have tastes all over the place). This was by far my favorite for a number of reasons. 1. Love the look - sleek yet boxy, really stands out. 2. Very roomy on the inside, flat fold seats, great interior, already used to center gauges (thought it would take awhile) 3. Better fuel economy than what I traded in (2002 Suzuki Vitara) 4. Price (great deal! I was going to have to buy used until I found the xB) 5. Engine is nice, not too small anymore, great feel of driving. Check it out!