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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Balance the car - 2009 Scion XB
  By JBE - December 7 - 2:40 pm

  I love the XB but it needs some visual balance. First the single backup light needs a partner to balance the bumper. Also, annoying is the fact only one armrest is provided but at least it is for the driver. And one final" want" for my XB would be dual pipes to really make a power statement. I guess it is the old v-8 mindset that I grew up with in the 60s.

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  Owned mine for awhile... - 2009 Scion XD
  By fitzpatrick925 - December 3 - 10:51 pm

  I havent seen anyone review whos owned their xD for a while. I bought mine brand new in December 2008. (I remember some of the reviews I see here from my research!) I test drove both the xD and the Honda Fit the same day. I was not impressed with the Fit, and fell in love with the xD after I made a right hand turn out of the dealership-the car takes turns beautifully. Since then, the performance has remained steady-surviving long trips and daily commutes. Its run excellently and has only had oil changes thus far. I just had my first problem today-the car wouldnt start-going into the dealership tomorrow. I wish it did a little better in snow/ice-its kind of wimpy. Otherwise, love.

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  So far, oh so good - 2006 Scion XB
  By albie3063 - December 2 - 11:13 am

  When the Scion xB was first introduced I did not like the style, however the more I have seen them the more they grew on me. After test driving it I change my mind. The right color, Black Cherry, makes this car.

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  Brilliant Design - 2006 Scion xA
  By csconey - December 2 - 9:53 am

  The design of this car is superb. It is short, but the engine takes up very little space. As a result, the interior passenger compartment is amazingly large for such a short car. It is great for the city where small spaces are easier to get into with this car. The xA has a suprisingly large storage capacity. It is also high and is very easy to get in and out of. The seats are very comfortable. I have always purchased Volkswagens, but from now on I will only buy Toyotas. And the Scion xA is a spectacular value, with great mileage per gallon. I recommend this car to both young and older drivers. I am over 60 and love this car.

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  Love it! - 2006 Scion TC
  By Ashley - December 1 - 7:36 pm

  Ever since i began driving my Scion tC, I have loved it. To anyone thinking about buying one, DO IT! It is a smooth riding car, and if you want it for driving fast, its that car too. Everyone that I come in contact with, loves it. It comes stock with 17" rims and a Pioneer stereo! Thats just one of the best parts. Another part I love, is the sun and moonroof....They are awesome!

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  PERFECT CAR - 2006 Scion XB
  By DANNY - November 30 - 9:13 pm

  This has been one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. I am so happy with its roominess and fun drivability, Oh and I only paid only $14,000 for it. Its worth every penny.

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  Beezers Box - 2005 Scion XB
  By Brad - November 30 - 4:13 am

  I bought a Black Sand Pearl Scion XB back in 2004. It is so much fun to drive and because of the uniqueness of it compared to other vehicles on the road a lot of attention is drawn to it. Many people have complimented me on it and asked me how I like it. There is a tremendous amount of leg room in the front, and even more leg room in the back seats. The Pioneer CD/AM/FM radio which is standard sounds great. The gas mileage is also very good. I put alot of miles on per week, and just love driving my Scion XB.

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  Best Car Ever - 2009 Scion XB
  By Jessica - November 29 - 2:16 pm

  Im just in love with this vehicle. I traded in an 07 Nissan Altima which I absolutely hated and Im so happy I did. There is not one thing I dislike about this car. Its so roomy but still small and incredibly fun to drive. I love how you sit up in it and can see out of it so well like an SUV. Its very peppy with the 2.4L engine and it handles perfectly. I have the Stingray color and it is just beautiful. I adore the styling of this car...its so cute! This is an awesome ride for truly anyone. Im a 25 year old girl on the go and it does everything I want it to. Test drive one of these and you will understand why this car rocks.

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  Best Kept Secret - 2008 Scion XD
  By Bud - November 28 - 2:53 am

  Next week, I will have had my Xd for 6 months and have seen only one other, so hence my choice of title. I traded an 01 Highlander and think this is a better vehicle when considering everything; styling, ride, comfort, gas mileage, etc. Also I think it is better than my 98 Landcruiser and my 95 4Runner, all things considered. I have had people quiz me about it and everyone loves it. Why doesnt Scion push this vehicle? When I tell people I have an Xd they assume it is an Xb. Nobody has heard of it. Also, Toyota is bringing out a vehicle called the Urban Cruiser, currently only for Europe. Guess What? It is a 4-wheel drive Xd! Buy this car---youll love it

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  Best car so far!!! - 2008 Scion TC
  By lauchard - November 25 - 1:33 am

  After going from my 13 yr old base style Corolla to this standard loaded out car I feel like Ive hit the jackpot for a great price. I absolutely love it. It has pep and looks very smart. This is my favorite car Ive ever had. Well worth every penny even if you dont add a thing. Feels like Im gliding on glass it is so smooth. With the Toyota name behind it you cant go wrong. Get one!!