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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Scion xA - 2005 Scion xA
  By LindseyNichole - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I am a 19 year old female who bought this car new. Its not expensive and it gets great gas mileage. I love it. I added a lot of options to mine so it ended up being around $21,000 but they start at around $13,000. It just really depends what you want.

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  I love this little car - 2005 Scion XB
  By Sandy - November 27 - 1:03 am

  I have only had this Scion Xb a week, so far I love it. Been debating on buying it for months, and finally did so I can save miles on my Yukon and save gas money. My kids love it, husband loves. People are impressed with the roomy interior. It is fun to drive. I love the 5 speed. Easy to park compared to my Yukon Xl.

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  Awesome - 2005 Scion xA
  By Scion Xa - November 26 - 10:13 pm

  This car is awesome. It could use more house power and built in GPS head unit, but overall solid built car. I get bad gas mileage because I am a teen who loves to drive fast. I mean this car tops off at 118mph, but its still great and I get about 27mpg

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  My Box - 2005 Scion XB
  By mwj12487 - November 24 - 12:26 pm

  I financed this car with less than 23k miles on it, and so far have about 54k on it. In that time I havent had to replace anything but a blown tire and a headlight bulb. Scion, although marketed towards those of us in the younger generations, I find to be majorly consumed by those of you in your early to late 50s. The Toyota reliability is completely apparent. If you are searching for a great commuter car that slowly sips on the gas, the Scion xB might just be your heaven-sent. If you are looking for a speed-demon, a luxury soaked dream cruise, look someplace else. Although I adore my "foxy box", it doesnt ever trick you into believing its anywhere above an economy car.

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  My Mil Box - 2005 Scion XB
  By DD LAMMEY - November 24 - 5:46 am

  This has been one of the best cars I have owned. It has supprising power when you need it. The only thing that I dislike about it is that the rear window needs to open seperately. Other than that, it has been one of the best vehicles. It also gets great gas milage.

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  Geat Car - 2005 Scion TC
  By Herb - November 22 - 8:56 am

  I bought this car new in 2004 and still think its great! I have taken six trips to Tennessee in it 540 miles one way and always get 30 miles per gallon doing 75-80 mph. I have yet to drive it in the winter though. I really like the looks of the car, the only complaint, is that when I first drive it sometimes the sunroof rattles, oh and I traded my new Honda Civic EX for it, now that was a really slow car. You cant get a better car for the money than the TC.

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  My second FRS - 2016 Scion FR-S
  By Ish G. - November 20 - 8:48 pm

  Great car, fast look good and gets lots of compliments.

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  2006 Scion xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By Will - November 20 - 8:10 pm

  Ive been driving the xB for a month now and continue to be very pleased with the purchase. As advertised, its great for urban driving conditions, schlepping people and gear, and climbing hills--all while sipping fuel. It drives tight on dry roads...a little less so on snow/ice but still very acceptable for a non-4X4. Acceleration and cruising speeds are more than adequate for normal day-to-day sub/urban driving. Due to high revs over 75 mph, I would not recommend the xB to Montana drivers (they wouldnt give up their P/Us anyway).

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  My Scion experience - 2007 Scion TC
  By ScionIsLife - November 19 - 11:33 am

  The handling is exceptional in corners, and the feel of the road you get in the wheel is exciting. The inner design of the vehicle when you look out immerses you in its whole driving experience. Though Im usually distracted with all the buttons and plentiful doo-dads, sometimes I do realize that I am driving, and possibly should stop playing around with it. The car is so much fun to drive, what I described to you is a day-to-day occurance. I dont think I could have picked a more tailored-fit car to my needs and get more than I expected for a very fair price.

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  Great car. Dont hesitate! - 2009 Scion XB
  By Joyce - November 18 - 7:06 am

  LOVE the 2008 Scion XB that we just purchased. GREAT to drive! Only thing not quite up to the vehicle par is the armrest which is rather funky. Other than that just the best car. Would HIGHLY recommend. FUN to drive..turns on a dime! My husband and I are actually fighting over it! He is a Porsche man and I have driven a BMW for 22 yrs. we both think it is a great car and feel it will be a no hassle vehicle. Great dealership...really took care of us without the pushiness. Got tired of the high maintenance vehicles and love that it takes regular gas, so far 27.5 mpg and enjoy the simplicity. Cant say enough good things about this car!