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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  A True Winner! - 2009 Scion XD
  By ATM - September 1 - 10:23 pm

  Test drove a leftover 08 Mazda3 and frankly found it kind of boring to drive. The Toyota dealership was right next door so I ran over and test drove the xD and found it much more fun, plus it had just as many features and better gas mileage... and less expensive! A great car is when the more you drive it, the more you like it, and this is one of those type of vehicles. Toyota has figured this out and they seem to know what the customer likes and how to deliver it. I just cant believe how solid this thing is built for the price. Not to mention it looks good, too. This is my first Toyota and I doubt itll be my last.

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  Great Room - 2006 Scion xA
  By sportsfan8443 - September 1 - 6:16 pm

  Ive had no trouble with my Scion xA in the year I have had it. I like the way It sits up high like a little SUV. My son is a tall boy and the Scion gives him plenty of head room. He will be taking it to college in a couple of years and I will buy another one, a tC the next time. I love Scions.

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  not too happy with Toyota/Scion - 2005 Scion TC
  By AndrewS. - August 31 - 6:36 pm

  I have had this car for over 3 years; I have grown to HATE it. It is so small. It is so cheap, you really do get what you pay for when it comes to Scion. The car makes noise, hit a bump and you will hear the car make noise for the rest of your life, it creeks and rattles over every bump. The front bumper scrapes on EVERYTHING. The sunroof whistles, the rear hatch does not stay up, a/c condensation leaked into the radio - I now have no radio/speakers, mpg should be better, tires (no matter what brand) slide/slip in rain/snow and need replacing fast, brakes donÂ’t last the same of other cars. Poorly built car, very disappointing coming from Toyota.

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  Summary - 2006 Scion XB
  By Robert J. Cahill - August 29 - 3:10 pm

  The handling for a small car is wonderful. It is tight, compact, maneuverable in traffic, and its gas mileage is always over 30 mpg. I am used to large luxury vehicles but find this car refreshing and a joy to drive. I continue to appreciate the visibility from all angles. I do resent it being discontinued however.

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  just ok - 2006 Scion TC
  By cnby - August 27 - 10:47 pm

  We bought our silver TC in March 06 brand new. I will just list the pros then cons. Pros are it is fun and sporty to drive. It is a cheap sports car that is good on gas and reliable. We have replaced only the brakes thus far and normal maintenance. It currently has 120K miles. It is of average comfort. The cons are it is cheaply made. Any little thing that has touched it has left a dent. Also the paint on the side mirrors started chipping off in fall of 2007. The paint on the body is fine but the paint on the side mirrors is now 50 % gone. The rear handle to the hatchback broke completely off after 4 yrs. The sunroof button has to be tapped now to close the sunroof completely. Good overall.

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  Excellent car - 2005 Scion xA
  By Michael Davis - August 27 - 10:33 am

  Bought the car to replace the Subaru Legacy my son totalled. Initially bought it for the price found out that the car is a blast to drive. Very low maintenance so far with a super sound ssytem standard and fun to drive quotient of 100% make me extremely happy I bought this car

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  BEEEEEEEP BEEEEEEEP BEEEEEEEP BEEEEEEEP - 2008 Scion XD
  By Joe Mahma - August 23 - 12:06 pm

  Ive had it for a while and Id have to say, its a great cheap car. I just took a trip and managed 42 mpg on the highway while around town Im getting about 32 mpg. It has some power if you get on it but the manual transmission is awful. The Interior is awesome as well as the body design, and people are always checking it out on the street.

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  fun ride - 2008 Scion XB
  By happy_scion_owner - August 21 - 10:46 pm

  I dont know where to begin! This is such a great car! Its super fun to drive and the functionality is superior to other cars in its class! I was set on buying an HHR until I happened upon the Scion. The Scion wins hands down for room! So much leg room in front and back! It easily fits 3 adults comfortably in the back seat! And the price cannot be beat! A great value! I was leery about "the blind spot" in the cargo area but I have not had any problems. The engine is peppy and gets up and goes when you want it! And another plus is the gas mileage! I have only had the car for a week but so far my average mpg is 30! that is a combo of city and highway! Try one you will be impressed!

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  A Great Car - 2007 Scion TC
  By billp3333 - August 21 - 9:13 pm

  I shopped for a few months and tested quite a few coupes. The Scion tC sold me the first time I drove it. I like the sunroof, instrumentation, handling, and especially its quickness. I bought the standard shift and the clutch takes a little getting used to. I am quite concerned about the wheels. After six months, they appear to be pitting and the chrome finish is getting bumpy. It might be a warranty problem. I have to check with the dealership.

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  JJS RIDE - 2005 Scion xA
  By JJINVEGAS - August 20 - 11:06 am

  I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL TOYOTA VEHICLES IN THE LAST 15 YRS. THIS ONE RATES AT THE TOP OF MY LIST. RIDE, ECONOMY AND OVERALL OUALITY ARE EXCELLENT,HOWEVER THERE HAS BEEN ONE BIG DOWNFALL. AFTER A COLLISION, THE PARTS ARE ALMOST NON EXISTANT. IT HAS BEEN MORE THAN 6 WEEKS AT THIS WRITING AND STILL THE BODY PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE.