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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Sold on Scion - 2007 Scion TC
  By 2nd tC - April 14 - 12:26 am

  Ive just traded my 2005 Silver Streak Mica Scion tC for a 2007 Black Sand Pearl Scion tC. The other "econobox" and "pocket rocket" cars, while trading styling for fuel economy are NOT as practical or good looking as the Scion tC. Pontiacs G5 and Chevrolets Cobalt lag FAR behind the tC in standards (AND offered options to bring them up to tC standards) and the Honda Civic Si is BOTH over priced AND overrated (been there, did that, NEVER again). NONE are hatchbacks with anything NEAR the STANDARD features offered on the Scion tC! Also, ANY car maker that forces daytime running lights on me (Im 52 years old and know WHEN to turn the lights on) is BUMPED from the list IMMEDIATELY!

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  bang for the buck - 2005 Scion TC
  By B - April 13 - 2:56 pm

  I drove over 10 different cars before buying the scion. The power, styling and reliability of this car far outdo its competitors like the rsx, vw 1.8t, tiburon, neon, etc... Not to mention the price, at anywhere from 1K to 6K cheaper it is an awsome sport compact. There is also the TRD performance options that are available. Overall I have to give this car a 10.

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  Buyers Remorse - 2006 Scion xA
  By lakeratz - April 13 - 12:06 pm

  I bought this car to save on gas. I have yet to hit the EPA estimates. In highway driving, at the speed limit of 75 mph I cranked out a whopping 26 mpg. I guess since the car was taching at 4,000 rpms in 5th gear. I should be happy it didnt blow up. Its A/C is inadequate. It has to be run on high fan and recirculate to keep the car cool. It has an uncomfortable ride. You feel every bump in the road. Alsi, its very underpowered. Check the resale values, others must not be impressed either.

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  great car - 2005 Scion TC
  By craig - April 13 - 1:23 am

  This car is really nice -- i love it. it is a really fun car to drive

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  I love my Car!!!!!! - 2005 Scion TC
  By Laura - April 9 - 2:50 pm

  I would recommend this car to anyone. it is the best car to drive, not to mention the most comfortable.

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  Great Value!! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Shelley - April 9 - 10:13 am

  I love my xb!! This car was such a great value for what you get. I dont love the look on the outside but the ride and features for the price make me love this car. We shopped around for over a month and no ohter car came close to what you got in this car for the price. It is fun to drive and I feel very safe in it. Great buy!!!

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  Too Much Fun! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Gid Pool - April 8 - 1:16 pm

  This car is way to much fun for the low price. I have the special edition yellow version and it is almost impossible for me to be at a gas pump without someone asking me about it. I get 34 mpg on the highway, and cruise at 70 - 75mph. Its a bit noisy at those speeds, but hey..turn up the CD! I have taken a long road trip (1,700 miles) and found it to be as comfortable at the end of the day as the beginning.

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  fun box - 2004 Scion XB
  By p benton - April 8 - 4:23 am

  very fun, economical vehicle. ride with stock tires was a little harsh, but a set of pirellis helped a lot. quality of fit and finish is outstanding. the offset speedo and info panel is rather awkward. really dont like it all but car is so much fun to drive ill live with it

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  scion xa - 2004 Scion xA
  By amanda - April 7 - 4:30 pm

  As far as reactions from people, I get about 50/50 - Half of the people saying "aww, how cute" and the other half think the xA is ugly. But Im proud of my little xA, I think its cute, fits into parking places easily, good on gas, and has nice features (the interior lighting, etc) I have fun driving it knowing that their arent many on the road yet, and when I do see fellow scion owners, they usually wave at me =) Its a great car so far, and Ive had no problems with it yet. Suprisingly, Having the speedometer and everything all in the middle is convenient. I love mine, and after having it 4 months, I cant imagine driving anything else :)

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  Great Ride - 2010 Scion XD
  By Rob - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I am a high mileage driver and opted for the 5 speed. I am getting on average 38mpg. I bought the car in mid May 2010 and have over 7000 miles logged. Technology is very useful. The usb connection allows my mobile phone to work hands free and also plug in hours of music with a thumb drive. The ride is sporty, precise, and fun. The cargo room is large enough for a trip to Home Depot and the sliding back seats are great for rear passenger room. I once owned a 1997 VW Golf 5 speed and this car is very similar and as much fun to drive as that was. If you are interested in a quality, affordable hatch back that allows lots of customization and fun driving, the XD is it.