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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Very Decent - 2009 Scion TC
  By E.D - September 24 - 7:13 pm

  So this is my first new car I bought. very happy with it. Great for one person. Drive is smooth, and no problems thus far. Good pick up. Basic model features are great. Moonroof/sunroof is awesome,I love it. The only this is that its a little rattly at times. I put a spoiler on the car, so I just found out I cant put a rack on the back, but that is a minor issue. If you are looking for a small, fun, sporty, nice looky car with a smooth ride, this is perfect for you.

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  Great Car So Far - 2007 Scion TC
  By Donald Henson - September 24 - 12:06 am

  I bought the car Febuary 8, 2007 and as of today no problems, it is very fun to drive, easy to clean, and really comfortable. If you are thinking about purchasing one then test drive it and do it. They really are perfect cars for kids, I am 19 and financed it all on my own, with $2000 down and a credit score of 720. The payments are actually very cheap. Also has a great warranty, so far I love my tC.

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  Utility Defined - 2006 Scion XB
  By usedtowearabox - September 21 - 6:50 am

  I know that Scion is marketed toward youngsters, but this "box" is too good to pass up. It has excellent fuel economy and handling, and beaucoup room, plus Toyota fit, finish, and reliability. It takes curves like a slot car. all for a price less than one would pay for a bone stock Civic or a loaded Kia. Yes, there are lots of options for the kids, but they are mainly useless gimicks and shiny trinkets. All you need (and more) comes standard: air comditioning, power everything, keyless entry, a 160 watt Pioneer stereo (so I can listen to Click and Clack at a volume that will bring down low flying Aircraft), stability and traction control. I am very very pleased with it, mine gets 34 mpg in mixed driving.

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  Love This Car - 2004 Scion xA
  By jenamo1 - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Best buy you can ask for. Looked for a car for over two years and discovered Scion while looking at a Toyota. The "as is" pricing policy was such a pleasant experience compared to most dealers I visited. The car drives very smoothly, comes with great options, looks amazing, and gets unbelievable gas milage and insurance rates. Be prepared to receive glances and questions everywhere you go.

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  very impressed - 2004 Scion XB
  By mrlaker1 - September 19 - 10:00 am

  i sell other makes of cars and i bought this one because of its value. its just a great car for the money

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  my scion - 2008 Scion XD
  By bluedolphinn - September 13 - 9:13 am

  Its a good first time buys. Mileage is great if on highway when using cruise control i could get to about 35-40 mpg depending on my chosen speed. I have no family so the back room is just enough for me and for girls weekend. I helped my friend move and the folding chairs were adequate. The pick up speed going on a highway is a bit slow, I dont like to press the pedal so fast.

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  i cant believe it - 2005 Scion TC
  By kritta21 - September 11 - 11:40 pm

  The quality and the handling of this car for $16,100. Im 29, drive 35 mi a day and cant WAIT to get into that car any chance i get! I volunteer to drive everwhere now!

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  Favorite Car - 2006 Scion XB
  By faye - September 11 - 12:53 am

  I have had my Scion xB for six months and I still have a smile when I get in and drive!

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  2005 Scion xB automatic - 2005 Scion XB
  By Kelly - September 9 - 4:10 am

  I love my Scion xB. I am a mom and this vehicle gets me where we need to go safely. It is great on gas which is especially nice with the cost these days.

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  Right Product, Right Place, Right Time - 2005 Scion XB
  By mark - September 8 - 5:13 am

  The High Price of Gas, made us look at this vehicle, and due to the lack of availablitiy of this vehicle. We were not the only 30 y.o. + looking at this XB. Solar Yellow, will take some getting used to. Though high finishing quality, fun to drive factor and low gas mileage makes this car a great car. Detroit, Stuttgart time to catch up. Oh and by the way can hold an Irish Wolfhound with one seat down with no problem. More HP may be wanted! and Side airbags but apart from that no complaints oh and did I say all this for 16K. Ha!