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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  My Scion Tc - 2005 Scion TC
  By Bridget Parker -Berr - August 29 - 2:36 pm

  I purchased my Scion tc on October 31, 2004. I now have over 7000 miles on it. It is a beautiful Flint Mica. For the price, you cannot get a better car! As I park and walk into stores, Ive been approached by people who ask me about the vehicle and are intrigued by its style and unique look. When I tell them more about the car they are even more amazed. Most importantly, it is fun to drive.

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  my first Scion xB - 2008 Scion XB
  By Dale R. - August 28 - 7:23 am

  After 8 years of driving two Mercedes in a row, the xB is a big improvement! 24 mpg in town, inexpensive to insure and license, accelerates and handles great, FUN to drive, great visibility, comfortable on 600 mile trip, parks easy, hauls a lot, looks cool, stereo with IPOD dock is the greatest, 15 mile commute to work is enjoyable, holds the road on hills and curves along the Missouri river bluffs, handled great in mid- west ice and snow. Ability to add Toyota Racing Division parts makes it something I can personalize, Toyota reliability and service is reassuring. My Mercedes was always in the shop, my xB only goes in for oil changes. Think inside "the box."

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  Cute! - 2009 Scion XD
  By Darcie - August 21 - 9:36 pm

  I love the new Scion xD. It is exactly what I need. I bought it after totaling my 03 Jeep Liberty. Needless to say, the gas mileage is a little better.

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  Excellent gas mileage - 2009 Scion XD
  By dimplasm - August 21 - 7:33 am

  I love my Scion. But the mileage ratings are low. I get around 34 mpg on a bad day. Some days I get as much as 39. Also I have no complaints about the interior space. I have a family of 4. This is our largest car.

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  2008 Scion xD - 2008 Scion XD
  By Princess - August 18 - 8:20 pm

  I was torn between the Scion xD and the Honda Fit. I am glad I got the Scion xD. I like being higher up and the xD feels like a more solid car. All the cars were coming with the upgraded radio, but dont be fooled into buying something you dont want. It was easy and quick to order it my way and have the regular radio put in at the arrival port in Jacksonville. That $389 will pay for my window tinting. The only extras I ordered were the electronic stability control & floor/cargo mats. Every other thing I wanted was included in the basic model. It is a fun car and easy to drive and park. I drove a Chevy Cavalier for 22 years and now am a Scion fan. Great value for the money.

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  Just Crashed my 2004 Scion XB - 2004 Scion XB
  By mustangsv - August 18 - 4:06 am

  I wrecked my 2004 XB 4/18/08. Front head-on crash with a midsize Dodge pick-up. Air bags popped. My XB is a right-off! Crumple zones worked as designed. There was no intrusion into the passenger area at all. I walked away with only seat belt marks and a bump on my right shin. My 4 year old son was in the back seat in his child seat and only had a shoulder belt mark and was okay. Im a 41 year old commercial pilot and liked the styling (in Japan a lot) with a practical Corolla drive line. Im looking for another 2004/05 XB ASAP.

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  A Happy Camper! - 2006 Scion XB
  By scout4blue - August 17 - 3:16 am

  This vehicle is by far the best Ive ever owned. Its practical for stowing just about everything (including surprising roominess for back-seat passengers), and yet is really fun to drive (and park!). My fuel economy has averaged between 32 and 35 mpg, depending on my driving patterns.

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  I Love my Scion - 2006 Scion TC
  By JBo - August 16 - 3:13 pm

  I wouldve easily paid A LOT more. I am still amazed they are priced so low ...and the extras that are included ...wow! I traded in a 3 year old $50,000+ vehicle for the scion and dont regret it.

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  Good Car To Buy!! - 2007 Scion TC
  By osidedrums85 - August 15 - 2:00 pm

  I just bought this car and it is amazing! It drives really nice, it looks cool and it is very comfortable.

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  Best mini coupe Ever - 2005 Scion TC
  By AbeeM - August 14 - 9:56 pm

  This car is awsome in just about every aspect. The price , style, and performance. What more can you ask for out of it.