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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Great Local Commuter Car - 2005 Scion xA
  By Wobblerite - January 15 - 2:20 am

  I bought this vehicle to commute 100 miles each way to work. I chose it because it has good headroom for a 62" person. I got the automatic transmission because it seemed too cramped in the foot well for 3 pedals with my size feet. I usually get 33 or 34 mpg while going around 70 mph commuting which is not too far below the EPA estimate of 38 mpg. I was happy with that level of performance. City driving appears to be much lower mileage than advertised. The seats were only complaint I had for long distance driving as there wasnt any lumbar support available.

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  Value - Safety, Performance, Utility - 2008 Scion XB
  By Jeff - January 14 - 11:16 pm

  I have had this car for a week, but have found it all that it is advertised to be and the other reviews accurate. As an engineer, I research all other potential vehicles thoroughly. The xB is without doubt the best value for the price. My attitude is that a car is an appliance and must meet a list of needs. Scion has created a very utilitarian vehicle -- I dont care about all the style discussions. But you might. The vehicle has all the advanced safety features and incredible space with seats down. The vehicle has all the expected creature comforts and is of expected Toyota quality. Ride is firm but comfortable. MPG on first tank was 30 mpg mixed on hilly PA highways and city.

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  Owner Review - 2004 Scion XB
  By mark mcdaniel - January 13 - 10:00 am

  We love Them so much "We bought two"!!

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  Hot Little Box - 2004 Scion XB
  By Flyer 1 G - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Reliability (100,000 mile warranty), Fuel Economy (32 mpg), and Price (14 Gs) also included great new look!

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  GREAT CAR... - 2006 Scion XB
  By Dan - January 9 - 9:06 pm

  I have long been a Toyota fan and loved this little "xbox" from the get go. I purchased mine a year ago and I have really enjoyed it. I am a big guy and I find that most cars are uncomfortable and cramped. Not so with this one!!! I can sit in the front or back and have plenty of head and leg room. I work as a REALTOR and all of my clients are surprised by the roominess of my xB. Mine has the TRD cold air intake and exhaust, so I have improved horsepower and gas mileage. I average about 30 in town and I have gotten 38 on the highway, while loaded with 4 people, and luggage, driving at 80 mph. This car had my full approval and gets a great big thumbs up!!!

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  New xB - 2008 Scion XB
  By xB Owners - January 9 - 9:56 am

  My husband and I purchased this car as a replacement - my car was dieing. This xB is awesome! It drives great, and is very comfortable - a great buy for the money. The ride is a tad bouncy on the highway. A lot more room than you think! I thought it was weird looking at first, and now I think its super cute! Gas mileage is good, but gas seems to run out fast. I HIGHLY recommend this car! Toyota Reliability and solidly built!

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  I love this car! - 2006 Scion XB
  By megenius - January 8 - 4:16 pm

  This is actually the second xB that I have owned! I havent had any problems from this car. I totaled the first xB that I owned, and walked away (from a crash that I shouldnt have) without a scratch. With this xB, I have been hit in the rear, and though the dent was big, there were not injuries. Like most people, I wasnt to fond of the car, and then I got behind the wheel. I LOVED it. My first xB was a manual, and had a little more "get up and go," but I love my automatic for convenience.

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  Possibly the Best Car Ever Made - 2006 Scion XB
  By bagbag - January 7 - 9:02 pm

  I bought the Xbox brand new in 2007 and love it. So far Ive put 40k miles on it and have no mechanical issues with it. People still comment about its styling and when they get in it they are amazed at the amount of legroom in both the front and back. I dont know how they did it, but I swear this thing is bigger on the inside than the outside. It still cracks me up when I pull into a parking spot and the thing only fills up about half the spot.

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  So Its not what I thought It would be - 2006 Scion XB
  By Stephenub - January 7 - 3:16 pm

  I bought it from the dealership used, and it was upgraded with Limo Tint, and nice 18 inch rims and tires. Well, I dont know if the problems I have had with the car are the manufacturers fault, or maybe the fact that I have 18 wheels on a car that normally has 14.But, the ride is NOT smooth at all. Its insanely bumpy at times, especially living in Southern California, and having pot holes everywhere. There have been many MANY times Ive muted my sound because I thought for sure I ran someone/something over because its so loud. Also, the MPG is a lot lower then I thought it would be, I get about 220-250 miles per tank.

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  Love my xD - 2008 Scion XD
  By Happy xD Owner - January 3 - 5:53 pm

  Bought this car after researching most of the models in this size. Three things sold me: 1) Long list of standard features, 2) It is a Toyota, 3) Great looking. The only option that I purchased was the floor-mats. So far I am getting 30 mpg back and forth to work and 39 mpg on trips. My family of four takes this car everywhere. There is plenty of leg room all around and it is very comfortable to drive and ride in. We are actually considering replacing my wifes car with an xD. We also like that it feels a bit like driving a sports car. The dealer experience was great with Scions Pure Price. Finally seeing other xDs on the road, but now I am not quite as unique!