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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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 car - 2005 Scion XB
  By Ricos - June 28 - 4:03 am

  Great car, good gas mileage, fun to drive Small turn radius. A great value for the money

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  So good had to buy two of them - 2008 Scion XB
  By BUSTER324 - June 25 - 12:40 am

  Recently purchased two 2008 xBs, one for me and one for my daugther. We are both very pleased with our new babies. Mine has the optional navigation in it. Hers has the deluxe Pioneer radio with XM. They are both white with automatic transmissions. Cannot believe the amount of stares we are getting from people as we drive. Overall I have only good things to say about the xB, but if there were any negatives, thus far for me it would be that the gas and brake pedals are a little to close together.

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  Solid and stylish car, incredible value - 2006 Scion TC
  By SeeTedRun - June 23 - 3:13 pm

  Contrary to the information I entered, I own a 2005 Scion TC that I purchased in November of 04 (for some reason, I was not able to enter this info). Ive owned the car for a little over six months now and I have to say that Ive been thrilled with my purchase. For one, the tC is an exceptional value. I paid just under $18,000 for a Silver- Streak, automatic transmission model with the optional airbag package (well worth the $600 and change for the safety...not to mention peace of mind). Every time I get in the car, Im impressed with its overall build quality, smooth operation, German-esque ride, and impressive array of standard features. I test drove a tC and Civic...EASY decision.

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  10k mile update - 2008 Scion XB
  By Pierce - June 23 - 12:53 am

  I reviewed this car back in 11/30/07 a couple weeks after I bought it. Now I have a little over 10k miles on it and I just finished a long road trip (600 miles each way). In mixed driving Im getting 27.5 mpg. On the long trip I averaged 30 mpg and wasnt tiptoeing.

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  this is a drivers car - 2009 Scion XB
  By vb xb - June 22 - 11:16 am

  I purchased my 2009 xb last year and I love it. This car is great on gas despite what the critics say, I average 28 mpg with the 5 speed manual. I needed something bigger than a car to carry my tools but still got good gas millage and was sporty. I get compliments all the time on its looks and back seat space. I want to add the trd clutch, shifter and maybe the intercooler eventually but I am really happy I bought this wagon. The cd player upgrade is a must for any die hard music lover, I got mine upgraded for free! Thanks checkerd flag Toyota. All in all this is one bad a$$ little toaster and I know it will last me for years to come.

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  Teen Car - 2005 Scion TC
  By lc2824 - June 21 - 7:13 pm

  The Scion tC is excellent car for teens. It is stylish, has good safety features and is well accepted by the teen group. The drivers seat could be more comfortable (coming from an Infiniti). I wish it had better gas mileage.

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  great first car - 2005 Scion xA
  By lucky1004char - June 15 - 5:50 am

  The Scion XA is perfect for young people wanting to buy a car independently and who drive a lot. I love this car because I drive too many miles a year. Its also compact enough to fit in those hard to get in parking spots. The price is cheap, the car is durable, the interior is roomy, its great on gas and insurance rates wont go up.

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  Great Car - 2005 Scion xA
  By Chris Oliveira - June 14 - 9:33 am

  This is a great car for those who want to save a little on a car and a lot on gas. I average about 350 miles a tank and that is a lot of city driving. There is some wind noise from the windows but nothing horrible. This car is a solid investment and I can not fault the vehicle in any way.

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  a well thought out purchase - 2006 Scion TC
  By bobby - June 12 - 7:33 pm

  If you are anything like me, I could not afford a $30,000 vehicle. I test drove everything even cars that I could not afford for about a year stubornly picky about the car I wanted....until i drove the Scion tC. In a nut shell it has looks, reliability, handling, speed, a great stereo, best wheel package in its class, an engine that will last, fuel eficient without looking like a space ship, an endless amount of accesories and mod capabilities, safe, but most of all sexy. All this for only $17,000 to $20,000!! If this car is marketed to young buyers than older buyers are missing out on a great investment.

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  just got one! - 2004 Scion XB
  By Krystof Andres - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the Xb, I love the styling, the fuel economy, and its a ball to drive. I only have 50 miles on it so far but its been a fun 50 miles. Looking forward for future "hop-ups" to modify the vehicle.