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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  high teck - 2005 Scion XB
  By Don - December 11 - 11:03 pm

  i love it (and so does my mother who a month after i bought mine went and got a red one with an auto,) but i wish that it was geared a little differently or had a six speed. highway crusing with a 4000-5000 rpm whine frome the engine at 80 gets a little annoying when traveling long distances, plus the lack of arm rests on the front seats takes a while to get used to and need to be installed from the factory although it would take away from the side bolster which is very supportive to a big guy like me.

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  Fun, Reliable Vehicle - 2008 Scion XB
  By summamum - December 11 - 11:01 pm

  I am an original owner of an 08 XB which now has 58k miles; I have been satisfied with Toyota quality as I have driven them since 1980. I dont expect luxury, just practicality and affordability. With the XB I have gotten both. I cant expect this vehicle, or any other, to be forever free of mechanical problems since every car will eventually be in need of repairs. Thus far, Ive only had to repair shaky brakes due to warped rooters [?] and Scion did require a recall for a faulty power window button, which was covered by the warranty. I am satisfied with this XB and I would purchase one again and recommend one. It is stylish and fun to drive. I can always depend on Toyota.

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  My First New Car! What a Winner! - 2008 Scion XB
  By girlbuffalo1 - December 10 - 3:13 pm

  I just purchased this car 3 days ago so perhaps I am a little biased but I really think its quite wonderful. We had tested the HHR, Mariner, Freestyle, LaCrosse, Vibe, and Caliber (I know I have tastes all over the place). This was by far my favorite for a number of reasons. 1. Love the look - sleek yet boxy, really stands out. 2. Very roomy on the inside, flat fold seats, great interior, already used to center gauges (thought it would take awhile) 3. Better fuel economy than what I traded in (2002 Suzuki Vitara) 4. Price (great deal! I was going to have to buy used until I found the xB) 5. Engine is nice, not too small anymore, great feel of driving. Check it out!

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  Balance the car - 2009 Scion XB
  By JBE - December 7 - 2:40 pm

  I love the XB but it needs some visual balance. First the single backup light needs a partner to balance the bumper. Also, annoying is the fact only one armrest is provided but at least it is for the driver. And one final" want" for my XB would be dual pipes to really make a power statement. I guess it is the old v-8 mindset that I grew up with in the 60s.

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  Owned mine for awhile... - 2009 Scion XD
  By fitzpatrick925 - December 3 - 10:51 pm

  I havent seen anyone review whos owned their xD for a while. I bought mine brand new in December 2008. (I remember some of the reviews I see here from my research!) I test drove both the xD and the Honda Fit the same day. I was not impressed with the Fit, and fell in love with the xD after I made a right hand turn out of the dealership-the car takes turns beautifully. Since then, the performance has remained steady-surviving long trips and daily commutes. Its run excellently and has only had oil changes thus far. I just had my first problem today-the car wouldnt start-going into the dealership tomorrow. I wish it did a little better in snow/ice-its kind of wimpy. Otherwise, love.

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  So far, oh so good - 2006 Scion XB
  By albie3063 - December 2 - 11:13 am

  When the Scion xB was first introduced I did not like the style, however the more I have seen them the more they grew on me. After test driving it I change my mind. The right color, Black Cherry, makes this car.

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  Brilliant Design - 2006 Scion xA
  By csconey - December 2 - 9:53 am

  The design of this car is superb. It is short, but the engine takes up very little space. As a result, the interior passenger compartment is amazingly large for such a short car. It is great for the city where small spaces are easier to get into with this car. The xA has a suprisingly large storage capacity. It is also high and is very easy to get in and out of. The seats are very comfortable. I have always purchased Volkswagens, but from now on I will only buy Toyotas. And the Scion xA is a spectacular value, with great mileage per gallon. I recommend this car to both young and older drivers. I am over 60 and love this car.

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  Love it! - 2006 Scion TC
  By Ashley - December 1 - 7:36 pm

  Ever since i began driving my Scion tC, I have loved it. To anyone thinking about buying one, DO IT! It is a smooth riding car, and if you want it for driving fast, its that car too. Everyone that I come in contact with, loves it. It comes stock with 17" rims and a Pioneer stereo! Thats just one of the best parts. Another part I love, is the sun and moonroof....They are awesome!

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  PERFECT CAR - 2006 Scion XB
  By DANNY - November 30 - 9:13 pm

  This has been one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. I am so happy with its roominess and fun drivability, Oh and I only paid only $14,000 for it. Its worth every penny.

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  One of the Best Values Out There - 2007 Scion TC
  By GYVAR - November 30 - 5:16 am

  I bought this car a little over a month ago with side airbags. Right now have just over a 1,000 miles on it. On three tanks of gas I have averaged 27 mpg. So far it does not have any of the infamous rattles, but sometimes there are some creaks here and there when riding on rough pavement or over bumps. Overall I like the design, comfort, and quality of the interior. Its ride and handling are similar to a modern sporty sedan such as an Accord, I own one - a 2005. Its handling is not as responsive as I would like it to be, compared to my old `98 VW Golf. Its acceleration is near excellent. The clutch is very "touchy-feely" - it took me over a week to get used to it enough such that the take offs are smooth every time without much effort.