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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Scion xBox - 2008 Scion XB
  By Ramon - February 22 - 11:43 am

  Im a new owner. Ive heard a lot of positive things about the car before. Now, I can say that its true. Theres a lot of power, handles well, and a very practical vehicle. My wife and daughter love it too.

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  I love my scion! - 2008 Scion XD
  By LovemyScion - February 22 - 5:56 am

  I initially went to dealership and was interested in a Corolla. I test drove the Scion and was immediately hooked. It handles like a dream. and its a good looking car. I filled up my tank this weekend with only $27 and it was almost on empty before that. I would buy it ALL OVER AGAIN without hesitation.

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  Went From BMW to xD & Love It - 2008 Scion XD
  By Brenda Richter - February 20 - 1:33 am

  I traded in my 2003 BMW 325i for the xd car. At first I didnt even think much about looking at the Scion brand because it is marketed to younger people and I am a middle age mom. With my BMW I became concerned about gas mileage and upkeep costs. When it was time to trade the car in I had my mind set on a Prius but after driving the Prius I happened to look over and see an xD. The salesman was reluctant but I insisted on driving the vehicle and loved it. When I saw that it gets only about 11 mpg less than the Prius with a $10K price difference I was sold. My kids call it the Wii car which is funny. Avg 42 hwy & 35 city.

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  Cant Beat it for the Money - 2006 Scion XB
  By DriveBy - February 19 - 3:06 am

  I bought my xB automatic today. After looking at the Honda CR-V, the Chrysler PT Cruiser, and the Toyota Matrix, I decided upon the xB. It is much cheaper than the CR-V, yet has more standard features than any others in the wagon/hatchback class. It has just as much room as many SUVs, but gets great gas mileage and is fun to drive. It feels like a whole other world inside the cabin. Its size is quite deceiving from the outside. Its high roof gives the feel of even more room.

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  Great Car - 2004 Scion XB
  By oj411 - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Love this car bought it for my wife I flew out to Cali to pick this car up and drive 1600 miles back to Houston, Texas and become the first Xb in Texas.

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  Best car/truck ive ever owned - 2006 Scion XB
  By toolmanlan - February 15 - 2:45 pm

  I travel on the road over 35,ooo miles per year and have purchased 5 scion XBs,Best of all Ive drivin,No major or minor complaints plan on buying another after this one dies,Have not killed one yet, always trade high miles to back to lower miles,only vehicle ive owned that still today i have seen many 2006 Scions advertised for more than list price brand new in 2006 with over 50000 miles on them WHY you ask,drive one or even get in one,2004-2006 only made for 3 years before scion screwed up the whole car nothing the same interior handleing room,seating,all messed up including the mileage,26-37 mpg,

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  Scion xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By acstorfer - February 15 - 12:40 am

  The Scion xB is a great vehicle. It is incredibly practical and has everything you need and most things you want in a car.

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  This Car is Great - 2006 Scion TC
  By Matt - February 14 - 8:23 pm

  I have owned a 2004 Scion xA and a 2005 scion xA RS 2.0, then I bought my 2006 Ccion tC and this car is by far the best thing I have ever owned. Its quick, stylish, and very fun to drive.

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  I Love this Car - 2009 Scion XB
  By Don - February 14 - 7:50 am

  I am retired and I wanted a fun and economical car with space to carry things. I drove 12 cars before buying my xB. I like the ride, the handling, and the large cargo space. The car is responsive and fun to drive. To make it even more fun, I added several Toyota dealer installed products including a cold air intake, free flow exhaust, 18" wheels and performance tires. The normal good acceleration is now fantastic. Best of all, the highway mileage is now over 31 mpg.

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  Perfection on wheels - 2005 Scion TC
  By TCowner - February 12 - 7:53 am

  I have moved from the Forn Mustang to the Scion TC and must say I can feel the difference. I dont really want to say how much I enjoy this car in hopes that everyone doesnt go out and buy one, I like the idea of looking special on the road and not common place, but the SCION nation is here, and we are enjoying the ride.