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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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 TC
  By LostInDigital - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for 3 days. I love everything about it. Its fun to drivel great low end power; nice interior; great stock wheels; good stock sound. For the price it is the best deal out there right now. HAVE FUN!

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  Driven - 2005 Scion TC
  By CTimersq7 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is great to drive, first week I had it drove form St. Louis to pensacola, awesome ride. Cosiderable change from a truck, totally worth it.

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  Awesome first car!! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Ryan - January 23 - 7:13 pm

  My dad got the xB back in May 2007 with the spoiler and fog lights, and was his main car. A few months after, we put the TRD exhaust, racing springs, and front strut bar on, along with ASA rims and interior lights. In December 2007 I got my license, the xB, and a TRD cold air intake to go with it. Now, the handling, acceleration, sound - everything is amazing. I just cant help hitting the gas a bit to show off. The CAI sounds amazing under load. My iPod is hooked up 24/7, and I always have it playing whenever Im in the car. Sound quality of the base stereo is great, and the bass is great, but I am looking to get a subwoofer. Im also looking to add headers to the performance collection.

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  Awesome little box! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Thomas - January 23 - 10:13 am

  This is a great little car. Not only is it fun to drive (I have the 5 speed manual) but I get looks everywhere I go. And its so big inside! Tons of room! I only have 675 miles on it so far, but have averaged 27.5 miles per gallon in mixed city/hwy driving, which is a far cry from the 10-12 MPG I was getting in my F150. Build quality is better than Ive seen in other cars in its price range, and I looked at a lot before I drove this one. If youre looking for a lower priced, gas sipping, fun to drive car, you should really check out the Scion xB. Youll love it!

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  Im Lovin It! - 2004 Scion XB
  By xbman - January 20 - 10:00 am

  This thing is great. Have only gotten around 31 mpg so far, but is still very new (950 miles). Very tight and controlled handling, and fairly quick (i only driven the 5 spd manual). Is actually quickier than my 03 Mit Eclipse Spyder GS. Comfortable seats, however, they only adjust forward and back, and of course the back reclines all the way. No height adjustments or lumbar support though. Ergonomics are great (including the center odometer), and storage is awesome. Plenty of nucks and crannys to store all kinds of stuff in. Not to mention great hauling capability to store your big stuff. Whether in the market for a compact-midsize car or small suv/van, this is something to consider.

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  This is a good, fun ride - 2005 Scion XB
  By OkThat - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I got rid of my minivan for the Scion and so far have been pleased. Its a good tall persons car (Im 6-7) and I have 3 inches of headroom clearance. The feel is like sitting in a chair, although i do want an aftermarket armrest. I miss map lights and doors that lock at speed, but the car is packed with about $2,000 worth of options. Cold Air inductions gives more hp and a bit better gas mileage. It handles highway acceleration well for a 4-cylinder. All in all, a fun car. Im looking forward to seeing how it handles winter.

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  little brother of lexus - 2005 Scion TC
  By golflover - January 20 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful car. It has exceeded all of my expectations. I have driven alot of cars and this is definitely the most fun car I have ever driven. Plenty of zip and great handling.

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  Sweet Car! - 2005 Scion TC
  By weav727 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I had to wait about 6 weeks for my silver 5 speed Scion tC, and it was well worth the wait. It is comfortable, bank vault solid, and suprisingly powerful.

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  I love my Scion tc - 2005 Scion TC
  By schelly - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 2001 cam in for this one. I love the way it feels behind the wheel, The sicon tc is a whole new driving experience. It handles very well in bad weather, and picks up speed very well. When i am behind the weel of the sicon tc i feel like 20 again. The car has syle and lots of room. I just love my scion

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  price vs expectation - 2008 Scion XB
  By neutral user - January 20 - 3:50 am

  To be fair, you get what you paid for. At $18, xxx dont expect performance like a Porsche. I read other reviewers, you going to get some damage when you hit the curb unless you drive a tank. Build is great at this price, pretty quiet ride. Huge space picking up passengers from airport. Quality/comfort is up to my expectation at this price. My friend has a Mercedes which cost 3 times more. You cant compare at that price range. Overall, happy with this car. One thing is at 8xxx miles, engine start shaking and vsc lights on. Took it to dealership and the replaced the engine wiring hardness. So far, its ok. Didnt expect this issue from a Toyota 11 months old car.