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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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:

• 

  Still going strong - 2014 Scion TC
  By doug142 - July 24 - 9:57 am

  This is an update to my original review. I now have over 11,000 miles, and not a problem. I had the oil changed at 5,000 miles, I did not want to wait till 10,000 miles with there free service. It was $43.00 total, worth the money. I had purchased the 3M chip protector for the car when new also. The car is spotless, I usually have tons of chips by now, because I travel through the mountains in the winter. I have never bought this product before, I would purchase it again, but price shop it. This was the first Toyota/Lexus product to pass the IIHS small overlap test. They have since resubmitted some models that did not pass and retrofitted to pass. I still get compliments on this car daily.

• 

  The best car to buy! - 2007 Scion TC
  By Rob B. - July 23 - 3:10 pm

  I recently purchised my tC. I have liked the tC since it first came out in 2005. For a car this small, it has plenty of torque and HP. I can haul four people and have the AC on at full blast and and it still accelerates like a dream. And the room is amazing! I am 64" and I fit without a problem. For the money, this is the best car to buy!

• 

  Lots of Room, Fun to drive - 2004 Scion XB
  By Dan B. - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Im 64" and can comfortably sit and drive or sit directly behind someone my size. Has more room than anything I looked at and is at least $2K less. The interior room, standard equipement, gas mileage, and driveability makes this a great Cali commuter vehicle. Great for outings for my family of 4. Like someone else said, accels just as fast as my old F150, good enough!

• 

  Love to Drive - 2006 Scion TC
  By needspeed - July 22 - 8:13 am

  I recently purchased the Scion tC. I would give the handling and performance two thumbs up. I have had a lot of fun so far driving it and would recommend the car to others.

• 

  I Love This Car - 2006 Scion XB
  By Rhonda J. Kuykindoll - July 22 - 1:13 am

  I love driving this car. It is so roomy. I am very comfortable driving my xB and I am glad I bought this vehicle. I was skeptical at first but when I test drove it for the first time I was immediately sold. It has a unqiue design which is why I also chose this model. Every time I see another person driving an xB I wave and they wave and smile back. It is fun to drive:)

• 

  Good, but not Great Value - 2004 Scion xA
  By ed - July 21 - 7:13 am

  The Scion xA is a great commuter car, stick with the stock wheels. I got the 17 inch wheels and regret it every time I go over a bump or rough road.

• 

  Excellent Value - 2006 Scion TC
  By mvh - July 21 - 2:16 am

  This car is unbeatable for the number of standard features at its price point. The no-haggle "pure pricing" of the car was a big plus. I passed on all the dealer options except the side curtain airbags and iPod upgrade (which is worth the extra $ IMO). The stock radio is sufficient. This car has a comfortable and uncomplicated interior design. I like the convenience of having a hatchback. Everyone who has sat in back says the back seats are very comfortable. While Ive read other reviews complaining about blind spots, I havent found it to be a problem. The ride is comfortable and the engine is plenty peppy enough for me. It has good handling and a good turning radius

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Scion TC
  By dave - July 19 - 7:06 pm

  I love this car. Mine is an Indigo Ink Pearl 5 spd. Its fun to drive, handles well and has tons of features for the buck. I probably get 2 comments a week on it from people, many of which is that it looks and feels much more expensive than it is.

• 

  Downsized - 2005 Scion xA
  By Brenda - July 18 - 4:53 pm

  Downsized from a Mini Van and thought Id miss my Soccer Mom driving platform, but I dont. Bought Absolutely Red Edition and get many looks and positive comments. GoCart like handling, decent power, roomy interior despite initial impressions, excellent service at dealership. Buying experience wonderful. Decided on xA, went with the Toyota financing, drove away in just under 1.5 hours! Must admit, credit history very clean, but come on, I bought it over a long lunch! Will add the Keyless Entry in May. Love it and considering a 2nd Scion (Tc) this summer.

• 

  best little big car this side of Japan - 2004 Scion XB
  By Amadeus - July 16 - 2:00 am

  A fantastic car. Its a definite attention getter with double takes and lots of questions. It rides solid and tight around corners and curves. Toyota did not waste space with extraneous features. It is really spacious inside front and back with nothing wasted. It feels like youre in an SUV and then you get out and realize (again) its a compact wagon. Finally, this car is excellently priced with all the goodies as standard features. Its not a gas guzzler (31/35mpg) I only extended the warranty. Everything else you could want is already included (with playful type options if you want them). Bottom line--its a fun, cool, cute, practical car.