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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Had Over a Year - Love It - 2005 Scion xA
  By family - August 31 - 9:03 pm

  We bought a Scion xA for my husband before they were even released in our state - had to go to another state to get it. We love it. He travels alot for work and averages 33-35 miles per gallon. We have even taken it on family trips through the mountains - although it was not as comfortable for our two teenagers in back, we did fine. Would love to get one for each family member in different colors.

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  Form Follows Function - 2004 Scion XB
  By perling - August 29 - 9:25 pm

  If you want is a cheap, extremely reliable four door with way more space than youd first notice, this is it. If you want comfort and power, go elsewhere. If you dont expect more than you should from this true Econo-Box, than youll actually find the Xb a joy to own. Its actually fun to drive and does well with its limited HP (tho an automatic with the air on must be a drag). Its extremely roomy inside, and easy to get into for older folks, and itll haul lots of junk. Top that off w/30+ mpg and rock solid reliability and cheap to maintain prices and its perfect for those who like its frugal design nature.

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  very safe and fun car - 2006 Scion TC
  By Dtchss9517 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I was in a head on collition in this car and EVERY safety feature worked! I walked away with just bumps and bruises. Nothing broken. The safety features and airbags SAVED MY LIFE!

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  My XB 0822 - 2005 Scion XB
  By 01-0822 - August 27 - 10:00 pm

  My XB is fun to drive. Has lots of room for my big body. It gets very good mileage and the best part is that it is Orange. The only let down is it doesnt handle good in high cross winds.

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  I love this Box - 2006 Scion XB
  By HattawayC - August 26 - 9:23 pm

  Ok, at first I was a little skeptical to buy this car because it kinda looked like a toaster, but so many things grew on me after awhile when I saw the gas mileage, loads of interior room and endless acessories. This car is truly the real deal. On an 11.9 gallon tank this car can go on the highway about 325 miles roughly...at least thats what I calculated. I get so many compliments on this car. I just tell em you gotta drive it to really believe it.

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  Best CAr of the year - 2005 Scion TC
  By Andy - August 26 - 6:20 pm

  I love this car. Its the best coupe

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  Square Peg....Round Garage - 2005 Scion XB
  By CoolGayDad - August 22 - 10:56 pm

  Wow what a car. I barely talked my significant other out of an xA but now everybody is glad I did. This car offers more interior comfort and space than most mid-size SUVs in the front AND rear. Great economy. Coolest looks on the road. Nimble and efficient. Go with the Sirius Satellite Radio. Last but not least...Toyota Quality.

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  Glad to trade in the 07 Cobalt LTZ - 2008 Scion TC
  By Sean - August 21 - 4:23 am

  I traded in the 2007 cobalt ltz for the tc when I saw it in town. This car is amazing, the looks is great black top on White. Pioneer cd player/ipod just wonderful. Im really surprised how comfy and roomy the car is. Since its a coupe I assumed how small it will be inside. This is a car I will be keeping around for years or till a new and improved tC comes out. And yes the girls do love it. ; ]

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  Almost perfect for me - 2008 Scion XB
  By Pierce - August 20 - 1:36 pm

  I went from an F150 SuperCrew to this car. Major downsize, but I still fit very comfortably in this car. Ive had for it a couple weeks and the average mileage has crept up to 27mpg. This is very functional and fun car.

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  Slick Compromise - 2005 Scion XB
  By Amerhicka - August 20 - 1:53 am

  The Scion xB is quirky. Its small enough to walk around in the garage and to squeeze into parking spaces only a Mini Cooper would look at twice, but big enough to cross your legs, with your hands crossed behind your head...in the back seat. Its fun enough to drive that it surprises, often all the way into a smile. It drinks less gas than most vehicles and makes you feel slightly less guilty about the planet you ride upon. Toyota didnt have to reinvent the wheel for the cB, just smoosh together the best traits of the city car: affordability, a reasonably well-appointed interior, roominess, safety, and it is charming. This car strikes so many sensible compromises that I am glad to see it loved by ravers and retirees.