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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Heck of a toaster oven - 2008 Scion XB
  By Clark - August 4 - 1:40 pm

  This is our 3rd car, intended for hauling dogs, skis, and toys. Great value for $16K. Interior no frills but very functional: perfect for intended use. Good sound, fairly quiet ride, seats okay. Very roomy: huge plus. Performance and handling more than ok, considering that I dont drive it in a spirited way; just want to haul toys and dogs in comfort. It is, after all, an econo-box. Ive got my Porsche Cayman S if I feel like driving spirited. Gas mileage has been great, probably cause I dont push it. Ave 30-32 mpg combined hwy-city; 33 hwy const. 67 mph. Dont get how some report 22 mpg; they must think they are driving sports car but cant afford a real one. xB not a sports car.

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  Still Shaking - 2008 Scion XD
  By Sparkle - August 3 - 3:26 am

  I traded an o7 Camry that was paid for, at 18,000 miles, and another year on the 36,000 mile warranty for the Scion xD. The Camry was a sweet ride, and it had all the bells, and whistles, but the gas mileage was nada. Im still shaking just thinking about it, however it cost me no out of pocket money. It was one of the hardest things Ive ever done. I drove the xD home, and the first big truck that came by did not blow me off the road, I hardly felt it. I still have over half tank of gas, at 193 miles. I had two choices, I could look at the Camry in the drive way or I could ride the xD all over the place. Gas in not going down, and I made the adjustment. Im glad I did it. I like to ride.

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  Foxy Box - 2005 Scion XB
  By Bonnye Briggs - August 2 - 1:56 am

  This is a fun vehicle to drive with lots of pickup and go. It gets great gas mileage and is super to just pop to school or to the office. This care is a great buy for a well made Toyota vehicle.

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  love it! - 2005 Scion TC
  By aeb - July 31 - 8:33 pm

  Ive had a black cherry scion for a month. Love the way it drives, great gas mileage. Ive had tons of compliments from those who have seen it and those Ive taken for a ride in it. Only complaint-tires arent rated the best.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Scion TC
  By JohnInPdx - July 27 - 6:56 pm

  The first car I was looking at was the Camry. When the dealer would not knock down the price, I looked at the Scion & noticed that it offered the same options with a price tag about $5000-6000 lower ($8000-9000 if you compare it to the GT-S). The Scion is a better deal in all areas. Personally, I like the no haggling sales approach (Ive never been one to play stuipid dealer sales games!). I love the way it handles, and also love the power it delivers from a 4 cylinder engine (my previous care was a 5 liter v-8). You can get very good gas milage driving it smoothly, or you can get not good milage driving it like a hot rod (Another nice option!). Overall, I recommend it highly!

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  Buy one now! - 2005 Scion TC
  By Mark - July 26 - 12:40 am

  I looked at a lot of cars in this price range before purchasing the Scion and this was the obvious choice. With its load of standard features, it is the best value on the road. After 14,000 miles, I have had zero problems and the car is solid.

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  Interior Can be better..... - 2010 Scion XB
  By Aardvark - July 24 - 9:16 pm

  I bought my 2010 xB in November 2009 and to this day absolutely love it! It drives and handles like a small BMW, and looks sharp to boot.

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  Nice little car - 2008 Scion XD
  By GregSurratt - July 22 - 10:03 pm

  After test driving the Yaris and Honda Fit, the peppy engine, higher seating, amazing standard safety features and overall appearance sold me on the xD. My only real complaint is the road noise, but thats of pretty minor importance to me. Its a tight little, precise ride and the manufacturing tolerances are really impressive. Everything feels like quality on the Scion, unlike with the Ford Focus that its replacing. I also love the firmness of the seats. The toggle feature on the l.e.d. odometer which allows you to see your mpg at any current moment is really nifty (although Im a little suspicious of the accuracy of such a device). At any rate, this is an exciting little car.

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  Cool fun car! - 2009 Scion TC
  By Bkwrm - July 20 - 7:50 pm

  I LOVE the Tc! This burnished red Tc is my second Tc. Never had a bit of problems. Drives great gets good gas mileage 29/33. Love the stereo. I am a Scion fan for life!

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  Love It! - 2006 Scion xA
  By Kenneth Gardner - July 20 - 3:56 pm

  I really like getting behind the wheel of my 06 Scion xA. I have to get used to the front wheel drive. The only thing that I am missing is there is no space for beverage containers and no cruise control. The fuel mileage is very, very good.