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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  The affordable MINI - 2005 Scion xA
  By pharaoh13 - December 11 - 11:43 am

  I absolutely love this car! Im in the process of getting the cold air intake to beef up the slightly underpowered HP. This thing handles like a sports car and I crave for turns at high speed. The xA begs to be thrown into turns and driven though heavy traffic due to its small demeanor. I would have bought two if I had enough money, just so I wouldnt have to drive a loaner in the rare event that it would have to be in the shop. Test drive this car and you will not look at anything else thats in its class. Theres no point!

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  best car for humans - 2005 Scion XB
  By Kryten - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is wonderfully thought out in design. It is made with the human being in mind. Armrests are where they are supposed to be, windshield is larger.The roof supports have been removed from the vision are. If you are handicapped in anyway, it is simply marvelous. The seats are at just the right height and the doors open wide. The head room is phenomenal, making the car feel roomy and non-confining.

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  bought my xb for economy, love it!!! - 2005 Scion XB
  By gregdj - December 7 - 10:00 am

  bought my xb in 02-04...i drive at least 150 miles per day, 6 days a week...i am a working dj, and people are amazed when they see my set up and then see the car i bring it in...roomy, fun, but could use an armrest! cruise control would be nice as well, but you make do without it...the money i save on gas each month makes my car payment, as i used to drive a full size dodge club cab...will buy another!

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  Amazing luxury car! - 2005 Scion TC
  By morimori - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is so phenomenal, I dont know where to start. It has just as many, if not more gadgets than cars twice the price. My parents have a Lexus SUV, and got upset when I topped the features of their car. The ride is incredible, the stereo system sounds terrific with great base, the interior is comfortable, and the best thing: it takes off like a rocket to where I left a Mitsubishi 3000 behind in the dust (not that Im into racing), but if power is needed..its there! It also has Toyota quality with a great warranty. For up to $30,000, I truly believe that you cant do better when everything is considered. It really is the best kept secret!

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  Good honest car - 2005 Scion XB
  By joe - December 5 - 8:06 am

  The Scion xB provides the best value, utility, and reliability expectations in this price range. Plus is has a good expected trade in value and low maintenance expenses. It has a good ride, the noise level is acceptable, cargo space is amazing, and its finish quality good - havent found anything disappointing yet. i have been [leased with my dealerships professionalism, and found the car to be sound and secure feeling. Its boxy design, with vertical sides, give ample shoulder room for three people in the back seat, but the vertical widshield catches a lot of bugs! It needs a good deflector.

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  Lots of Bang for your Buck! Gold Rush ! - 2008 Scion XB
  By TiffsMom - December 5 - 3:33 am

  I have my 2008 Scion XB Limited Edition Gold Rush a month. Before purchasing, I came to this site to read the many reviews,very informative. I simply LOVE the Scion. I was amazed how spacious the interior was. I slipped in and out very comfortably and felt the ride was extremely easy to handle, zippy pick up. The interior was 2 tone/very stylish. I passed on the $400 "Teflon" treatment from dealer and found 5 step Simonize Teflon treatment for $20 on eBay. I did get the spoiler & remote starter, mats. Also ordered side molding and touch up paint. I didnt start out to buy the limited edition,but dealer had only one,and I felt in love. Getting about 24 city, 28 highway. Lots of fun

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  awesome car - 2005 Scion TC
  By Ashley Forcier - December 2 - 9:53 pm

  This car is amazing. You definitely get your moneys worth! My model has the side airbags, which I wouldnt do without. It also came with the floor mats, advanced security system, and rear spoiler, along with all the basic features these cars come stocked with. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants a fun, worry-free ride, because everyone knows you cant go wrong with a Toyota, and the new Scion TC is just another example that proves that point.

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  Better than a Prius - 2006 Scion XB
  By Dwayne - November 25 - 1:36 pm

  First, I have read several of the reviews complaining about fuel economy. This car is _not_ a Corvette. If you drive it like some kind of sports car with jackrabit starts and irregular and harsh acceleration you will get trashy fuel mileage. I am enjoying a 37 MPG car with my daily 15 mile trips to and from work. I fully expect that number to reach 40 MPG on the highway. For the cost of the car, expected lifespan, and the potential good mileage this is a strong alternative to the Prius Hybrid. IMHO, I think the Scion xB may prove to be more economal than the Prius given the complexity and exotic parts required for the Prius.

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  Fun to Drive - 2008 Scion XB
  By Frank - November 19 - 9:53 am

  This is my first "small" vehicle, I have had a Dodge Durango for the past 10 years, mostly for the towing ability. This car is great and fun to drive. I am a 400 pound guy and I have plenty of room. Gas mileage is very good. The ride is much better than I expected. Plenty of get up and go and a quiet ride. The sound system is good with plenty of power. I just ordered the XM receiver.

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  Think "Bigger Picture" - 2008 Scion XB
  By BIGGER PICTURE - November 18 - 12:36 am

  Great execution of safety, space, comfort, economy, quality build, and std. features for price! I first saw them MotherÂ’s Day weekend, I thought "for real", then I actually drove it and I thought "cool". Then I loaded it up with the family and a 300 lb salesman and test drove it, I thought "WOW, I am impressed!" That is coming from someone whose last car was a Mini Cooper S. Smooth and quiet ride (not as sophisticated as an Accord or Camry, but I prefer driving the xB over my wifes 07 Accord). Handling is at or above expectations for a spacious car. Avg 26 mpg on 1st tank w/ a lot of idling, currently, at 32 mpg on LA FWY driving. Way cool!