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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  a great little car - 2005 Scion xA
  By jameskopsa - June 19 - 8:16 am

  I am really enjoying driving my Scion xA. Its not a Corvette. Its not a Cadillac. What it is, is a great, small, comfortable and zippy car with great milage for just a few bucks. I recommend this car.

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  xB For the Win! - 2005 Scion XB
  By ZionXB - June 18 - 3:23 pm

  I bought this car in Jacksonville, Florida. I picked it up for $14,000 out the door. Its a 2005 Auto Black xB with an INJEN air intake already installed. I got it for a great price, it drives great, and it gets awesome gas mileage. We packed four people for a weekend getaway and everyone was comfortable. Even with the limited HP, it still accelerates comfortably. I also love the amount of modifications that can be done.

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  Best Bang 4 Your Bucks - 2005 Scion XB
  By LuvMyScion - June 18 - 11:33 am

  I have a 2005XB, Manual Trans. & I luv it. I average 32.4 MPG combined city & Hwy. I still cant believe the interior room, the way it handles, etc........ If you looking for a great, fun, economy vehicle, look no further. Just go buy the XB!

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  Love this car! - 2008 Scion XD
  By Dsimes - June 14 - 1:40 am

  I bought the xD in August of 08 to replace my 06 Cobalt. The xD is loads of fun! The car handles excellent and is quick for its engine size. Im tall and it fits me perfectly. Very roomy inside for its size. It will surprise you in that respect. The 5 speed manual shifts easy. The clutch is a bit tight and requires a few higher revs then my Cobalt did to get moving, but this is an engine that welcomes higher revs. Im very glad I chose the xD for my next car. I have put 10,000 miles onthe clock so far and look forward to putting many more on it! I average around 35 mpg at 69 mph.

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  Great Entry-Level Car!!! - 2004 Scion xA
  By pbxgodwin@netscape.n - June 13 - 10:00 am

  This car truly stands out in a boring sea of lackluster subcompacts, most with average quality, below average fit and finish, abysmal resale and few, if any, aftermarket peformance offerings. In 5 speed form, this car truly is fun to drive, offers a 9-second 0-60 time, great build quality and Toyota value. Funky to look at, you either love it or hate it, which is just fine with me. Car is very stable, firm handling, doesnt feel like a small car, even cruising at 85. But keep in mind, while fun a spunky in a 5 speed, this car dogs with the automatic.

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  Love It! - 2006 Scion xA
  By Beck - June 12 - 7:06 pm

  I just got my new Scion this past week and so far, i absolutley love it! This is the first brand new vehicle purchase for me and it was a breeze. My dealer was awesome. I got the Flint Mica color and its gorgeous. Ive had strangers stop me and ask about the car. I am very excited and I look forward to driving it until the wheels fall off!

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  Such a nice car for what it costs. - 2006 Scion TC
  By joe - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I have had my tC until last week when it got wrecked at a car wash. I was so sad to see my car getting totaled right in front of my eyes. Anyways, this car has been an awesome experience and gave me lots and lots of fun while driving it. It had good power and maintained a decent fuel effeciency. It also added in a lot of standard features which is impossible to be equipped at the price with any other makes. Finally, it looks great inside and out and hasnt caused a single problem for over two years. Toyota has done a hell of a job.

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  Groovy little car, and runs great too. - 2005 Scion xA
  By James - June 3 - 10:03 am

  This was my 1st new car and it was worth every penny. I put about 15thou/miles per year and its still going strong w/just regular maintenance. The only major cost has been new tires at 40,000 and tune up at 30 and 60thou-miles. Hope to still have it when it gets to 120.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Scion TC
  By Arden - May 31 - 4:20 pm

  The Scion tC is the best bang for the buck. It looks awesome and the interior is made from top quality materials. I love it and reccomend it to anyone. One more thing, I recommend the TRD exhaust, it sounds amazing.

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  Loving it at the pump!!!! - 2006 Scion TC
  By scion lover - May 31 - 1:53 pm

  I have not had one problem or complaint about my TC. I love the way it handles, it has get up and go! For a 4cyl car I can expect anymore! It has no blind spots, which is hard to find in any car. I leased it short term, but I love it and plan on keeping it around for quite awhile!!!!