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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Great car for my needs - 2006 Scion xA
  By calpolyscion - May 30 - 9:10 pm

  I had the typical doubts about Scion. I didnt think it would survive as Toyotas child. The whole ad campaign of the hip gen y car is a bit tacky, but I believe but the car is a solid reminder that its a Toyota. I am one who prefers small cars however sometimes I fear that I am too small to be seen. The rear seats fold down easily to store my larger items when needed. Overall the Scion xA is a solid compact package. It is much cheaper than a Corolla with the standard options although the Corolla is a bit wider. The drivers seat position is more like that of a minivan or SUV and the speedometer and gauge are in the center, but this is easy to get used to and actually makes a lot of sense.

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  Boxes can be fun - 2005 Scion XB
  By BoXedUP - May 29 - 8:50 pm

  I fell in love with my box (aka XB) when I first saw it. It was unlike anything else on the market at that time or really since then. I bought it for three main reasons. 1) I loved the way it looked. 2) I loved the mileage it was reported to get. And 3) It was more customizable and had more personality than any vehicle I had ever encountered. Now three years and almost 40,000 miles later I still catch myself with a smile on my face as I drive down the interstate to work. I have owned many cars in the past but never one that I have truly loved. This year I am considering on trading in my Box. What will I replace it with? The next generation XB. I love this car and the Scion experience.

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  Great car for the money - 2005 Scion TC
  By Derek-Fort Myers FL - May 29 - 6:06 pm

  I purchased the vehicle used in Jan 07 with just 30K miles. I have been pleasantly surprised with the performance, handling, and comfort of the tC. I dont get great gas mileage, but I drive it pretty hard. The only ongoing problem I have is with the sunroof - it whistles on the highway and continues to jam up when I close it, needing my assistance to get beyond a certain point. I would buy another one in a heartbeat.

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  Love It, but Its Killin My Wallet. - 2005 Scion TC
  By ScionRox - May 28 - 3:23 pm

  I love this car! It has been nothing but good to me. I have had it since new for nearly two years now. I bought this puppy before it was cool to have a tC! It is a nice car, but it is a little low on power for a supposed "sports coupe." I would love to supercharge it, but Im not a millionaire. It gets pretty poor gas mileage. Ive never gotten the 22 mpg they say you can get. I average about 18.5 - 19.5 mpg around town (about 21 on the highway). This car also easily skids in the rain. I think that is more the tires than anything. But when its barely raining and youre going about 40 mph, you start hydroplaning. That is a problem. The xB has really good cornering ability as well. I just wish I had bought a stick!

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  Sweet - 2006 Scion TC
  By Scott - May 27 - 11:40 pm

  I got my tC in May and I dont mind driving anywhere no matter how long it is. Its the perfect car for a teenager. Its not too big and not too small.

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  Great, but Drive It First - 2005 Scion XB
  By scottysail - May 25 - 10:06 am

  The Scion xB is a cool car. Its affordable for post-college students is and just neat to drive. I like it a lot. Mine has just a very basic setup (but for the cost no complaints should be allowed).

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  I love my Scion - 2005 Scion xA
  By Susan Clingan - May 24 - 11:06 pm

  I cant understand why I dont hear more about the Scion xA...unless its because of the low $$ amt. I love my Scion xA...the price combined with comfort, great mileage, compact room, and general appearance makes it a great investment. Yet you dont see it much in the public eye...I have had Honda, Chevy, Ford, VW, Olds., Buick....This Toyota Scion is GREAT.

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  Great Car - 2007 Scion TC
  By Dave - May 22 - 6:30 am

  I have put about 5,000 miles on this car so far and I love it. For just being right out of school, it came at the right price, just under $20,000 after warranties and extras. I think there are little things that they could do to improve the car, but its a good start for a fairly new model. Im 62" and I fit in the front just fine and I can fit in the back but, theres not as much room back there. The clutch is kind of weird, but after using it for a bit its not too bad. It has great pick up for just a stock car. The motor in it is the Camry motor, so you know that there is a good proven engine under the hood. I get about 27-31 MPG, but I think that they could make that better with a 6-speed transmission.

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  Scion - 2006 Scion xA
  By Jim G - May 22 - 4:50 am

  I was hesitant to buy such a small car. Howerver, it has a really sporty ride and I feel comfortable and safe in it. My wife is from England where small cars are necessary. She loves the vehicle as well.

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  05 xB Convert - 2005 Scion XB
  By Roy - May 20 - 12:03 am

  I have driven my xB now for just over one year and it is still fun to drive. I have had no mechanical problems with it. It does have a few minor rattles from the front door pillars, but otherwise it is an exellent vehicle for the price. It stops on a dime, and the Vehicle Skid Control works perfectly.