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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Best kept Secret - 2008 Scion XB
  By Dan - May 19 - 4:46 pm

  The xB may be the best kept secret of the year.Mine is an awesome conveyance, [this, from someone who has owned about 30 vehicles and did for over 25 years, drive over 40K miles per year. As with my 94 Previa AWD van that has 260K and still runs well, my xB is no disappointment when it comes to reliability,[not a single problem yet],and now that it has 20K and the engine has settled in, I just observed over 30 MPG [only got about 25 whthru the Mt.s of WV, and the hills of VA/PA, [this, with over 500 lbs of luggage/demo gear plus my 230+ wt.]. It has plenty of acceleration and although suspension could be stiffer, [I could cure that for a few hundred $ in factory add-ons], its fine, as is.

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  Follow-up review - 2006 Scion XB
  By Gisch - May 19 - 2:03 am

  I have had my xB for 6 months and 7,000 miles and thought an extended use report may be useful to some. Still love my xB. I have taken a couple of road trips and it has done great. I did customize my car with factory upgrades and it still turns heads going down the road. People of all ages give me compliments. Its gas mileage is good, I average about 32 mpg in town and 36 on the interstate. This car can carry a good amount of luggage (fold down rear seats) for trips involving 2-3 people. It has lots of head and leg room. The only problem I have involves build quality. My rear seat makes a noise in the upright position. Also, I get an annoying vibration from the front seat belts where they adjust up and down.

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  Best Deal for the Money - 2004 Scion xA
  By modernoca - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I looked at all the other cars in this class, and even a few more expensive, and frankly, youd be hard pressed to find ANY other vehicle with as many standard features for a price this low. Everyone who has taken a ride in this car is stunned when I tell them the price.

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  Happy with my Scion! - 2005 Scion XB
  By a new owner - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I really thought I wanted to purchase the xA and went to the delaership to see one in person. It was WAY TOO SMALL! You have to move the front seats forward in order to put the rear seats down. I tried the Matrix and then the xB. Everything was great! TONS OF ROOM even with the front seats all the way back! I was not totally sold on the exterior design, but it grows on you. Simple controls, GREAT visability. Overall, a fun and funky little car!

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  couldbebetter - 2005 Scion XB
  By xbassateak - May 15 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle is adorable,but, it seems like it was thrown together. maybe thats why it was so cheap. the look is great. it is comfortable,yet, that could be upgraded a bit. gas mileage is decent. it is extremely fun to drive. like a little baha mobile.

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  Excellent - 2005 Scion xA
  By goth girl - May 14 - 6:43 am

  I love this car! Its not only fun to drive, but it is also a grest looking car. I also love for the mileage. I sometimes forget when I last put gas in. It is also a very comfortable and fast moving little car. When I take off,it takes off!!!!!!!!

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  Series 2 great car - 2005 Scion xA
  By MayanKing - May 11 - 5:40 am

  It is very spacious inside for a big guy like me 350 pounds 62". I am very comfortable height, width, seat and belly! Car gets good mileage, I have been getting 30 to 40 (city & highway). I went shopping and was able to fit bags in back. When shopping a lot seats do go down, a good feature.

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  Fun Little car - 2005 Scion TC
  By Perry C - May 9 - 9:16 pm

  Performance: Coming from a 5.0 mustang gives me a bit more perspective than some of the kids moving up from their Civic to this car. It isnt particularly fast, but it is quick, and handles well, is comfortable and the stereo system rocks Gearing/Tranny: I think they did a great job with matching the gearing to the engine. Even in 5th gear, you can pass on the highway, which makes highway driving much more tolerable. First is really short, but thats not a bad thing. Interior: This car is really comfortable and seems much bigger on the inside than it looks like it should from the outside. The seats are firm and supportive, and the driving controls are well placed.

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  Scion xA - a fun car! - 2006 Scion xA
  By 2006 scion xa - May 8 - 9:50 pm

  I love driving this car. It is so fun and cute on the outside and roomy on the inside for a car its size. I love it!

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  Scion tC: Great New Car for Your Student - 2005 Scion TC
  By Rob - May 6 - 12:26 pm

  This car handles extremely well, especially around corners at speeds where most cars would be begin to shake. The tC is the best value out there. It has many options standard that most cars have as optional or not at all, including 4-wheel disc brakes, ABS, a panoramic sunroof with an additional moonroof, 17-inch alloy rims, reclinable rear seats, and a 6-speaker Panasonic Sound System. It is also VERY practical. The rear seats can be folded flat to provide enough room for several large TV sets, snowboard equipment for four, etc. The tC is fun to drive, built well, and looks good!