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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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 car purchased - 2005 Scion TC
  By moose86 - September 4 - 7:16 am

  well i just got the tc about a month and a half ago and it is the coolest car, the mp3 player is awesome, the interior and exterior styling is great. i would rate this vehicle a 10 in fun to drive bc you never get sick of driving it no matter where youre going. i got the 5 speed manual and the handling is great on it.

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  The ultimate city car - 2004 Scion XB
  By Max - September 3 - 3:26 pm

  This is by far the best car Ive ever owned. Low maintenance and very simple in its layouts, technical features and style. I bough it in the sates cuz you cant buy them in Canada, and it had 80K mil on the meter and I noticed that the engine had been over worked by the looks of it but still it has excellent go and acceleration. If you live in a big city with narrow streets and dont drive on the high way or the freeway allot nothing over 120 km...um 70 mph I think, then this car will be perfect even as a family car but if you commute to work and drive allot on the highway then this car is not for you.

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  Awesome Car! - 2009 Scion TC
  By SM - August 31 - 3:30 am

  This car has some serious pep! I went from driving a VW Jetta with 115hp and 122lb. foot of torque. I love everything about this car. The interior is awesome, very easy to read the dials and is truly a sports coupe hatchback. I had a problem with my Jetta not starting in cold weather, I live in Michigan, and it gets well below zero, my jetta wouldnt start, but my Scion will, with ease. I no longer own the Jetta.

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  Most Excellent - 2005 Scion TC
  By Joehairybearsc - August 29 - 9:56 pm

  Blows my 2003 Turbo VW Beetle away, excellent all around, best car I have owned.

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  Love it! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Leslie - August 27 - 3:23 pm

  I adore my XB- I have now taken it on a long trip as well as done a good amount of around the town driving in it and have decided that I could not have chosen a better car for me. Very roomy and comfortable- fun to drive. No cruise doesnt bother me but might be annoying for frequent long trips or commuters. I am over all extremely happy and would make the purchase all over again.

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  Older Folks Like It Too! - 2006 Scion XB
  By SonnyBoy - August 26 - 1:36 am

  My wife and I are in our 50s and we absolutely love this car. We were looking for something economical to buy, economical to operate, and fun to drive! We sure found it in the Scion Xb. Ive always liked small cars. The first car I ever bought was a 63 Volkswagon Beetle. Ive owned eveything from small pick-ups to a Porsche 914 and a Honda CR-V, but the xB is the most fun to drive. Even though it is marketed to younger people, I think a lot middle-aged and older people would really enjoy this car.

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  Nice car for $17,000 - 2006 Scion TC
  By austin - August 25 - 2:40 pm

  The Scion tC is a great car. Its agile, quick, and sporty. The rear seats have plenty of room and they recline and fold forward for more space. The standard Pioneer stereo is nice, it needs more watts though. The glass top is cool, not many cars have that. This car needs a 6-speed transmission not a 5-speed, unless you drive 55 you will not see that 30 mpg on the highway. 70 mph runs you @ 3,500 rpm. This car has lots of torque down low, and a forgiving clutch.

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  Comments - 2005 Scion XB
  By Scion xB - August 24 - 4:16 pm

  If you dont watch your speed, it can really go faster than what it feels. I have taken it on a couple of long trips and is very comfortable, whether in the front or back seat. I love my car. It should have cruise control. My husband and I have recomended it very highly to other people. We have even let them test drive ours or sit in it, to show them how much room it has.

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  Wow - 2005 Scion TC
  By John - August 23 - 11:40 pm

  I had totaled my eclipse and was in the hunt for a new car. I seen the TC on the commercials and thought it was a nice looking car. The commercials dont do this car justice. I went and took a look at it and had to have it. It is beautifully designed. Nice sleek curves and well drawn out lines. There is no need for aftermarket body kits or better wheels. Performance suprised me for the price. Its not a break neck performer but can be tuned to be that way easily. I suggest the cold air intake and the borla exhaust from the factory. All in all, this is an excellent car for the price.

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  Fantastic little gem - 2005 Scion XB
  By Love this baby - August 22 - 9:43 pm

  I cannot believe I found a used XB. We had looked for the last several years at the local car shows and fell in love with the XB. We were ready to buy a new one this year. We did not like the new design because it has really cut the gas mileage with the improvements. These cars never show up used here. No one wants to part with them. We got a great deal on a 2005 with only 40,000 plus on it. It is silver with a cute red thunder bolt along the sides & air scoop on the back. We love the room the handling and the gas mileage. We had cruise added it really enhances the over the road mileage. We are nearing 60 and enjoy the nice firm seats. Great for us and so much fun to drive.