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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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:

• 

  Great for Young Drivers - 2005 Scion TC
  By Jessica - July 15 - 5:33 am

  The 2005 Scion tC is a great car. I love mine. I recently upgraded from a 1997 Honda Civic to my tC and I was amazed by the difference in power, looks, and the overall way that it drives. Honda cant touch what this car has to offer as far as price, power, and options. The gas milage well...its not that of my old Honda. I have no problem giving that up for the performance. Its an all around great car. The insurance is cheaper on it than it was on my Civic. The two things that I wish the car had are daytime running lamps and a bigger trunk, but besides that I have no complaints. This is a great car for young buyers like myself. It has the relablity of Toyota and the perforamce and style to impress young buyers at a great price.

• 

  2008 Scion xB - 2008 Scion XB
  By egotistical77 - July 12 - 6:33 pm

  Ive only had the xB for about 24 hrs, but already Im very, very impressed. The interior is is one of the features of the car that I was impressed with. I love the placing of the gauges, and the comfort of the drivers seat. The halogen headlights are awesome! I can see clearly at least a 1/4 mile away. Anyone considering purchasing one of the new xBs should really pick one up.

• 

  Awesome small UUV - 2008 Scion XB
  By Jonas Urba - July 11 - 9:43 am

  This is one awesome urban utility vehicle. As more people discover that Scion finally powered it with the Camry 2.4L engine (no longer a power plant that could not pull a dead bird off a fence), expanded the interior cabin space and polished the exterior lines a bit, it should be a huge hit for Scion. Love the black sand pearl paint job (looks like a small hearse) which fits my probate lawyer profession and personality to a tee. It is certainly a head turner in west central Florida. 3100 pounds really helps the ride and feel surpass a mint 420 SEL I once owned. Europe will have a tough time competing with this ride.

• 

  TC FUN - 2005 Scion TC
  By dbc129 - July 11 - 5:10 am

  The new scion tc is a blast to drive even for those of us in the 40+ range. It has a nice exterior design and sporty interior.

• 

  Im Glad I chose this car, BUT.......... - 2004 Scion xA
  By jdtjunior - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I loved the no haggle pricing. And, because its a Toyota, its gonna last. It is also stylish, and looks like more expensive than it actually is. The car is fun to drive in the city, and is fine on the freeway. Yes, its a bit noisy at 75 mph, and passing takes a little extra time with the auto, but remember, its a sub-compact, under 14k. I bought this car because, I am single, live in the city, and have a short commute. It seats 4 people fine, but usually, I keep the rear seats down to add to the total cargo capacity. Great gas mileage of course. Everyone other person has a Corolla, and I chose a Scion XA instead.

• 

  Over 100K Miles on My 2005 xB - 2005 Scion XB
  By Over 100K Miles - July 9 - 6:33 pm

  I am very happy with my 2005 xB and would buy another. There have been no problems in over 100,000 miles. I hope the next 100k miles are as good.

• 

  Has everything for 1 low price - 2005 Scion XB
  By Tony - July 7 - 10:43 pm

  This is by far the best auto Ive ever owned, based on price and standard features. Everything is power, windows locks, automatic, keyless entry, these are all standard features. Also has stablizers and many features only found on top end vehicles. These days one thing you look at is MPG and this car delivers on that as well. Very roomy interior, would fit a 6 footer no problem front or rear seat. Easy in and out for those with a bad back or putting child in and out of car seat. Being a Toyota and built entirely in Japan, you know the quality is there as well, (sorry American car mfgs, we have yet to beat the Japaneese in the auto world, truth be told...) Great Car at fair price!!!

• 

  Great car - 2008 Scion XB
  By michael - July 7 - 3:06 am

  I am 21, with a wife and a kid on the way, and was overjoyed to find a safe and reliable family car that is such a blast to drive, and very affordable on top of that. The pure price system left me knowing I got the best deal possible. And possibly the most important thing is that I know it was built by Toyota, and along with that comes a certain assurance of quality.

• 

  CAR - 2004 Scion xA
  By BNAME - July 6 - 10:00 am

  GOOD CAR,AND IS FUN TO DRIVE.

• 

  RELEASE SERIES - 2005 Scion XB
  By King of the Mountain - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I have been very impressed with the fuel economy as well as the space economy. They have utilized the space very well and have made what appears to be a small vehicle from the outside into a spacious vehicle on the inside. I am 64 240 and I actually have loads of leg room and mor importantly - head room!