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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Still SeXXXy! after 2.5 years! - 2006 Scion TC
  By UltiMica06 - April 13 - 11:26 am

  UltiMica is about 2.5 yrs old now. Still a Strong girl! Modded the car w/ A LOT of stuff to make it MORE fun to drive & Sexier Exterior Looks. Great value & fun to drive car! I <3 my tC!

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  Perfect car for me! - 2004 Scion XB
  By HollywoodFloral - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Have had the vehicle about a week now and it has been nothing but fun, fun, fun....the looks I am getting here in Dallas are surprise and interest in this fun new car. Very pleased with the great sound system and gas mileage. All of my friends are amazed at the leg room in the back seat. I have never had a very good experience buying a new car, but this one was definitely the exception. I built it on line with what I wanted and that is the price I paid with no haggling. I am definitely not a youngster anymore, just young at heart and this car makes it for me!

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  good quality, no major complaints - 2007 Scion TC
  By camp6ell - April 11 - 1:36 pm

  have driven 25k miles in the first year of ownership, and my only complaint is disappointing gas mileage: 90% of my driving is highway, yet i only realize 29.5-31.5mpg. i expect more from a small car with 4cyl engine. i have a bit of a rattle, unfound/unfixed by dealer, from the sunroof depending on the weather. the upgrade ipod stereo isnt fantastic, and even at max volume can be hard to hear on the highway. engine was a bit lumpy for the first 20k miles, but its smoother now. handles ok. steering and brakes good. interior is a nice place to spend time, and seats are comfy. hvac isnt the best system ive used. headroom limited for anyone above 510".

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  Mid-Life Crisis Box - 2005 Scion XB
  By House of Steel - April 9 - 10:00 am

  WOW - I own one of the Hot Lava Models and I must say that this probably has been the best purchase I ever made. We are a family of 4 and we have more than enough room inside, comes standard with many great features, we have driven it and enjoy the ride, gas mileage is amazing ..... Take one for a drive and you will see why this is going to be a Cool Little Ride .......

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  Cant Wait - 2005 Scion XB
  By schwartzie78 - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Cant wait to get my Scion. Ordered last weekend after a test drive. I know lots of people hate the look, but every time I see it it makes me smile.

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  scions fun - 2005 Scion XB
  By canyon289 - April 9 - 10:00 am

  The car looks cool and is small but big inside. It looks big when its the only car around and it has a great feeling to drive

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  Love it. - 2008 Scion XD
  By Alan - April 6 - 4:20 pm

  I had to go looking for another car after i was in a car accident in my former scion xA (hydroplaned at 60 mph, hit a guardrail and flipped over, yet walked away without a scratch), so i wanted another car that was safe, and reliable, and still had great gas mileage. well the xD was the perfect car for driving and style. Its different and you almost never see another one on the road, i average 37- 40 mpg depending on where Im driving, its extremely easy to move in and out of traffic due to its small design, and its extremely safe crash test ratings and standard side airbags set my mind at ease. I will be keeping this car for a long time.

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  Billys tC - 2006 Scion TC
  By Billy - April 5 - 8:30 am

  I have only had this car for a week and so far it is a blast to drive. I have had no trouble in the snow or rain so far. The tC is very solid going down the road with no rattles. I was considering the Chevrolet Cobalt or Honda Civic, but am so pleased I walked into the Toyota dealership. This car has much more quality and many more features for the money.

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  my xb - 2005 Scion XB
  By screamnchikn - April 4 - 10:36 am

  Lots of interior room

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  My new Scion - 2005 Scion XB
  By Cathouse - April 2 - 10:00 am

  My new Scion XB is very smart in appearance. I love the way it feels in the interior and the fuel economy. I love my Scion. I have found my car of choice.