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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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

• 

  awesome scion - 2004 Scion XB
  By jmacon - August 12 - 2:00 am

  great car, perfect for city driving. and it has more room in the back seat than any other car.

• 

  My Tc - 2007 Scion TC
  By Anna27 - August 12 - 12:16 am

  I bought my Scion Tc in March 2007. I had read reviews on this website about the paint quality, which has proven to be true. I have some scratches on my car that I think wouldnt have shown up as well on my old car. Now that I have that said, I LOVE love love my car. I have not had a single problem with this car in the over year and half I have had it. It drives perfectly. I havent had to replace a single thing. I realize this isnt a luxury car, but as far as an economical choice, I couldnt recommend a better deal. The backseat area is great. The car drives with expected speed and great agility. Overall-For the price bracket it falls into, an awesome deal-wouldnt replace it ever.

• 

  This is the one!! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Richard - August 9 - 11:30 pm

  This car is simply said as, "Well Built". I love the overall package. My vehicle is white. I placed after-market 20" chrome rims. My ride is a definite eye catcher. Riding on rims will always make a little more noise over stock rims. But it is small sacrifice for large rewards. And best of all, its a Toyota. "Another one for the good guys". Enough said.

• 

  my Scion - 2004 Scion xA
  By The Van - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I love it. It drives like a rally car.Easy to park.looks like a mini suv.Terrific sound system.

• 

  Scion XB - 2004 Scion XB
  By Fran Matik - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I love this auto. Design resembles small British taxi cab. I keep being stopped by people asking about this car. Its fun to drive,peppy,fuel friendly and I love the design. Inside room is unbelievable. Last car I owned was a Lexus. I could buy 3 Scions for 1 Lexus.

• 

  Great Drive!! - 2004 Scion XB
  By Sly 1 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I love driving this car!!! Fun easy on the pocketbook and lots of looks...Has everything I could want with the exception of cruise control but...I can live with it...

• 

  Smart Car - 2004 Scion XB
  By mildredmadigan - August 7 - 10:00 am

  We are a family of four and this car has been perfect. More than enough room for all of us and the groceries, too. Its not too big and not too small and was by far 100 times better than anything else in our price range. Its so affordable, easy to drive, comfortable and has so many awesome standard features. We also like that its fun and unique. I understand marketing to a younger, hipper crowd, but I think it would be a great middle ground/middle of the road, yet top of the line vehicle for just about anyone.

• 

  fun to drive - 2004 Scion XB
  By rick g - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Great for the San Francisco Bay area. This car/truck is used in business and as a family run around. Interior large enough to pick up merchandise and deliver medium size aquariums with stands. Daughters take it most of the spare time. As a big man 280lbs 61" I finally fit into a small car and its great. cons: This is not a touring car and is not in the same class as Yukon or a Lincoln, extreme long trips are out. As a local business vehicle the Xb is that perfect fit bigger than a car but smaller than a minivan

• 

  Best 4 wheeled Vehicle I ever owned - 2005 Scion XB
  By Cleve Brown - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Scion has more room inside than my XL SUVs ever has. Its comfort exceeds SUVs litereally 3 to 4 times its price and it cost me half of what each of my Harleys cost. The style, comfor and efficiency has my friends who drive big expensive SUVs feel very stupid in their choice. If this is not a fluke, I will never waste money on a car again, I will always show greater intelligence for that chioce and I will mostlikely always have a Scion of a damn good immitator.

• 

  RS 1.0 is a DREAM! - 2005 Scion xA
  By Scion Scotty - August 5 - 5:40 pm

  Id never even heard of Scion until I read a review of the xA in a local paper. Looking to trim my gas bill a bit (was driving Explorer Sport Trac), I ventured in and test drove the xA RS 1.0 they had on the lot... and immediately, it had to be mine. You sit very high in this little car so I dont feel intimidated at all. It is very peppy and fun to drive. Outstanding handling from a car in the price range. Loaded with standard features that are optional add-ons in similar classed vehicles. I recommend Scion now to any who ask about it... and every does!