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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Scion xA - 2004 Scion xA
  By sactoreg - March 8 - 2:00 am

  My Scion xA is Great! It came with all toeh features of more expensive cars, and size wise its easy to find parking in San Francsico. Its a little jitteryg when hitting potholes or rough roads, but otherwise rides well. Ive had a reocurring problem with the passenger side rear speaker, and the dealership seems either unwilling or unable to correct the problem. Also, I have developed a rattle in the rear cargo cover that will not go away. Otherwise, a well put together car with many options that Ill be adding over the next few months.

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  Yee HAH! - 2005 Scion xA
  By Radwriter055 - March 5 - 3:23 am

  I did the research and literally bought the first one I drove. I was tired of my big old falling-apart ford explorer taking up gas, oil, and parking spaces, and felt the Scion fit in with my reduce, re-use and recycle advocacy. Its a zippy little car whos interior room is deceptive. I was delighted to fit 10 long 2" X 2" stakes into the vehicle with ease, once I put the seats down. Its light, fast, zippy, user friendly, KICK BUTT stereo and cozy. Its perfect for blasting around town in any traffic and holds its own beautifully on the highway at top speeds. Light light touch on the brakes.

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  Was liking it, until - 2006 Scion xA
  By cfeather - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this used with 18K on it. The car was filthy but cleaned up well and had been used for city driving. I have a new XD and needed something economical for work since I only get 30 cents per mile reimbursement. I get about 34 mpg with this, not as good as the 43 I can pull from the XD. It was good the first 35K, then a retainer fell off the Toyota brake pad and I had to replace the front brakes because they were noisy. And then at 36K the right rear wheel bearing went. Thats way too early for a Toyota. So Im wondering what will go at 38K.

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  Good Economy Car for Rural Area - 2008 Scion XD
  By mjc - March 2 - 9:30 am

  I live in the northern mountains of NH; my driving is mostly rural, seldom faster than 65; there is virtually no stop-and-go traffic. My xD has an automatic and also traction/stability control. My lowest gas mileage has been 37; my highest 40.5. (I figure my MPG mechanically: first click off on fill up with rounding to nearest nickel.) My last three tanks averaged 39 mpg.

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  Luv my xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By M Henry - March 1 - 6:53 am

  I love this car! It is a blast to drive and I love the way it handles. I didnt like the looks of it at first. Then I drove it! It has tons of space and it has a great sound system. This car has the heart of a much bigger vehicle.

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  Mad In Love - 2009 Scion XB
  By MansfieldRider - February 26 - 12:10 pm

  I went to dealership to buy 2010 Venza.When I drove up saw the Red 6.0 Series. Told my husband that I wanted to test drive it before I ordered my Venza. Too bad for Venza that I did. Fell in love. Went in and ordered Classic Silver Metallic XB. Coolest thing I have driven. Put numerous accessories on it. Took them a wk to install them after they got it. I got leather seats, sport steering wheel, sport shift knob, door sill illumination, overhead console box, auto dimming mirror, upgraded audio system, tinted windows, floor and cargo mats, cargo cover. Sure I missed some and still not finished adding yet. Everyone loves it but not as much as me.Its a head turner.Mad in love. Everyone needs 1.

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  Its a shoe box - 2005 Scion XB
  By ShoeBox - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Its unique, classic and fun to drive with a good gas milleage.

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  Scionfun - 2007 Scion TC
  By scionmark - February 25 - 1:26 am

  Great value, very fun to drive, driving is easy on the sole, comfortable, clean lines, sporty, excellent after-market toys, can be personalized, outstanding quality and next car, only a lexus could be better!

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  Great MPG & fun to drive! - 2008 Scion XD
  By flyers2008 - February 23 - 12:46 pm

  This is one great car to drive! Plenty of power and Im getting 32 MPG in suburban driving. The kids fit great in the back, even w/car seats and the cargo area can hold a packed ice hockey bag w/o a problem.

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  LUV IT! - 2009 Scion XB
  By Chelli - February 22 - 2:33 am

  Luv this car so far. Comfortable and I am a BIG guy. People love it after they ride in it. Dont mind the ugly aspect, I think it looks like a cool, funky hearse. I do 130 miles a day on I95. The power boost is there when I need it...30 to 70 in a couple seconds leaves those 18 wheelers in the dust! Dealer provides the 1st two checks @ 5,000 and 10,000 miles. Great room in the back when I drop the seats. It doesnt feel like a strong built car, but only time will tell.