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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Great Car - 2006 Scion xA
  By dxt178 - February 12 - 6:50 pm

  Going on two years with my xA and I have nothing but good things to say about it. Sporty for what it is, great traction in snow and saves money at the pump. Rear seat could use a tad more leg room and fuel tank placement limits space for storage. I do regularly haul two 11 kayaks on a roof rack, and have transported my share of 8 2x4s with the rear hatch fully closed. Everyone who has ever ridden with me has fallen in love with it, even if their initial reaction was negative. In my opinion the xA is better than a hybrid. Cheaper, less complex, no batteries, and with combined driving it easily gets 40 MPG in an automatic. Great car.

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  The specs are wrong at Edmunds.com - 2007 Scion TC
  By Daniel - February 11 - 6:50 pm

  I just got this car at the weekend and love it so far. I got the TYC taillights, because I hate the standard ones (boring). The TYCs look excellent with my Nautical Blue. The TRD short-throw shifter is also excellent, a huge improvement over the stock shifter. The point of my review though, is that the 2007 engine is actually slightly tuned up, and the real figures for hp and torque are: 161hp @ 5,700 rpm (300 rpm lower than before). 163 lb ft torque @ 4,000 rpm (200 rpm lower than before). Those are the official numbers on the Scion site.

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  Best in Class - 2005 Scion TC
  By Nick - February 9 - 9:13 am

  Best car in class, hands down. Ive driven the Mazda3 (M3) and while not as responsive (or "sportie") as the M3, overall it is a much better car then the M3. Build quailty is FAR better on the tC, Interior is laid out better, ride is less harsh, good low down torque. Overall, the quality of daily driving the tC makes up for not being as well tuned as the M3. One problem is that the dealership treats you like dirt. Low profit = unhappy dealers. My car had 3 bad scratches/chips, pulled to the right, and the sunroof cracked when I took dilivery, they refused to fix the problems. That was AFTER they promised theyd fix everything IF I told Toyota I was happy with my dealership experence.

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  2005 XB - 2005 Scion XB
  By DF - February 7 - 5:00 pm

  I have had my XB for almost 3 months, I have already put on 3500 miles, avg 31.5 to 34.0 mpg. The car is great for hauling commuting, and have had no problems everyone that rides in it is amazed with all the room they have. Other than taking the XB for an oil change no other maintence has been needed.

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  My Second Scion - 2008 Scion XB
  By OhioGirl - February 6 - 6:26 pm

  This is my second Scion - I traded in my 2005 xB. I loved my first one and I love this one too. I really like the new look!

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  Scion XD - 2008 Scion XD
  By Nancy - February 3 - 5:10 pm

  I debated which to buy, the Honda Fit or the Scion XD. I decided that I liked the body style better with the XD, I also liked the larger wheels which came standard on the XD (16" as opposed to the Honda Fit 14"). I am so happy with the XD. I drive 150 miles a day to/from work so I log a lot of miles quickly. I am now up to 11,800 miles and have not had a problem. It is comfortable and roomy for 4 adults. We recently took it from Ann Arbor to Chicago for a soccer tournament and had plenty of room for all four adults, we just made sure to pack lightly as there is not a lot of room for numerous suitcases but then again that is not what I bought it for. I highly recommend this car.

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  The little box that could... - 2004 Scion XB
  By Liz - January 29 - 9:33 pm

  I did a google search on new cars that cost $15,000 or less and this car was in the group. I had never seen it on the streets before and took a look at it at the dealership. After the test drive, I researched this vehicle. Consumer Reports rates it as a good buy, and it is one of the best for fuel economy. Also rated excellent for interior room...who could deny that. Great for tall or disabled people. Forget about this being a "youth" car, Im 46 and I love it. I also got the manual, and its so fun to drive! I bought it on e-bay, and drove it from CT to IN, 1,000 miles w/no problems. Scion = Toyota = Quality!

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  Good Price - 2008 Scion TC
  By Edward - January 29 - 8:00 pm

  I have had my tC since October, I did not even know that Scion even made this model. I was giving up on the new car search and I cam arcoss the tC. I love my car. Great speed, great cornering and nice look. The price was also wonderful. Thanks

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  The Real Deal on the tC - 2005 Scion TC
  By tCtuner56 - January 26 - 12:50 am

  This car is great. The power of the tuned up Camry engine is awesome in this small car. Actually once youre inside its not small at all. Im 61 and my seat isnt even back all the way and theres tons of room in the back. I dont get 20 mpg either but it is easy to know why. I cant resist pushing the pedal. I dont see how anyone could! This car is very fun to drive. Sometimes I even take the long way home! As for engine noise, I have the TRD exhaust so I couldnt tell you much there. The only problem I did have was the Hercules tires, not sure if they were stock. Sunroof cover is cheap but who cares?

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  Great Little Car - 2005 Scion XB
  By Dave in Asheville - January 23 - 10:26 pm

  The Scion xB is a great vehicle. It is so easy to get into and out of, its just the right height for old stiff guys! It is peppy enough and fun to drive. The interior space is wonderful. Its traction control and anti-lock brakes are great in the snow. Plus it has great dependability.