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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Almost 6000 Miles and lovin it more and more! - 2012 Scion XD
  By katelovely - June 4 - 2:04 am

  I got my little baby October 3rd 2012 brand new from the dealer with 16 miles on it. The xD had been one of my top choices over the previous year Id been car hunting. It was between this and the Kia Rio hatchback. My reason for choosing this one? It comes with EVERYTHING most other cars charge an arm and a leg for and its a Toyota, itll run for ages. Being my first car ( well first bought) I really wanted the best bang for my buck. Its not anything fancy, the interior is ultra basic but it has everything I need! The get up and go surprised me! I have no troubles getting around slow cars if needed! Also, In city Im averaging 31mpg! On long drives I get about 37!!

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  A-Mazing!!!! - 2005 Scion TC
  By Captain tC - June 1 - 7:33 pm

  No car in same class/category can compete with the tC. So many features for such a fair price. I dont see why anyone would get any other car around same price range. I pity those would spend the same amount on the civic, which looks plain, and is unequipped with little power. Move over Honda....SCION RULES!!!

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  I Love This Car! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Larry D - June 1 - 6:26 pm

  Ive had this car for 4 months now and absolutely love it. Im 57 years old and have relatives in their 70s that have no problem getting in and out. One of my sons is 67" and can sit in the back seat without his knees touching the front seat even when its completely extended. Nobodys head touches the ceiling. Its amazing how much stuff I can haul from the building supply stores. In town Im getting a little over 29 mpg. On my last trip, one tankful that was soley freeway driving got 36.9 mpg. The ride is a little stiff but it corners like a sportscar. I love this car!

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  Great Car! - 2008 Scion XD
  By PSD - June 1 - 8:30 am

  I was debating between this car and the Honda fit, but I am so glad that I chose this one. Its much more stylish than the Fit, has the great option of vehicle stability control. And the safety features were a big seller for me, as I plan to have children in the next few years. Overall, this car is even better than I expected. It handles extremely well and is quite fun to drive. The radio/CD/iPOD controls on the steering wheel makes it easy to listen to the music you want. There is a lot of room in this little vehicle, and the engine has quite a bit of pick-up. Toyota did a fabulous job in making this vehicle.

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  First brand new car - 2008 Scion XB
  By tonguetwiztid - May 31 - 10:40 pm

  My 08 Scion xB was the first vehicle I have ever bought new. I love the style of the vehicle. I wish it got a little better gas mileage though, I am avg like 25 mpg. And whats up with the 2 inch wide armrest??? That thing is ridiculous! And at least put one on the passenger side too. Other than that I love it. This is the first car I have driven where I could feel the transmission down shift when slowing down.

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  My New Cool Car - 2006 Scion XB
  By Francine - May 31 - 1:46 pm

  This is my first Toyota vehicle and I just LOVE it. Its got so much style inside and outside. Even the base model that I have, still has lots of little extras including the iPod auxilary port, Pioneer radio/CD player which is sattellite radio compatible. Its a 4-cylinder car, so the initial pickup is not really fast. However, once the Scion xB gets going, it maintains a real nice even speed - none of that pulling back that other 4-cylinder cars seem to have. Also, the car maintains a nice even drive/speed even going up hills - doesnt seem to increase RPMs like my old 6-cylinder. Its just a great value for the money!

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  Rattles fixed/MPG gets better? - 2004 Scion XB
  By hgardiner - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Rattles from the dash took two visits to fix! CD player keeps skipping here and there for no apparant reason (audio cds). The rear bumper looks uneven, but I will worry about that later while under warranty.

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  I love my Scion - 2005 Scion TC
  By KristenDon17 - May 30 - 7:03 pm

  Scion tCs are awesome! I just bought mine less then a week ago and i already put over 500 miles on it. Its just so much fun to drive and everyone ive showed it too love it. Its a beautiful car. When anyone i know sees it, they say "that car is so you"

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  Very happy customer - 2008 Scion TC
  By King-KJ - May 27 - 9:36 am

  I chose this car over the honda civic, and mitsubishi lancer. Bottom line: More bang for your buck. Its better built than mitsubishi being thats its a toyota, and more features while being cheaper than the civic. I love the blue ribbon metallic color, and turns heads often. I put the pedestal spoiler and scion license frame on, obx shift knob and racing pedals, and the scion 2 in 1 floor mats. Ample space as well as a very good stock sound system. Plenty of bass, so all I did was put in 6.5" infinty ref. series speakers in the front and back, and it sounds perfect. Good power and handling, with ample room for 5 people, or hauling alot of stuff. I love everything about it.

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  New Scion aA owner - 2006 Scion xA
  By Carolyn Mayfield - May 26 - 1:03 am

  This is a very fun car to drive. The handling is good and the ride is comfortable. Its not a car you would want if you have a lot of passengers. My car has a lot of optional features which make it more of a cool toy and somewhat of a luxury ride. I think I will enjoy the car for many years.