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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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

• 

  I freekin love this car - 2005 Scion XB
  By vic - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I went to the dealership to look at Camrys and saw the xb. My wife and kids fell in love with it. (13 year old son already called dibs when hes old enough to drive) I thought it was pretty neat looking, and decided to take a test drive. Handles very well, especially with the 17 inch wheels. Is comfortable for longer drives (I average 150 + miles a day) Gas mileage is good, and the cold air intake and exhaust are a must. Sound system is very good. I was impressed with the look of quality in the interior. Have had it a month, put 5600 miles on it, and only wish the engine had a few more horses to it and a middle arm rest.

• 

  I like my xD - 2009 Scion XD
  By Superhawk - May 12 - 9:30 pm

  Bought xD using Cash for Clunkers. My 1998 Ford Windstar had 218,535 miles and was the best vehicle out of 45 I have owned. I also drove the Honda Fit and Insight. Have 1,000 miles on xD now. Overall, I am very pleased. Decided at last minute to get the 5 speed manual. It was a great decision as I prefer controlling when shifts occur. The car has enough power for most situations. The engine is very smooth and quiet. Road noise is not an issue. The transmission shifts very well. The handling is tight and the brakes are good. My gas mileage went from 18 mpg in the Windstar to 31 mpg (mostly to and from work) and I drive fairly aggressively

• 

  Toaster Doesnt Waffle - 2004 Scion XB
  By gbvideopro - May 12 - 2:56 am

  I first noticed on a business trip to Japan last year that many of the car were boxy looking "mini-vans" but they looked cool. I immediately upon seeing the xB here took one for a test drive and was very impressed that my 61" frame could fit comfortably in the back seat with the front seats positioned all the way back without touching my knees. The cargo space is very adequate for 90% of what I need to carry. Although the stock configuration is under powered, I have managed to make it acceptable by adding the optional Cold Air Intake. This is a mandatory option in my opinion. I have also added exhaust headers and a larger muffler to gain power. with no hit on gas MPG.

• 

  The Car People SHOULD Want - 2004 Scion xA
  By ozlaxr - May 10 - 5:46 pm

  If you know what youre getting this car is perfect. Its a simply built car with just the right standard features (except cruise control). If you can live with a high-revving cruise speed ie. 3000 rpm @ 60 mph, 4000 rpm @ 80 mph, then youll be fine. After 103,000 miles these are my findings: 40,000 mi: New tires: Yokohama Avid TRZs so theyll last longer than the terrible stock tires. 80,000 mi: new brake pads and rotors. 100,000 mi: new front right wheel bearing. So overall, not so bad. Ive heard the bearings are a weakness on the car, but one per 100K? I think I can live with that.

• 

  Great Car-@ a great price - 2006 Scion TC
  By Dave - May 9 - 4:10 pm

  Ive had the car for almost a year and love it! I am getting better milage than the EPA. On trips I get from 31 to 34 MPG (EPA rated at 29 hwy) The only item I would change is to add a 6 speed. On the HWY another gear would be nice.

• 

  Best Car on the road!(for <$20k atleast) - 2005 Scion TC
  By JSVH - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever been in. It feels like a Lexus, the standard features are amazing. This car is rock solid! Powerful engine and fun to shift stick make driving a true pleasure. I look forward to every drive. This is one of the best stock stereos I have heard (aftermarket is better however), the MP3 ability is better then a CD changer IMO. The little touches really shine in this car (ex: the AC knob is cast aluminum and the little light on it fades from blue to red as you change the temp.) The rear seat has more room then many compact 4 doors I have been in! It still has not set in that I really own this car, it is too good for me. ;-)

• 

  Love it! - 2005 Scion TC
  By hwijono - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This car is really good value in terms of style, design, performance and speed. It has been two weeks now and I have no complain. Had a Honda EX previously, this car cost about the same as a Honda. Not much cheaper.

• 

  Awesome car - 2005 Scion TC
  By ffoureye - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This has to be the best value for a car. Just look at the list of features and the base price stays the same. This car is as fun to drive as everyone says it is and well worth a look if you are in the civic class.

• 

  Love it! - 2008 Scion XD
  By vdurb - May 4 - 3:16 pm

  After considering other cars such as the Ford Escape, the Toyota Yaris, etc. We purchased this car about a week ago. I love it! It runs smooth and the added alloy wheels make it look great. I love the electronics! It gets great gas mileage.

• 

  Great Ride... - 2006 Scion XB
  By Bo Whitley - May 3 - 9:40 am

  My son talked me into buying an xB and this is one of the best built cars period that I have ever owned.