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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  tips review - 2005 Scion TC
  By tiffany - July 3 - 5:26 am

  this is a phat car. i think toyota should of made this car a long time ago. thank you

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  A Keeper - 2005 Scion xA
  By Miles - July 2 - 11:43 am

  This car has been great to me. And I am great to it. The Gas cap cover cable went the first year and Toyota had to replace something in the motor under the warranty but other than those two things this car has been worth every cent I paid for it. I thought it was an excellent deal when I bought it too. Got a bunch of nice options for really not much cash extra that really improves the looks and performance. Its good in the snow with the right tires as long as you drive at a safe speed and it will get up and go when I need it to. I love this car man!

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  Drive an 08 xd.. VERY HAPPY - 2010 Scion XD
  By Anonymous - July 1 - 1:22 am

  I purchased a manual trans 08XD over a yr ago and have put 35,000+ on it now. This car comes standard with all the air bags I wanted, and cruise control. Which costs more as an add on in other hatchbacks. I average between 36-38mpg. Also, you would be amazed at how much interior space this thing has after you fold the seats down. At the time I bought it the Fits seats were way uncomfy. The Versas rear seats dont fold down flat, and the Yaris did not even come with cruise. Its exterior is unique and the styling stands out against other cars.

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  best for your buck - 2005 Scion xA
  By Ross 78 - June 30 - 10:00 am

  The XA is an affordable and fuel efficient car. Toyota hit the jackpot with the scion brand. I have complete confidence that this car will last me years to come.

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  I love it! - 2005 Scion XB
  By dallas, tx - June 30 - 10:00 am

  I love it! Good looks, super roomy inside. I can fold the seats completly flat and still fit a six or seven foot ladder in it. I drive about 500-700 miles a week, city and highway mileage (Im at 1500 miles after about two weeks of ownership). Im averaging about 28 mpg (a little less than I originally expected). Nit- picky complaints are that I wish the driver had an arm rest for their right arm, and that the tilt steering went down just a little bit further. Everywhere I go I get all kinds of inquiries and comments.

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  This little wagon kicks butt! - 2005 Scion XB
  By muzik man - June 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought this XB after looking long and hard for something affordable,yet roomy enough to haul my music equipment.It can hold my small PA system and my keyboard, or my drumset.I had been driving a fullsize chevy van but the gas was starting to kill me. i have found a common ground with my XB!

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  BANG - Civic, RSX, etc., etc. - 2005 Scion TC
  By ray.gaona - June 30 - 10:00 am

  I was about to buy a base civic because i did not want to spend too much money on a commuter car. At the same time, I didnt want to drive a car that was only going to get me there - I wanted something that looks good that is reliable, quality, and aesthetically nice! I told my wife that if I could get us an automatic (her choice) with her minimum requirements for $17.5k would she let me do the shopping. The result: 2005 tC for $17.7k. I drove it from southern cal north and drove the long drive home with a big, big smile on my face. My wife just saw it today - and shes in love with it. Thanks Scion for a bad ass little car.

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  Cant beat the 2.4L Camry Engine! - 2005 Scion TC
  By dirtbound - June 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive and its got the history of the Camry engine behind it. If you are even considering a Civic or anything in the $16,000- $19,000 price range.....Buy a Scion Tc

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  Nice car for the $ - 2010 Scion XD
  By Anonymous - June 29 - 1:38 am

  I have the automatic and Im getting around 31 mpg in mostly city driving. You do feel the road conditions when driving, but it is what I expected for an economy car. It handles well and is fun to drive. I added the factory armrest which goes in the cup holder, but the armrest has a cup holder that replaces the one you install the armrest in. There is sufficient power to handle any situation. Interior space is good considering the size of the car. If you want a fuel efficient car that has some cargo versatility then this is an excellent choice.

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  great car - 2005 Scion XB
  By Ricos - June 28 - 4:03 am

  Great car, good gas mileage, fun to drive Small turn radius. A great value for the money