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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Best of both WORLDS - 2009 Scion XB
  By YouthPastor - May 5 - 12:36 am

  Ive had many new cars in the last 11-yrs. 2 Grand Prixs, Grand Am, Dakota, Colorado, Town & Country, Spectra, Ranger, Sable and now the Scion XB 09 So far, the Scion is THE BEST car Ive ever owned. My 3 kids (7,5,1) fit in the back seat with car seats. Only the Van has done that..and the GP but with denting the interior armrests. Has tether point for all back seats (lower & Upper). Tons of Trunk space. Every Safety feature, trac control, stability control, brake assist, anti-lock, 6 Airbags (that alone is worth half the value of the XB). A very powerful 4-cyl while being very fuel efficient! Getting 30 mpg avg. Head-turning style. Great ride. Fun to drive. GREAT resale value!

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  Best car for the cash - 2005 Scion TC
  By italianman4585 - May 4 - 9:30 pm

  For the money the 2005 Scion tC is definitely the best car you can buy. It blows away any other vehicles in its price range. The sound system is incredible and all of the other features that one would find on a higher end car are incorporated in the tC. It has nice pick up and handling around corners. Over all this car is the best.

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  The Best - 2006 Scion XB
  By Jan Machado - May 3 - 3:40 pm

  I did a lot of research before I bought this car, and I have no regrets! I bought the 5-speed manual. We live in snow country and it handles like a dream with studded tires. There is a ton of room inside. I like the look of the car. I have averaged 32 mpg from the start. The only thing I missed was a center arm rest but hey, with the over all quality and gas mileage thats not a biggie. Yes I know I can buy a center arm rest, but thought it a bit pricey. I had a PT Cruiser for many years, and did not give it a second thought when I drove away in my xB. I dont feel this car lacks power but then, I dont feel the need to drive at 70 mph, 55 mph is just fine.

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  Wonderful car for price - 2005 Scion TC
  By SJScionTC - May 3 - 2:50 pm

  After reading countless reviews, I decided to buy a used tC. The previous reviews are correct. There is rattling in the car from different places. The interior door handles are easily scratched. Six speakers sharing 160 watts is a little weak, especially when you have the windows rolled down on the freeway, but when up it sounds good. Overall, I bought this car used with 45,000 miles and it runs wonderfully. I expected the rattling especially a car that starts at $16,000. I do get 28 mpg, but I am 80% freeway. My other cars were a civic prelude and integra and they rattle a bit as well. I recommend this car, but remember its a car that is under $20,000 so you cant expect too much.

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  Scion tC - 2006 Scion TC
  By Mike - April 29 - 1:23 pm

  Awesome car in every way. A real looker and performs beyond my expectations. It has a great stereo, is comfortable, great A/C, and handles like a sports car.

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  Awesome - 2006 Scion TC
  By john smith - April 23 - 7:23 pm

  It is awesome with all of the features and accessories. it is also very fun to show off and fun to drive.

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  A Fun Car to Drive - 2005 Scion TC
  By Melvin Nudelman - April 22 - 1:33 am

  The Scion tC is a fun car to drive. It burns rubber when the need hits you. The sound system in the car is awesome. The hatchback is a great feature. It turns into a station-wagon when you need to move cargo. Three adults fit into the back seat with comfort. The best part is that the car acts like a sports car and looks like one.

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  We love our 2009 Scion XB - 2009 Scion XB
  By K Planellas - April 18 - 5:30 am

  After trying out over 20 different vehicles my husband asked me to look at a Scion XB. With our 1st visit to the 1st dealer we were sunk and it became only a matter of time before we would buy one. Then the day came that we were shown the new 2009 color, Stingray and that was it. Next day we bought it. We love the handling of the car, the roominess inside, and the sound system is terrific. The seats are quite comfortable for us. Weve tinted the windows even darker, added custom chrome rims, and its added to the overall look. For the price we feel weve gotten a wonderful vehicle that is fun to drive and meets all our requirements. We are averaging 26 mpg on city streets, not bad!

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  Car is great - Dealership is horrible - 2004 Scion XB
  By Scion Lover - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Love the car - drives great, looks great! Roomier than my big SUV - easier to drive, load and park. Turns plenty of heads too! Will be buying another one for my son - but from another dealership - unless they can pull it together real fast - before legal action.

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  Typically Toyota - 2006 Scion TC
  By FraVal - April 15 - 8:03 pm

  My wife started out wanting a Honda Civic. She test drove a Civic and then we visited the Toyota dealership where she test drove the Scion tC. We bought it based on good looks, value, and its much quieter ride than the Civic. She has driven the car since 5/06 with no problems. The car is reliable (typical Toyota), comfortable, good on gas and always gets a second glance. The Scions automatic transmission shifts flawlessly and has good power from the time tested Camry 4-cyl engine. I highly recommend a test drive, youll buy one too.