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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Scion AKA My little Lexus - 2004 Scion xA
  By J P Lewis - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Best bang for your buck. If the standard stereo isnt good enough for you your crazy. More than ample front seat room with the rear great for small children. No haggling here MSRP is the best they can do and it is obvious why.

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  nice - 2004 Scion XB
  By whoa10 - December 2 - 10:00 am

  thought it was the best

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  Scion Xb - 2004 Scion XB
  By Gawd - December 2 - 10:00 am

  The scion Xb is by far the most fun driving that I have ever had. It handles perfectly, the stick has great pick up and a friendly to use clutch. With all the accessories that you can add to this car every scion is sure to be unique in its own way.

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  All around comfort and reliability - 2009 Scion XB
  By metallicatruck - December 2 - 5:56 am

  I have had the car for just less than a week and I am already extremely pleased with its performance. The car has a great little "pick up and go" style to it. Plenty of room on the inside and easy access for the disabled/elderly. Great car for the price.

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  Scionic Man and Friends - 2005 Scion XB
  By Alternagirl - December 1 - 3:36 am

  Its a great car - excellent value. Lots of room for the size. Lots of leg room in the back seat even with the front seats all the way back, and with the back seats folded down, I can carry most things I need. The standard options are great - nice sound system. I added XM radio, and I like the fact that its integrated into the existing system. I get an average of 30 mi/gal, but my travel is mostly in the city. Its a Toyota, so I know it will be reliable.

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  scion xb - 2004 Scion XB
  By sidunique21 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  i really like the way my scion looks and feels when i drive it. also, the gas mileage is great

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  nice - 2004 Scion XB
  By Brandyn Ippolito - December 1 - 2:00 am

  nice car, very desirable, and rommy. fun to drive and cool to the look but not to the touch

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  A great buy - 2005 Scion TC
  By bairds - November 28 - 2:30 pm

  My family has always owned high end european cars, but when I bought my scion, I was not at all disapointed! It runs great, and I love the styling! I usually let my fiance drive everywhere but now I drive! I love it!

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  Consumer Rating - 2005 Scion XB
  By thomaslt - November 25 - 10:00 am

  The XB is the best car I have ever purchased. My XB handles like a small car and turns on a dime. The boxy build of the XB does not interfer with the aerodynamics of the handling and ride of the XB. The space inside of the XB beyond belief. I have to be careful not to let too many people know that I have a lot of room in my wagon. My XB is not the local moving van.

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  The Scion tC is an awesome ride - 2005 Scion TC
  By Sciontc - November 25 - 10:00 am

  Best vehicle I have ever purchased!