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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  2006 Scion xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By Jorge - November 11 - 1:56 pm

  I bought my Scion xB brand new off the showroom floor. I have never had any trouble with it whatsoever. I average about 34 mpg. It still gets looks and questions from people and even though the engine could use a little more horsepower its still a pleasure to drive and is very reliable. I recommend it to everyone I meet, especially to owners of the Honda Element which only gets about 22 mpg and has suicide doors for those who sit in the back seat. The Scion xB is definitely an awesome, reliable, roomy car that will fulfill anyones desires for a reliable and roomy car.

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  Would Buy It Again - 2006 Scion xA
  By Dee - November 11 - 2:40 am

  I have never regretted buying my 2004 xA and look forward to trading for a new one. I moved down from an SUV to a sub-compact and I drove them all. The xA was the only one that surpassed my expectations for its ride and drive. I never care what gas costs. It has had no problems and its finally ready for new tires at just over 41,000 miles. I dont miss my SUV as the xA has plenty of cargo space. It is a great value for the money.

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  Wooo - 2005 Scion XB
  By Ciscob - November 10 - 9:23 pm

  I tell you for the price of what you get, you just cant beat the over all value of the Scion xB.

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  Cost effective excellent performer - 2005 Scion xA
  By Chris Thomas - November 10 - 9:13 pm

  From a commuting standpoint, I find the 2005 Scion xA to be an excellent performer. The basic vehicle comes with many desirable features (AC, CD/MP3 player, etc), and the no-haggle buying is nice. The automatic transmission is very sluggish until the engine warms up, particularly around 30 mph where it tends to stick in a low gear while struggling at high RPMs. This is definitely not a car to haul people around in - adults in the back seat will feel some discomfort; however, there is a lot of room for carrying other things.

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  Its not the car is the owner - 2004 Scion xA
  By Elvis.R - November 9 - 12:46 pm

  Well I have no complaints this car as over 100,000 miles and let me tell you I have only done simple maintenance on my car. This car is really great, stereo is great I even put 18 inch wheels and didnt change any shocks or anything. Its runs like now but will loose a little power after this many miles. Maybe because I push this car a lot I mean a lot.

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  Recommend Highly! - 2004 Scion xA
  By LoveMyScion - November 9 - 12:40 pm

  The Scion xA is agile, fun, safe, and gets fantastic milage. Ive had mine for almost 2 years and I still love it! Its a great car for someone who wants style but affordability.

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  Blue 2009 Scion - 2009 Scion XD
  By aladawn - November 7 - 8:03 pm

  I have had my Scion for three weeks today. Had 6 miles on it when I got it. My kids and I drove it to North Carolina from Ohio. It has plenty of power, handled the hills and curves of W. Virginia great. The size is great really easy to reach everywhere to wash. No chips or dings in paint after the trip, does seem to catch the bugs on front but my husband said my Buick did too I just never noticed. Hes probably right.The gas mileage was excellent 31 in the hills, 36 though N. Carolina. Around home its about 33 mpg. mix of city and highway. Great fun to drive. Controls are all easy to reach. Does have a small blind spot, check twice. I am in love, the dog and husband are jealous.

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  Great car - 2014 Scion XB
  By stromson - November 7 - 5:26 pm

  Recently purchased a 2014 Army Rock colored xB and couldnt be happier with it. Most of the things in the Edmunds review ring pretty true from my experience. Its been great for me as runabout and daily driver, and Ive been pretty easily beating the combined MPG of 24 (something Edmunds also reported). Wind and road noise are present, but it doesnt impede conversation in my experience (audiophiles will definitely want to add some additional deadening to the doors and floor pan though). As expected of a box, it hauls a ton with ease, and fits my 63" frame with no problems in the front or back seat. 4 speed auto works well and shifts very smoothly, and I never feel wanting for power.

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  Its like being some sort of celebrity? - 2004 Scion XB
  By xcountryscion - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Thats the best way I can describe it. I recently gave up my beautiful Saab 9-3 convertible when I came to the realization that there were more important things to spend my money on. Wanting to spend as little as possible, but not wanting to be stuck with a boring econo-box, I fell in love with the ugly little xB. I do not exaggerate when I say that I have gotten more positive comments in 2 weeks of having this car than in the time that I had the Saab that cost 3xs as much. The gas mileage is great, it handles well, I can throw my bike in the back, and its a Toyota, so I feel confident that it will be running for a long time. What more could I ask for?

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  great car bad motor! - 2006 Scion TC
  By She - November 7 - 9:16 am

  I purchased it on my birthday as a gift to me! This was my first big car purchase. It had 40,000 mi on it and I loved the color, speed, drive and all. I absolutely loved my car! But after having it for not even two years the motor fails! Its only has 68,000 miles on it and it has a blown head gasket and a leaky water pump! Yea I know thats the same thing I said! A Toyota mechanic told me that there was nothing that I could have done to stop this from preventing because it is a manufacture problem! My car went thru the "good will" warranty review and got declined because I have never previously owned a Toyota, Lexus or scion and because I dont get dealership services!