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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Would be a perfect car for a teenager - 2006 Scion TC
  By Melissa - July 23 - 11:30 pm

  I bought my 2006 tc brand new. At first I loved it because of all the options. You really cant get as many for the price. The dual sunroof was really neat, steering wheel controls were nice. Good price and good deal, but too much plastic everywhere. Car is very cookie cutter. The weird cover over the radio always seemed annoying. I got plenty of looks and comments, but all from 16 year old kids when getting my car washed. Had to get rid of it and get an "adult" car. Nice, quick, but VERY TINY little car. Dont expect anyone to get in the back seat. Perfect for a teen, which is what Scion targets anyway...my bad...

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  Pros and cons of Scion xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By cool car - June 30 - 5:16 pm

  When I first saw the Scion xB I thought it was a cheap and not that good looking of a car. Then the guy at the dealer told me not to put down the car untill you drive it, so I did and ended driving it home. I have been driving my Scion for four mounths and now I love it. It offers plenty of space, a good stereo system and the comfort of higher priced cars. I also love the fact that you can customize the car to however you want it. This car has been a good investment for me.

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  what it is - 2005 Scion XB
  By jonboy - June 25 - 11:56 pm

  fun little big car to drive stays with traffic and never intemidate on road would rate 8.7 total car

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  What Gas Crisis? - 2006 Scion xA
  By Rich - June 4 - 6:10 pm

  The average gas mileage for my xA at 2,100 miles is 35.8. I keep it at 65 mph for the most part. This car is comfortable enough for my 55 mile drive to work. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  My new xB - 2005 Scion XB
  By Dennis Vogel - May 28 - 10:00 am

  It is fun to drive right past the gas stations. It handles well but gets blown around in strong crosswinds because its so boxey.

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  probably the best economy car.... - 2005 Scion xA
  By warlock110 - May 23 - 6:13 am

  Pro: cheap, stylish. Cons: underpower, no armrest, no cruise control This car is a very good economy car, @ around 14K it has power everything, plus an MP3 deck, and pionner speaker system, antilock brake, and the list goes on, it is very sporty looking, at this price range you wont find any other car that can offer the same amount of equipment, from the corolla to the civic. the design of the car looks nice and easy to use. The car is seriously under power, @ a mare 100HP its a joke, but the little thing generate the same amount of power as a civic or a corolla, the MPG is a joke, on the highway the engine takes alot to get up to speed and that hinder the MPG. the tC is better IMO.

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  Can It Replace a Camaro SS? - 2005 Scion XB
  By Willie McCraney - May 18 - 11:43 pm

  I bought my xB in MD after totaling my Camaro SS. I must have had a concussion, this is not my usual choice of car. I drove it 800 miles home to Alabama at freeway speeds and got over 30 mpg! I am now averaging +/- 34 mpg, up to 40. I added cruise-control. My only concern is the rough ride because of the lowered suspension and low-sidewall tires. I am considering putting the original springs back on it to improve ride. I may also mount 70 series tires on it for better comfort. This car is bulletproof. The upright windshield is a rock magnet though. Also a computer glitch has set a false check engine code, which the dealership in Alabama is trying to track down. All systems are OK.

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  the toaster - 2008 Scion XB
  By bloke - May 17 - 1:13 pm

  It has been a great car for the price and I wanted something good on gas and the interior size was a big surprise.I will be selling mine soon as I want to go back to AWD and something with more of a luxury feel.

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  Overstayed Its Welcome - 2005 Scion XB
  By jed - May 15 - 2:46 am

  The good qualities of the Scion Xb, lots of room and exceptional visibility remain. However, they are overshadowed by a harsh and noisy ride, and terrible gas mileage. Ive tried everything, and the best mileage I can squeeze out of this car is 27 mpg in the summer and a ridiculous 20 mpg in the winter. Also, cruise control isnt available and the interior lighting is poor.

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  Drove It And Gifted It - 2006 Scion TC
  By jayadler1 - May 6 - 12:00 am

  June 22, 2008 Let me preface my remarks by clearly indicating that I am very high on Toyota and at my age cannot remember how many Corollas and Camrys I have owned and enjoyed as being totally reliable and satisfying in every aspect of design and and engineering. The chronicle of events with my Scion purchase I think was unique to say the least. I really only had one solitary reason for giving it away after about 1 year of driving it and I am suggesting that the logic was personal and not applicable to all Scion drivers I never sat in the car before purchase. I am a man who is 190 lbs and wears a 44 Suit. Nobody has ever suggested a need for weight loss.That means I need a lot of room. jayadler1