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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Love this car!! - 2012 Scion IQ
  By supersk8 - April 14 - 1:52 am

  We drove this car from NJ to Oregon and it only cost $344!! We use this car mostly to get around town,food shopping,movies,and short commute to work...we put about $20 worth of gas in it every 2 weeks! Great car for getting around in and also handled well on a cross country trip. Has just enough space for us and the little dog. I love this little car! Turning radius is great. If I had the money Id have it painted to look like a rollerskate! We love the superskate. I laughed the first few weeks when Id open the front door and see it. Now I laugh at how little we pay for gas. Only problem..I wish the put the clock where both people could see it.

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  A Lil Something - 2006 Scion TC
  By KEITH - April 9 - 6:50 am

  Ever since I got my Scion it has been fun to drive without worrying about refueling. $10 dollars get more than half tank and with todays prices I fill up with $38 dollars, thats on super premium. Thats why I love this car!

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  X-BOX...THE SPOT - 2005 Scion XB
  By Trracker - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I also have a very neat PT, the XB is right up there with it as far as ride quality and workmanship. It has surprising power, and handling. They are both fun rides and Toyota will really have a hard time keeping up with the demand, I lucked out and got a stick in green, its cool how the paint almost changes colors from Hunter Green to almost a metallic grey. Sound system is great too. The XB is a no-loose situation, bet I can drive it 2 years and break even...drive one...youll like it.

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  love my scion - 2005 Scion XB
  By MrsSavage - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the XB now for about 2 months. I love it. Great on gas. Handles well and with sufficient power for a 4cyl. Ive gotten all sorts of funny comments. Most love it or hate it but all are fascinated. The interior is more roomy than most small suvs and wagoneers that I tested. Great car all around.

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  Best bang for the buck - 2008 Scion TC
  By Vladimir - April 1 - 3:40 pm

  Excellent car for the money. You simply can not find a car at this price with so many features. The engine is very "torquey" for a 4 cylinder and delivers great acceleration. The number of additions available to this car is also amazing. The gas mileage is good, but isnt outstanding. The new headlights and tailights really made the exterior go from average looking to attractive looking (especially with the pedestal spoiler). The manual transmision shifts very well, just as well as my old prelude. The handling is ok, could be more responsive.

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  excelent - 2005 Scion XB
  By skitz - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This car is awsome i love it so much

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  Love It! - 2005 Scion TC
  By smacklin - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I love to drive my new tC! Its fun, sporty and gets lots of inquisitive looks. I have 1,100 miles on it and have gotten around 29 MPG already.

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  12333a - 2005 Scion TC
  By Trey Hugga - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This car is as stable as a castle, and even without the supercharger can take Civics!! Luxurious, fun, pleasing to the eye, and a great value that keeps you happy at the pump.

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  My ToyCar (TC) - 2005 Scion TC
  By mabooty - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Have a great impression from other driver, smooth to drive, a lot of admirers of this car. The look of this car I would say "half BMW, half TSX, half G35 coupe".

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  I would buy another.... - 2006 Scion XB
  By oldskool55 - March 31 - 3:30 am

  I looked at Honda, Hyundai and Toyota cars and suvs and the xb won hands down. My local dealers didnt have any in stock so I found mine at seeger Toyota in St. Louis, mo. I flew in and my salesman even picked me up at the airport and was truly a great guy that had my xb washed and full of fuel. I am in my 50s and own and drive street rods and race cars I still have a blast driving my little"xbox" I also get a chuckle out of the other old guys that dont get it.