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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  "MY SCION " WHATS NOT TO LOVE! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Lana T. - November 19 - 12:56 am

  I have driven alot of cars in my life time (Im 60 yrs old)and I have never been so excited as I am about my new Scion. Strangers are always asking me about my car when Im at a gas station or food shopping. I even nicked named my vehicle "Silver bullet" because it has lots of kick power for a 4 cylinder automibile. I also like the Large front windshield and the rear windows that go down all the way. This car is very affordable, comfortable and puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. Whats not to love!

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  Best car - 2005 Scion xA
  By William ONeil - November 18 - 10:00 am

  The Best car i ever drove

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  42 MPG! - 2008 Scion XD
  By A Scion named Sveta. - November 17 - 3:46 am

  I recently got rid of my 12 MPG gas guzzler. I wanted a small car for banging around Boston, running errands, and road trips. I purchased a 2008 Scion XD with every bell and whistle available. After owning it for two weeks, I took it on a road trip from Boston to Upstate NY (600 miles round trip). On the first 300 miles, I got 42 mpg with my manual transmission. I traveled secondary highways through New Hampshire and Vermont, where the speed limit was @ 55 mph. The return trip averaged 40.5 mpg. My daily commute (a whopping 2.5 miles) scores @ 36 mpg. This car is an amazing gas sipper!

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  my fast scion tc - 2006 Scion TC
  By jeff - November 16 - 3:43 am

  i suggest that every body should get a scion tc its fast and fun to drive

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  Cool Car - 2007 Scion TC
  By scion07tc - November 13 - 8:20 pm

  This is a car that you would want to drive. The only reason you wouldnt want to drive this car is only because youre used to high high quality cars i.e. Porsche. But overall, this car is fun, looks good, and is reliable. I love this car so far and future modifications will make it even more fun!

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  I LOVE this car! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Lew - November 13 - 6:03 pm

  Its been a week of genuine fun. I am getting 27+ mpg. The ride is smooth, quiet, lively, and very comfortable. Sure it is not a sports car but then, I dont have to fold myself into contortions to get into it. Lots of room. Yes, its design is not for everyone, just someone who wants something well out of the mainstream. Some will think you are wacky. Hey, thats great in my book. In short it is a joy to drive! No regrets here of yet. It is one cool car, and I am not even close to Toyotas target under 30 year old.And what are people talking about, complaining about the center mounted guages. They are right there, easy to read.

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  Awesome Car! - 2005 Scion TC
  By Lorrha - November 13 - 1:53 pm

  The car has such an awesome look to it, nice sleek lines and a great array of colours. Like the car so much, we own two Scion tCs. And 10 doesnt even begin to be a rating for how fun the car is to drive, as well as the performance. Personally Id rate the car a 20. Our kids love the cars too, and they have lots of room in the back seat (even I do when I sit back there). The cargo space is roomier than I originally expected. We are able to fit $300 worth of groceries back there when shopping at BJs. Im a loyal Celica fan and the tC makes the grade for me - especially when it comes to room.

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  Its a great bargain and great fun. - 2005 Scion xA
  By Lindagf1212 - November 13 - 10:00 am

  Surprising comfort and flexibility. I went from a Honda Accord to the Scion xA. I drive into a crowded city everyday and it is much easier to park and maneuver. GReat milage. The only down I have found, the seat fabric stains easily.

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  i love my xb - 2005 Scion XB
  By big mike hrly rider - November 13 - 10:00 am

  my car gets all the looks and everybody wants to know about it..i lowered it and put 17" wheels on it..so very cool..yea baby

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  Best car ever! - 2005 Scion XB
  By alton_yo - November 13 - 10:00 am

  Got my 05 XB late august. I always thought it was a pretty cool car since I saw a photo of its Japanese version, the bB. I had a Jeep Wrangler TJ I used as my commuter. Gas mileage was killing me on my work commute of 80s miles a day. Since selling my jeep, I have no regrets at all. NONE! This is THE coolest looking, most fun car Ive owned ever! I find myself driving it just fo the sake of driving. All at a fuel sipping 30+mpg. My 1st fill up was 9 gallons, or $15, amazing!