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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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:

• 

  ITS AMAZING!! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Chopra - November 13 - 10:00 am

  This car, is pound for pound the best thing on the market. Its a toyota, so you know it reliable, and it has GREAT fuel economy, not to mention hot looking.

• 

  Scion TC - 2005 Scion TC
  By nhlboysrhot - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my TC!

• 

  Great value for a first time buyer! - 2005 Scion TC
  By TcGirl - November 13 - 10:00 am

  The Tc is great. I am a first time buyer with no regrets. I looked all around and couldnt find a car with these features anywhere, for the price tag on the Tc. I get heads turning everywhere I go. It rides as smooth as a high end car, and the reliability of the car is great. People I know were doubting my car till they saw it and drove it. Even the ones that just rode in the passenger seat loved it. I couldnt have picked a better first car then the Tc. All my friends wanted one before my arrived from the factory. The only thing that was difficult for me was waiting for it to come in from the factory.

• 

  what a beauty! - 2005 Scion TC
  By soapdish - November 13 - 10:00 am

  This is an amazing car. It handles extremely well, smooth as can be and have a punch when needed. I am trading in an Acura TL (1999) for this car so its quite a difference but a difference that I do not mind at all. Whoever purchases car will be happy with drive, quality, looks and performance.

• 

  Scion tC - 2005 Scion TC
  By falcon9094 - November 13 - 10:00 am

  This car turns heads, accelerates great, handles like a sports car and all around is a great car to own and drive.

• 

  This car is great - 2005 Scion TC
  By Krn9880 - November 13 - 10:00 am

  This car is so much fun to drive and overall its a great car. The only problem i have is that i have blind spots in the back and the window is short. But other than that i would recommend this car to anyone.

• 

  Its Named After Me!!!! - 2005 Scion TC
  By Taffney - November 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my first car purchased by myself and my mom as a graduation present. This car has caught the attention of people every where! I am so comfortable in this car. Its called the Scion tC for "total comfort". I could not be happier with the purchase I have made. Its definitely the car of the new millenium!

• 

  I Love My Box! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Damon - November 12 - 1:00 pm

  This is the car to own, I love it! I bought it to have a reliable car to get back and forth to work with. Now that I have it I dont think I will ever want to get rid of it. For the price and standard features you get, I was simply amazed. $15,200 out the door (thats tax tags and everything!) I do not recommend getting options from the dealer. The extras are so overpriced (armrest, leather steering wheel..etc) unless you want them rolled up in the loan amount, get them off eBay from a reputable seller. Ive done a lot of things to my box to personalize it, but just the standard car is great! I didnt like these when I first saw them, but once I went to the dealership I feel in love!

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Scion TC
  By herb - November 11 - 11:20 am

  I had this car 5 years and not a single problem, car is quick and sharp looking

• 

  Driving fun - 2005 Scion XB
  By van - November 10 - 4:53 am

  This is the most fun car (out of 8) Ive ever owned. It is perfect for city driving due to its short length, handling, and cargo capacity. Its styling makes it almost hugable. What a relief to drive a car that, so far, has had zero problems. Every time (literally) I get in it, Im glad I bought it.