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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  2013 Scion xB - 2013 Scion XB
  By B Diane Bounds - July 7 - 1:59 pm

  Ive only owned the car a month after driving my Toyota Corolla for 18 years, but so far it is great; very peppy. It is easier to get in and out of than the Toyota and Im sitting taller so its easier to see around me.

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  Awesome Car! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Amber - July 3 - 2:10 am

  I recently became an xB owner two weeks ago - and I absolutely love it. It is nice and roomy. I love the sound system. I have a toddler who is tall and am 58" myself and it gives us plenty of space along with great gas milage. I would recommend this car to anyone. Definetly consider this car, its very awesome!

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  Scion tC rules!!!! - 2006 Scion TC
  By bryan - July 2 - 11:50 pm

  The car is sharp, it runs great, and I havent found one thing I dont like about it yet

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  Little cube on a skate - 2005 Scion XB
  By Old Codger - July 1 - 2:53 pm

  My little white cube on a skate is so tiny outside, yet, so cavernous inside. Nimble in traffic, easy to park. Its fun to look at, fun to drive. Sound system is great. My xB Scion makes me feel like a young man again. Im in my sixties.

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  Best hatchback - 2004 Scion xA
  By chrislee - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Since we have a small family we were determined to get a hatchback, and the Scion is great. We are moving to Boston next month so this is going to be a great vehicle for us. Very usable and seems reliable.

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  Found the Perfect Match - 2008 Scion XB
  By Daren - June 28 - 2:43 pm

  After owning a Mazda3 sedan for a year then a Ford Escape for a year I finally found the vehicle that is perfect utility tool. Has the gas mileage and comfort of a car with the hauling capacity of an SUV, all while being a great eye-catcher and conversation starter! Right now on my MPG display it says 33 mpg with 120 highway miles and a touch of city. I usually end my tank with about 26-29 mpg which I can definitely live with. The only problem I have with the car is that the interior dash and exterior paint are both extremely easy to scratch. I have a small dog and he has done his damage. Both the Mazda and Ford.

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  The neatest car I ever owned and fast... - 2005 Scion XB
  By Yellow Sub - June 27 - 12:16 am

  I wouldnt trade or sell this for anything.. It has re-juvinated me. The 5-speed is fast fun and furious. Gotta drive this before you die.

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  so cool - 2004 Scion XB
  By drater - June 25 - 10:00 am

  the ultimate urban transpot/party wagon. Looks good, drives good, dirt cheap. What more could you ask for?

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  i wish - 2004 Scion XB
  By car - June 25 - 10:00 am

  excellent but too small engine not enough power especially going uphill

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  Highly impressed - 2008 Scion XB
  By Impressed - June 24 - 4:03 pm

  I laughed when I first saw the older Scion "boxes with wheels". The more I saw them the better they grew on me. We just bought the 08 xB and we are really impressed with the ride, performance and accessibility. We really went overboard on extras and ended up with a remarkable classy vehicle. We added the Alpine navigation/radio system, leather interior (charcoal and ash), Camry alloy wheels and sports steering wheel. The audio system is awesome and navigation system has largest screen I have ever seen. You can sit and play DVD movies in the nav system while you are sitting and the surround sound is spectacular. I recommend that you become a proud owner of one.