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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  All Boxed Up - 2006 Scion XB
  By EJ - May 11 - 12:06 am

  The Scion xB is a great car. I bought it to replaced my leased 03 Highlander V6 which was also a great vehicle. This box gets great gas mileage and is fun to drive. Even though it is low on power, the 5-speed makes it more interesting to drive. I will add an intake, exhaust, and headers to spice things up. A turbo might come later. Its space is great, audio is great, and it is very inexpensive to maintain. One thing to note is the A/C system seems a little weak for this small car.

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  Cheaply Made - 2008 Scion TC
  By ken117 - May 9 - 6:56 am

  Had a 2008 Scion TC for a bit longer than five years. While not the worst vehicle I have owned, that would be a Dodge, after five years the overall cheapness of the vehicle was starting to show. For example, the rear hatch latch simply broke one day. Another, the paint is so thin and soft it scratches at every opportunity. To be honest, I was happy to be rid of the TC.

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  From an ex GM-FORD-PONTIAC-CADILLAC Owner... - 2008 Scion XB
  By momofx - May 7 - 6:24 pm

  Coming from someone who owned big luxury SUVs, I must say the XB is worth the money. I have never had any issue with mine and since switching from a big 6L V8, I have taken more roadtrips in the past year than in the previous 5 years of just having a gas guzzling V8. The amount of room the XB has is amazing. I am 6ft4 and I can VERY comfortably drive it. My buddy who is about 6ft but alot bigger guy was totally shocked how comfortable he was in the passenger side! Also alot of people dont know that these have the award winning Camry engine in it. Being an auto technician, ANY vehicle needs its usual maintenance people so dont think its gonna run forever with just gas cos its Toyota!

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  Great value and space for the price - 2012 Scion XB
  By tyson evans - May 7 - 4:34 am

  Amazing on gas, well equipped, gets the job done, and room for our kids and all their stuff!

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  Love my little box on wheels!! - 2004 Scion XB
  By apauletta - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I used to drive a giant chevy caprice. It loved to drink gas and was a drag to drive. Now I have my Scion and I love it!! It is adorable, fuel efficient, comfortable and zippy to drive. I can stop smiling everytime I get to drive it. I love how different it is from all the other cars out there, really something distinct and special.

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  First 2009 Scion off the lot - 2009 Scion XD
  By klondike - May 7 - 12:10 am

  xD provides better gas mileage than EPA guidance. 34 MPG first tank, 38 MPG the next tank of gas. Car handles and performs well. Bought the manual trans to gain better performance and have not been disappointed. Would recommend the xD as a first car or for those wanting a mix of good performance and mpg.

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  Second Time Around Is Just As Good - 2014 Scion XD
  By Rick Papin - May 6 - 2:51 am

  My 2013 Scion XD was totaled by a driver running a red light. I came out of it with minor injuries. Because I liked the car and was grateful for the safety features that prevented serious injury, I leased a 2014 Scion XD. I am just as happy with this model. It has enough cargo space to handle my regular shopping with no problem. With the seats down, I hit Lowes all season long for gardening needs: Mulch, potting soil, plants, etc. Meets all of my needs without breaking the bank or crowding out the second car in the garage.

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  I Love my car - 2008 Scion TC
  By Deanna - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Im so happy i bought this car. Its so much fun to drive gotta watch my heavy foot. The car has spunk. The look is stylish but the paint seemed to fade after a few months! My sharp black turned dull. It had a sparkle to start that not so much anymore. Even the dealer told me right off the bat which was much appreciated that the tires will need to be changed ASAP. I was sliding when it was a light rain!

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  Been Deceived - 2005 Scion XB
  By scott - May 3 - 1:36 pm

  The mileage ratings quoted by Scion are totally bogus on this car. They say it gets 30 city and 34 highway (or government says). Im a 46 year driver that wanted a high mileage vehicle and by no means a lead foot. I routinely am getting 20 mi./gal in the city. This has been a real disappointment for me as I could have bought a hybrid for a little more. Has anyone else out there gotten such poor gas mileage with their Scion XB?

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  Great Car - 2006 Scion TC
  By methuen22 - May 2 - 3:23 pm

  This car is really great. I have no real concerns about it.