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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Good Value - 2008 Scion XB
  By bb - April 23 - 5:03 pm

  I have had my xB for about a week. I traded in a 2003 Honda Element when I bought this vehicle. I have to say that the Scion, with its upgraded engine, seems to be a better car than the Element. More comfortable seats, less rattles, better handling and better mileage. I think the xB is a good value for the money when you consider expected depreciation, good mileage, Toyota reliability, and cute factor. I think you get a lot of car for the price.

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  Good Idea But POOR Quality and Resale - 2008 Scion XB
  By beetleboy - April 21 - 4:23 pm

  My mother in law bought a 2006 and then traded for a 2008. I just had to have one with the wheels and spoiler package. 30,000 in first year, small accident and seat warped. Then pulled too close to curb and pulled inner fender out. Tried to trade on anther toyota product and found it was worth 6500 less than what I had paid for it. Wanted a Yaris for fuel economy but bought a loaded KIA M/van for 50 less a month than a base yaris. Also trim on roof blew off going down interstate and hit another car. POOR WORKMANSHIP ON SCION. You can tell it is the LOW end of Toyota. Back seat bottom is cheesy and uncomfortable. Gas mileage dropped to 22 on interstate driving depending on type of gas.

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  Choose Options Carefully - 2006 Scion xA
  By tg - April 21 - 12:26 am

  Overall, the driving experience is a lot of fun as most of the reviewers have already said. The performance and handling are surprising given the statistics of the vehicle. Be wary of what options you pick from the dealer as they drive up price quickly and may not be the best value. More aftermarket options are available. The subwoofer was especially disappointing. It is overpriced at $425, it takes up most of cargo space, and it is way too BOOMY.

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  Great car for the price - 2009 Scion TC
  By Jakers - April 20 - 11:10 pm

  I used to valet so Ive driven everything from a Honda Del Sol to a Maserati Quattroporte, and I tried to be as fair as possible when rating the Tc. Here are my pros and cons: I have already logged over 10k miles on my car without a single problem. The back moonroof shade will rattle if you drive on the hgwy w/ the windows down (to be expected) Scion cut costs on the frame, but if you can do that and still score 5 star safety ratings, who wouldnt? my tires tread is already getting low. Ill be lucky if they last 10K more miles its not very quick.. at least not with a manual. 1st is done early compared to other light-weight cars interior could use a quality boost

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  The price of gas - 2005 Scion xA
  By Rene Dessureau - April 20 - 7:06 pm

  My 2005 Scion xAs gas mileage is about 26 miles per gallon in city driving. Others look with envy when I am at the pump. This car is a lot better then the Volkswagen Beetle that I traded in for it. It only only got 17 miles per gallon.

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  my first Scion - 2004 Scion XB
  By Old Smokey - April 20 - 10:00 am

  We just bought an 05 xB, and are loving it. My wifes Grand Cherokee never quite fit her small size, but this little cutie is just right. Although we are in snow country for about three months, were hoping the ground effects will clear. I put on new Toyo all season tires, which will help in winter driving too. My in laws took a ride and couldnt believe all the room. Time will tell as far as reliability goes, but the Toyota name is a plus. I also bought the extended warranty, zero deduction, since I am traveling half the time and my wife wants no hassles. Will add more as the miles fly by.

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  I love this car - 2005 Scion xA
  By Laurie - April 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my first new car .... and if I had to buy another all over again ... it would be the Scion Xa

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  fun fun fun - 2005 Scion XB
  By scionmama - April 20 - 10:00 am

  Its a pleasure to drive, and you dont feel like you are in a small car. I also enjoy all the stares from people, whove never seen the Scion.

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  Best car! - 2005 Scion XB
  By ping pong - April 20 - 10:00 am

  very sleek, worth it

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  Love Our Scion - 2005 Scion XB
  By rysmom - April 20 - 10:00 am

  We first saw this odd looking car in Time Magazine when they did an issue on design. Reading that it was associated with Toyota, we did more research and slowly fell in love with the car. We and our 18 year old son talked about getting it and soon my son was putting together his car on the Scion Website. We ended up getting the first one from the Scion Dealer on the first day of sales on the East Coast. We loved the looks we got when driving around. People staring and I actually had a guy infront of me get out of his car at a stoplight to ask me what it was and how much it cost. We love the space inside, the ride, and the design of the dash.