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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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 First New Car - 2005 Scion TC
  By DC - April 2 - 9:30 pm

  Has a look that attracts attention...take into consideration what cars are in the same price class and this most likely be your choice. I had planned to get mine with all the options and did just the opposite...my car has nothing added and it is fantastic...

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  Scion tC - 2005 Scion TC
  By Shellonda - April 2 - 3:13 am

  This is a great car for the price. I am contemplating buying a newer one this year because I love it so much. It is pretty on the outside as well as in!

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  Extremely Impressed - 2008 Scion XD
  By aesthetitican1987 - April 1 - 10:03 am

  I had a Toyota Yaris for about two years and finally one day decided to turn it in, and have never been happier. I got a silver, automatic Xd with a few upgrades. The minute I test drove it I knew I had to have one. I like Toyota, but the handling isnt as sturdy as a Scion. Even the case the owners manual is more classy than Toyotas. I am only 20, and its great to know that I can get such an excellent car for a price that I can afford. Also, being an environmentally conscious consumer, this vehicle allows me to be green and have a sense of style. Excellent job, Scion.

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  Ill drive! - 2004 Scion xA
  By greglowe - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I find myself coming up with excuses to drive now or always offering to drive when a group goes out. I went from a Toyota Tacoma 4x4 to this amazing Scion because I am starting graduate school. I still feel like I pulled off a "fast one" getting all of the standard features (power locks & windows, AC, killer stereo, ABS, etc) for under $13,000 while getting close to $17,000 for my truck. Less monthly payments, less insurance, less gas expences. Pinch me.

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  TC with TLC - 2008 Scion TC
  By Arkie - March 31 - 2:00 pm

  I cant say enough about this car. Nothing is PERFECT but for the money I cant imagine anyone not being enthralled with this vehicle. Amazingly FUN to drive. It corners like a go cart. Accelerates like a rocket and stops on a dime. Living in the Ouachita Mountain area of Central Arkansas, I drive it on a very curvy road for over 30 miles round trip twice a week at 80 plus mph and hardly ever have to touch the brakes. At 63 years of age it makes me feel like Mario Andretti at La Mann. The exterior paint is a bit touchy and the original tire tread life is pretty short but other than that I have NO complaints. This is a car for all ages who are young at heart and love to drive!

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  Im in love - 2006 Scion TC
  By JeremyDS - March 31 - 11:00 am

  My parents just bought me a 2006 Scion tC, and I love the standard features. I had looked at others like Mazdas and Hondas which were in the same price range, but in order to get features like alloy wheels, and a sunroof, a nice stereo, the price then shot up. I did something gutsy; I never test drove it and asked for it anyway. Now that i have it, I love it. I love the way it drives. Its got great pick up or for a 4 banger. It also has a real smooth ride, and nice roomy front and back seats. This is an awesome car. I love it and it loves me.

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  I love "The Box!" - 2006 Scion XB
  By BeachDad - March 29 - 3:16 pm

  Bought this used after owning a Ford Explorer SportTrac. Im a 52 YO dad with a 9-year-old kid and this is the first truly cool/hip vehicle Ive ever owned. I find myself smiling uncontrollably as I bop around town in this thing. Even my kid thinks it is/we are cool. The headroom is amazing The seats are beyond comfortable. I love paying $30 to fill it, rather than $60. I havent had this much fun since the Fiat 124 in the 1970s (also a misunderstood vehicle).

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  Great - 2005 Scion TC
  By princekofa - March 27 - 9:43 am

  This car is so much fun to drive! It looks great and makes you feel great!. What a brilliant idea from toyota to market this to the younger crowd-its a toyota but scion sounds so much more cool. Plus, very affordable.

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  Great car - 2008 Scion XD
  By Jim - March 25 - 4:26 pm

  Awesome car! Recently took a trip 335 miles each way, averaged 39.5 miles per gallon. The car handles well and is comfortable and relatively quiet. All the standard safety features make this car an exceptional value.

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  Old guys like cool cars tooooo!!!!! - 2004 Scion XB
  By Old Guy Bald Head - March 24 - 10:46 am

  Im 57 years old, and my wife and I love our xB. We think its so ugly its cute, and so do all of our friends. Im an old drag racer and have already redone the intake and the exhaust. I am building a subwolfer box that fits in the storage compartment in the back. It handles great, workmanship is great, gets great gas mileage. I am working on phantom flames on the front end. I think it is the coolest car I have owned since I bought a 65 Mustang new.