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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Best car/truck ive ever owned - 2006 Scion XB
  By toolmanlan - February 15 - 2:45 pm

  I travel on the road over 35,ooo miles per year and have purchased 5 scion XBs,Best of all Ive drivin,No major or minor complaints plan on buying another after this one dies,Have not killed one yet, always trade high miles to back to lower miles,only vehicle ive owned that still today i have seen many 2006 Scions advertised for more than list price brand new in 2006 with over 50000 miles on them WHY you ask,drive one or even get in one,2004-2006 only made for 3 years before scion screwed up the whole car nothing the same interior handleing room,seating,all messed up including the mileage,26-37 mpg,

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  Scion xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By acstorfer - February 15 - 12:40 am

  The Scion xB is a great vehicle. It is incredibly practical and has everything you need and most things you want in a car.

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  This Car is Great - 2006 Scion TC
  By Matt - February 14 - 8:23 pm

  I have owned a 2004 Scion xA and a 2005 scion xA RS 2.0, then I bought my 2006 Ccion tC and this car is by far the best thing I have ever owned. Its quick, stylish, and very fun to drive.

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  I Love this Car - 2009 Scion XB
  By Don - February 14 - 7:50 am

  I am retired and I wanted a fun and economical car with space to carry things. I drove 12 cars before buying my xB. I like the ride, the handling, and the large cargo space. The car is responsive and fun to drive. To make it even more fun, I added several Toyota dealer installed products including a cold air intake, free flow exhaust, 18" wheels and performance tires. The normal good acceleration is now fantastic. Best of all, the highway mileage is now over 31 mpg.

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  Some Serious Design Flaws - 2007 Scion TC
  By soooner1 - February 13 - 11:06 pm

  Sunroof rattled badly from day 1, as did wind deflector. Very irritating with no fix offered at dealers. Service bulletin recommendation may/may not work. Dash is stretched too thin and can see undergrid - appears wavy. Got worse after about 3 months. No dealer support for problem, yet seriously reduces value of vehicle. Ride is a little stiff and road noise is almost intolerable. A little higher profile tire on a 1" smaller diameter wheel might have done it.

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  Great Car - 2006 Scion xA
  By rodgerterrey - February 13 - 6:33 pm

  I have been looking for a O.K. priced mpg 2 wheel F.W.D. ...I have had 4x4 trucks, off road "ROCK CRAWLERS" & they all get poor mpg 10 to 13 was best!!!! I have gotten out of "OFF ROADING" &wanted a good ,fun , reliable, car for myself & after much, much, much reserach I bought a "SCION XA" & Im loving it!!!!!! I have found after driving it for 5mo. there is a awfull glare off the dash (after getting used to the speedo location) so I bought a "DASMMAT" cover & had all windows tinted....MUCH BETTER....

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  Perfection on wheels - 2005 Scion TC
  By TCowner - February 12 - 7:53 am

  I have moved from the Forn Mustang to the Scion TC and must say I can feel the difference. I dont really want to say how much I enjoy this car in hopes that everyone doesnt go out and buy one, I like the idea of looking special on the road and not common place, but the SCION nation is here, and we are enjoying the ride.

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  Not Just For Teenagers - 2006 Scion TC
  By Sue - February 11 - 7:20 am

  I have read all the reviews about this being a great car for teenagers, but Im in my late 40s, and I love it, too! Roomy, dependable, FUN to drive (we old-timers like to have fun rides, too, you know!). Great interior design, especially the radio cover and SSP choices for audio. Lots of room in back for teenage kids + gear, and very comfortable for them with the reclining rear seats. Plenty of storage space, especially with the rear seats folded, and more than any other vehicle Ive ever owned with the front passenger seat folded. I went looking for a cheap, high gas mileage, family car, and feel like I have a luxury car!

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  Rock Solid Small Car - 2005 Scion xA
  By Luke D - February 8 - 10:43 pm

  I thoroughly researched before buying this car, and fell in love with it after I bought it. I was impressed with the attention paid to details- side turn signals, pwr steering, mirrors, good headlights, a commanding view of the road, & a well-contoured front seatback. It really set it apart from the 3 Geo Metros I had previously owned, & the Chev Aveo I drove. Ive put 73k miles on it, with only routine maint - tires, brakes, plugs & engine fluids replaced. The A/C hasnt failed despite the MN temp extremes, and its ALWAYS started too. Engine has good pep on freeway if ya press the overdrive OFF button, & has good mileage-approx 31mpg overall. Has very flexible interior-can haul alot.

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  2005 Scion xA - 2005 Scion xA
  By SCIONIDE IS GOOD 4U - February 8 - 1:20 pm

  Bought a rebuilt one but you cannot tell by the way it drives. The unit is getting 39.5 highway average and 33 on the regular stop and go. Even a good used one would be a good one to invest in.