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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  2 day old TC - 2005 Scion TC
  By nicky - March 30 - 6:26 pm

  As far as sales and the actual purchase at dealership,i wasnt that pleased with my experience. this includes my final total price for the vehicle which includes trade-in/ taxes/ and upgrades, and the way the dealerships go about selling you this vehicle. Scion has geared and marketed this car to be a no hassal no haggle buying experience. But that wasnt the case with my situation. But did, in the end get a vehicle that meet my expectations performance wise. The car handles great and has a nice heavy/solid ride,although my ride is a little noisier due to the upgrade in 18" low profile rims. but thats expected. Body design upholds an expensive look. the more upgrades the sportier your look.

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  Fun Little Car - 2007 Scion TC
  By Lynn K - March 25 - 10:33 pm

  I bought my TC in April 2007 when I went to the Toyota Dealership to test drive a Toyota Matrix. My Girlfriend spotted the TC and told me I should take a look. I decided to test drive it, and I was glad did. It has a smooth ride, pick up and passing power is decent and is very sporty with standard features that you would pay extra for in other cars. Overall I like it a lot.

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  Hands down the best buy ive ever made - 2004 Scion XB
  By btodaizzo - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This little car is saving me money on car paymnet, gas, and has all the bells and whistles on a luxury car. People stop and stare CONSTANTLY

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  I love my car - 2007 Scion TC
  By CoreyTX - March 23 - 7:13 pm

  I test drove the Chevy Cobalt SS supercharged, Mazda 3 4-door and 5-door, Nissan Sentra Spec-V, and the Scion tC. I instantly fell in love with the Scion. I was also happy that it is made by Toyota. The resale value is high and it has excellent quality. I also like how you can get exactly the features you want without having to buy some expensive package. The price is phenomenal. I wonder how Toyota can stuff so much into such a great car and still make money on it at less than $18,000. It is so smooth, I feel like I am driving a Lexus. I have no "buyers remorse" with my car, none.

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  2007 Scion tC - 2007 Scion TC
  By 07TStC - March 23 - 2:33 am

  Overall, Scion tC is worth every single dollar. What I love the most about this car is its exterior design, very sporty and handles good. I have spent less than $2000 in performance upgrades, and this car is a champion, compared to others in its class. the only downfall i could find on the tC is its cheap paint job, the paint chips really easily. Also the 2.4 engine that only performs 160 HP stock. The Civic Si performs 197 HP with its 2.0 liter engine, I would have expected more than 16 0HP for a 2.4 liter engine. Other than that this car rocks!

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  I love it, but.... - 2006 Scion XB
  By esripa@msn.com - March 18 - 12:40 pm

  I bought my 2006 Scion xB (automatic, black cherry,) for its unique design, great price, and promised fuel economy.

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  great great car - 2006 Scion XB
  By RDT - March 17 - 6:33 pm

  I honestly do not think you could get more for your money than the Xb this is a great little car, great style and great fund to drive. Its everything we wanted and so much more.

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  LOVIN IT!!! - 2008 Scion XB
  By goonyfish5 - March 17 - 5:53 am

  This is my 2nd xb. More comfortable ride, still like the boxy look of the older style. Drives awesome. Wish I would have gotten the standard. I average about 30 mpg. Love the sound system and handling. More spacious for having 3 kids (2 young adults) no squooshing together in back. I will stay with this for along time. Scion is an excellent brand. Would like more unusual colors. My last was yellow limited edition.

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  My best choice - 2008 Scion XB
  By Onel - March 16 - 10:33 pm

  Fun to drive, ok in fuel, good combination interior-exterior, nice engine, more than expected.

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  I Love the Scion tC - 2006 Scion TC
  By Barb - March 16 - 10:06 pm

  I was initially looking at a different vehicle, someone suggested the Scion to me as an economical car. I am so glad they did, I love the tC - the look, the color (Black Cherry), the price, and the great fuel economy. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking, its a sporty looking car, I love the sun/moon roofs, it gives a great ride and has great pickup for a 4 cylinder!