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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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 2005 Scion tC - 2005 Scion TC
  By Jose - February 19 - 9:23 am

  Handling is great, enough room for 4 adults, great mileage, good response from under the hood when needed, its a fun car to drive! And best of all at a good price!

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  the great Xb experience - 2005 Scion XB
  By Felix Lopez - February 18 - 11:13 pm

  to say that a vehicle that is cheap can be functional its usually some sort of marketing scheme, but after almost 10 months and almost 17,000 miles later I can attest that the vehicle is anything but a scam. This vehicle has everything that an expensive car should (abs, traction control, keyless entry, toyoguard)and yet is sold at an affordable price, and also its fun to drive, a very comfortable vehicle for long or short trips and the fact that people look at this car (is a hate or love it desing) I have had a lot of positive reactions to the car, so I recomend you go to your nearest toyota dealership and like myself start your own great Xb experience.

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  Love my xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By Jim - February 16 - 2:30 am

  At first I thought the 11 gallon gas tank would be too small, but I still get over 300 miles per tank. Its comfortable and I love driving it. When the salesman suggested it to me I said I would never buy that car, then I drove it, I am very glad I did.

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  Scion Xa - 2006 Scion xA
  By pat - February 15 - 11:33 pm

  I like the performance and pickup of this car. The price is economical and the mileage is great. My model is great looking and it is a whole lot of fun to drive. I previously drove a Toyota MR2 for 190,000 miles and wanted to stay with Toyota. This car is a great car for the price, performance and economy. I have a 2005 model and will buy another one.

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  Very Satisfied; fun car - 2008 Scion XB
  By pwcfcr - February 14 - 12:06 pm

  I love this car. Researched all different makes/models for 6 months prior to purchase. After 21 months and 30,000 miles this definitely was the best value for the money. Fun to drive. Comfortable with roomy. Easy to get in and out both front and rear passengers. Good gas mileage and pickup. Versatile. Does well in snow. Will definitely buy another one when its time to replace the Sienna.

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  Great buy and mileage - 2005 Scion xA
  By Debbi - February 14 - 2:50 am

  Fun to drive with lots of headroom! Great mileage - about 38 MPG in combined highway and city driving for us! Very comfortable seats - good back support at the base of the back - good for long trips! Feel very safe - with additional side airbags installed!

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  Best Sport Coupe for the Money - 2005 Scion TC
  By Marty - February 11 - 1:46 pm

  Before I bought my tC, I looked at cars all over the spectrum, including the Accord Coupe, RSX, Tiburon, Celica, WRX, Eclipse, Corolla, and Camry. The tC drives like a dream and is loads of fun. You will not find a better combination of features, value, fun factor, and reliability than the tC.

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  My new toy - 2008 Scion XB
  By onebat10 - February 10 - 2:20 pm

  I love this vehicle. The interior design with the inside door cup holders, the location on the gear shift and size are great. My best friend is 62" and has leg room and head room in the back. The Camry engine is definitely a plus and there isnt wind or engine noise. This vehicle does 100 mph without engine strain.

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  After two days of ownership - 2010 Scion XB
  By smb1234 - February 10 - 4:13 am

  It has been only two day of driving my Super White XB. I really like the way it handles. The center gauges are not really a problem. The steering wheel is not telescopic, but the drivers seat has a height adjustment, so there really shouldnt be a problem. The radio plays very well. The A/C is excellent. My only negative comment is it is a little noisy when accelerating, but it has been awhile since I have driven a 4 cylinder vehicle. Overall a great car for the price. Lots of space and very roomy inside. Great vehicle if you have dogs.

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  Great Value and Fun to Drive! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Eric_McCalla - February 7 - 8:36 pm

  Picked up my xB three weeks ago, and dont remember last time I enjoyed driving a new car so much! Friends and family are amazed at the quality and the look of the car for the price. They cant believe all the features (safety and otherwise) you can get for under $17,000. Test drive both the auto and the manual versions: they really drive differently. I chose the 5spd stick, as it increases the "fun-to-drive" factor by a lot! There are virtually no blind spots in the rear views, and the forward visibility and seat position cant be beat. I am more at eye level with SUVs and trucks than with my 2001 Volvo S60 which I said farewell to when I got the xB!