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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  looooove my xB - 2005 Scion XB
  By J.D. - December 18 - 9:23 am

  Ive had my xB for about 3 months and I love it more each time I drive it. Thought it would be economical but was afraid to change from a Town Car to something I thought would be so different. Boy, I can not believe I look for reasons to drive now... love sitting up higher and it is so open and roomy inside. Cant say enough good things about it.

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  A Must Buy! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Oh Man! - December 17 - 4:53 pm

  Everyone should at least check this vehicle out. I was so amazed by the standard options (i.e., iPod connector, side airbags, stability and traction control, projector headlamps, digital gauges, and well laid out interior, practical storage areas underneath rear passenger seats). I could go on and on, I love this car. I traded in my tC for this car because I needed more room for hauling things.

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  The needed changes were adressed !! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Builders who listen - December 16 - 12:56 am

  I owned a 2004 xB and it was a great car.The little 1.5 just did not have enough power to keep pace for highway driving. The a/c was a little weak on a hot Georgia summer day. It didnt turn as sharply as it should. On the 2008 these small problems have been taken care of. What more could you want than a company who listens to their owners? The 2008 has been refined. The price did go up a little but it is well worth it. The 2008 is the big brother who glides with grace. The ride is smoother, quieter and the big 18 wheel trucks dont make him shake. Great work of art for Scion!!

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  An Honest Vehicle - 2005 Scion XB
  By Tomas - December 15 - 6:06 am

  I didnt intend to buy an xB when I first happened to see one at a dealership - I was just curious. A few hours later, I owned one. The value per dollar spent on this vehicle is likely amongst the highest in the current market. The xB is well designed, has excellent ergonomics, and is a lot of fun to drive. It is a unique looking box with a very comfortable interior and loads of practical, usable space in a tiny exterior. In many ways it seems larger inside than outside.

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  Proud Scion Owner - 2006 Scion XB
  By proud buyer - December 12 - 2:10 pm

  The 2006 Scion xB is perfect for both first time buyers and experienced consumers. It has all the you can want in a car for a more than reasonable price of $15,100. It comes standard with power evarything and a amazing Pioneer radio. It also comes with a port to plug your MP3 player right in so you can listen to all your music downloads. Its fuel economy puts it above most cars out there with 30-35 miles per gallon. Besides those features the Scion has massive amounts of space inside.

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  dynamite car.... - 2005 Scion xA
  By Tim - December 11 - 12:53 am

  My Scion xA is the most fun car that I have owned. it is well made, easy on gas, has a great design, and is practical.

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  I love my Scion! - 2005 Scion xA
  By CareOLynn - December 5 - 5:53 pm

  I have had my Scion xA for 1 year now and have loved every minute of it! In minnesota, it even started when it was -30 degrees! Granted, it sounded a little funny but let it run a few minutes, then she was off!

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  my blue taxi - 2005 Scion XB
  By bonnie - December 4 - 4:53 pm

  i have had my scion for a year now and still love it have had dual sunroofs added and it looks great, mileage is awesome do alot of driving each day and transporting so has plenty of room for everyone. great car for price

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  09 Scion TC - 2009 Scion TC
  By Victor - December 4 - 9:46 am

  Love the car purchased the week it came out. Love the color got metallic Gray with flakes. Love the sound the little sub in the back gives good base. Size is roomy for a small car

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  Shes Gotta Have It... - 2005 Scion XB
  By Debbie - December 1 - 7:20 pm

  The first time that I laid my eyes on the Scion xB, I KNEW that I had to get one. With its unorthodox shape, for me, it was a sight to behold. Others may hate the "boxy" styling, but its roomy, gets great gas mileage, and IS fun to drive. I know its target audience is the younger crowd, but Ive noticed a lot of mature folks driving xBs (including me). That says a lot!