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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  We did our homework - 2008 Scion XD
  By lowell hartig - November 12 - 3:56 pm

  Price, peppy engine, driver position and visibility, (for my wife - standard ABS), and a now proven, incredible fuel economy for our worst possible scenario, 2-mile average commute. One suddenly stormy Christmas shopping night with our kids, my son-in-laws full-sized pick-up bed, thought necessary for this excursion, was pushed aside with everything fitting into the easy access xD.

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  Wow - 2004 Scion xA
  By jarvek7 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Great car and fun to drive. Fell in love with the model the "Yaris" in europe in 2000. great mileage and a fun fun ride. still getting looks when I drive by.

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  2012 Scion xB Review - 2012 Scion XB
  By maxxtruck9906 - November 8 - 6:22 pm

  This car is great! It has the 2.4L 4 cylinder, and a 4 speed transmission. After 5 months of owning this car I can say 2 things about it, 1.) It is near indestructible, and 2.) You can fit almost anything in it. I highly recommend this car. It is great for work, play, and family! I got it when it had 14,xxx miles, and it now has 24,xxx miles.

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  Love This Car - 2007 Scion TC
  By Mark - November 7 - 12:16 am

  Ive had this car for a month now and all I can say is I love it. The iPod hookup is a great feature and I love how mean the fog lamps make it look. The handling is simply amazing, and its pretty quick for the money though I am planning on throwing a turbo in it. Im not too impressed with the gas mileage, but that could just be because I was driving a 98 Corolla with a 1.8 liter before this.

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  Super Car - 2008 Scion XB
  By louiswilde - November 6 - 6:36 am

  I average 27 mpg city or highway. Good car and the most reliable of any I have owned.

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  Solid car - 2008 Scion XB
  By Mateo - November 5 - 8:03 am

  I have owned a dark blue xB for 10 days. I really love it. Before this purchase, also looked at Toyota Matrix, Chrysler PT Cruiser and Chevy HHR . Scion xB is the best among this group of small wagons. I initially targeted a Matrix, but its engine is so loud even at the idling speed and its building quality (including paint) is one tier below the xB. The xB has way many satefy features and sensors than all the other cars.

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  I love this car! - 2006 Scion TC
  By xtC - November 5 - 7:20 am

  I bought this car in March 06 and have had nothing but pure fun with it ever since. There are so many add-ons to enhance performance and appearance. The rear seats recline, steering wheel audio controls, sunroof, low tire pressure warning indicator, MP3 player jack, power everything. The performance is great too, 160HP anyone? 17 inch stock rims look great! Did I mention that all of this comes standard? I dont think you will find this much value / performance in any other car on the market today in its price range...

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  tC, as in Totally Clever, Totally Cool! - 2005 Scion TC
  By Jade - November 5 - 1:40 am

  This vehicle is ridiculously underpriced! It handles sooo smooth, is *quick*, has a great factory installed stereo, huge panoramic sunroof, and is very roomy for a 2 door. What more could someone want from their car? Oh .. not to mention there is no other vehicile on the market that looks as good as this one!

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  A lot of car for your money - 2004 Scion XB
  By Ricardo - November 4 - 2:00 am

  A great European looking car. A car that looks like it would not have much room in it but the opposite is true. You have lots of head room as well as leg room, both in the front and rear seats. It drives and handles well. Acceleration is great when passing cars and no power is lost when A/C is running. Fuel economical. that drives and handles

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  Cool - 2004 Scion XB
  By Kelopini - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I recentley took a trip to a small town east of Bakersfield Calif from Sacramento Calif. Once free of traffic I smoked at 85 plus for 5 hours. Averaged around 30mpg at that speed, not to shabby.The trip back may have exceeded 90 for long stretches but I wont admit to anything. My little Xb was quite, solid, and as comfortable as the sport suspension could be. I love this little car and everybody stares at it. Like it or not you have to admire Toyotas daring with the Xb.