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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  New XB Scion Outstanding! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Scion 2008 XB - November 2 - 11:36 pm

  I purchased my 2008 Scion XB in Mid July after reviewing and test-driving many other cars. With the completely new design for 2008, its not as boxy as the earlier versions. The "chop- top" look is misleading since the room in the XB is huge. Ive also noticed the incredible fuel mileage. From the Cressida we had at 12-15 miles/gal to the 20-28 miles were getting with the XB, its saving a lot on gas. Albeit fun to drive, its comforting knowing the car is encased in a safe cage and airbags and curtain airbags make the XB an incredible value. Thank you Scion!

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  Classy, Fuel-Efficient, & Reliable - 2006 Scion xA
  By Glad I Did It - November 1 - 12:06 pm

  Its been 14 months since I bought my Scion xA and they have been rewarding months, indeed. The car still turns heads while being extremely utilitarian and reliable. I get a solid 35 mpg overall (50% freeway and 50% secondary roads) and 41 mpg on long trips on the PA Turnpike. It has lots of torque for a small engine, good comfort and a commanding view from the chair-like drivers seat.

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  Love my Baby! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Joanna - November 1 - 11:00 am

  Bought my Xb sight unseen and was not disappointed. Ive driven it to California (from Missouri) and back, upstate New York and back and Florida and back with no problems. Gets great gas mileage. I switched to synthetic oil and I average 30 mpg. Love the ease of entry and exit and the roomy backseat.

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  Great fun for the buck - 2005 Scion xA
  By Derrick - October 29 - 7:03 am

  Ive had my Scion xA for a week and the aftermarket options coupled with the TRD package makes this car so much fun to drive. Its no Porsche, but it handles like one.

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  Fun to drive and it pays for itself. - 2006 Scion xA
  By Phil from Denver - October 27 - 11:36 pm

  My wife & I both have $40,000 SUVs. When I started spending $85.00 per week to drive to work, we decided to get something economical. I started by looking at all the non-hybird cars (to keep cost down) getting > 35 mpg. That limited it to a select few. After several test drives of several different cars, this little thing stuck out above the rest. This car is packed with tons of options - plus there is a "cult" like following and they are nearly impossible to get at the dealership (which keeps values up). I am now spending $28.00 per week on gas, (getting 37 mpg, mostly city) and have kept the big SUV (this thing is paying for itself in gas alone). This thing is a blast to drive & a kick to hear "what is that!?"

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  Made the Jump from XA to XB--Love My Scion! - 2012 Scion XB
  By catheu - October 26 - 11:53 pm

  With my little Scion XA paid off, I figured it was time to go new car shopping. My daughter is tugging me on one side to look at a RAV4, my fiance is tugging me on the other side to look at a Honda CRV, both are tugging me to check out the Nissan Rogue. So, I go to test-drive a Rouge. Nice, but for me, it just seemed a tad too wide--and since I am blind in my right eye, it could be --well, kinda not that good. OK? So I firmly put my foot down and went to look at the Scion XB. I test drove. I immediately felt comfortable. The car is deceptively large--it appears to be not that roomy from the outside, but once you get in, tons of room. Smooth Ride. Great Car!

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  2005 xB - 2005 Scion XB
  By Keiths 2005 Blue xB - October 26 - 11:16 am

  The Scion Xb is one of the best vehicles in the 15K price range.Just getting out of college it is affordable yet really fun to drive. The purchase had no haggles which was a plus. Living in a mountainous area of New York, the gas mileage has been around 32-36 miles per gallon.The xB is roomier than most SUVs that my family owns.The interior is driver friendly simple and clean.The fit to finish is impressive for a vehicle in this price range.The head and leg room in the xB is huge making it a comfortable vehicle for anyone.I didnt consider the automatic transmission in this vehicle.The manual has quick easy shifting and the engine has plenty of power to move the xB in all driving conditions.

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  My Fun Car - 2005 Scion xA
  By My Great Scion - October 25 - 7:33 am

  I have the greateest time in my xA, my dog is always in the back seat, and we both enjoy riding around town and on long trips in it. The gas mileage is the greatest. I will go about 380 miles on a full tank. Thanks Toyota for the Scion. From Keith and Astro.

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  Empty Nester - 2006 Scion TC
  By Jmichel - October 24 - 9:50 pm

  First of all good luck finding one. Had to drive 300 miles to get a 5-speed Scion tC with side curtain airbags and the iPod radio. I also added a few more options. Before I gought, I tested the Acura RSX, VW Jetta, Mazda 3, and the Scion tC. What a great experience. Buying it was the best experience. the no haggle pricing and the dealership were great. This car is great. It has lots of power, tight handling, an excellent quality, all for less money than anything else I was looking at. It is surprisingly roomy inside. The drivers seat is comfortable but it took a while for me to find the right position. The iPod integration option is great, dont buy one without it. This cars excellent fuel mileage is a blessing. I am currently getting 29 mpg city and highway. My kids are gone and Im having blast in this car.

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  Great Car --- Great Value - 2012 Scion XB
  By clockdoc - October 24 - 5:02 pm

  Suprised just how quick the car is. Easy to be 10 over the limit. Bought for the comfort and ease of entry exit for a guy over 60. My kids, 7 and 4 really like it. Several hundred miles on it since new and am averaging 28-34 mpg. Kid seats are easy to install and for the kids to use. Young families and oldsters should check it out as well at the single folks. What a value for well under 20K even with sales tax. Check one out, you will not be disappointed