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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  The real BMW 1 series..made in Japan - 2005 Scion TC
  By steve - September 9 - 5:13 am

  I purchased the car with most options, Sat. radio, 6-disc changer, A/T,Spoiler. Since then,i have purchased an aluminium shift knob, and will be doing performance and visual upgrades in the near future. This is a great car, not only for the money , but in general. The performance is pretty good, and depending on your wallet size it can be as mild or wild as you like. The styling is very BMWesqe, especially at the c-piller. The interior has a Lexus like fit and finish, with all the controls easily accessable. The Pioneer Radio/CD player could have better buttons, but i am nit- picking. This is a car that is perfect for the first time buyer as well as a "seasoned" veteran like myself.

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  I love my xA - 2005 Scion xA
  By love scion - September 8 - 10:46 pm

  I love my xA. It is an awesome car! It is so fun to drive. I love the uniqueness of its styling. I really enjoy having a car that few others have yet. I also love its looks. The Scion Xa is not for everyone. You either love it or hate it. I love it.

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  Much improved xb for 2008 - 2008 Scion XB
  By JIM - September 8 - 2:03 am

  I upgraded from my 2007 "2006" xb. I could not achieve the 30-34 mpg. I averaged 26 mpg, so i went for the 2008 for the performance. It gets the claimed 23 mpg. It is a camry drivetrain and platform, and it rides like a camry. Good acceleration. Smooth ride. All the bells and whistles that were only options in the 06. Are present in the 08. Bigger rear storage area.

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  tC Scion (I love my Scion!) - 2005 Scion TC
  By atlmrj1 - September 7 - 1:56 am

  I love my Scion! I purchased a 2005 limited edition tC and I have no complaints. I went in to test drive and walked out two hours later with this car. Its a bargain hunters dream come true.

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  nypigeons review - 2005 Scion XB
  By nypigeons - September 5 - 2:13 pm

  This is an all-around fabulous vehicle, and the compliments just keep coming. Comfortable, cozy, and the size just makes me feel like royalty. All Toyota needs to do is turn this into a hybrid and ill be an XB owner for life.

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  best car purchased - 2005 Scion TC
  By moose86 - September 4 - 7:16 am

  well i just got the tc about a month and a half ago and it is the coolest car, the mp3 player is awesome, the interior and exterior styling is great. i would rate this vehicle a 10 in fun to drive bc you never get sick of driving it no matter where youre going. i got the 5 speed manual and the handling is great on it.

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  The ultimate city car - 2004 Scion XB
  By Max - September 3 - 3:26 pm

  This is by far the best car Ive ever owned. Low maintenance and very simple in its layouts, technical features and style. I bough it in the sates cuz you cant buy them in Canada, and it had 80K mil on the meter and I noticed that the engine had been over worked by the looks of it but still it has excellent go and acceleration. If you live in a big city with narrow streets and dont drive on the high way or the freeway allot nothing over 120 km...um 70 mph I think, then this car will be perfect even as a family car but if you commute to work and drive allot on the highway then this car is not for you.

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  Awesome Car! - 2009 Scion TC
  By SM - August 31 - 3:30 am

  This car has some serious pep! I went from driving a VW Jetta with 115hp and 122lb. foot of torque. I love everything about this car. The interior is awesome, very easy to read the dials and is truly a sports coupe hatchback. I had a problem with my Jetta not starting in cold weather, I live in Michigan, and it gets well below zero, my jetta wouldnt start, but my Scion will, with ease. I no longer own the Jetta.

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  Most Excellent - 2005 Scion TC
  By Joehairybearsc - August 29 - 9:56 pm

  Blows my 2003 Turbo VW Beetle away, excellent all around, best car I have owned.

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  Love it! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Leslie - August 27 - 3:23 pm

  I adore my XB- I have now taken it on a long trip as well as done a good amount of around the town driving in it and have decided that I could not have chosen a better car for me. Very roomy and comfortable- fun to drive. No cruise doesnt bother me but might be annoying for frequent long trips or commuters. I am over all extremely happy and would make the purchase all over again.