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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Xd save me lots of $$$ - 2009 Scion XD
  By kmpennington - August 18 - 2:56 am

  Tottally worth the money!!! I have the 2009 model, I drove to Kingsport TN from Hudson, NC...all mountain terrain and still got a whopping 33 mpg...I do have the 5speed though. I loved the way it drives and that it fills up for 40.00. I would drive my scion anywhere short distance or long distance.

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  The right choice - 2004 Scion xA
  By SFScion - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Just love it since moment I drove off the dealership. Opted for the electric locking system which is a must, also the six-CD player. Hated to pay for the extra floor mats, come on... Otherwise, love my blue rocketship...

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  scion kicks a** - 2004 Scion XB
  By the one - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is so much fun to drive. It drives like a sports car, and it is phenomenal for city driving. It zips out of tight situations, and no parking space is too small for this car.

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  2006 xB is Great! - 2006 Scion XB
  By rod - August 17 - 7:16 pm

  From the start this car has been nothing short of great. We have had no problems whatsoever. Im 60" tall and have ample leg room. For the money I believe its the best deal in the car market right now.

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  Its aight.. - 2006 Scion XB
  By Mizzle - August 14 - 6:33 pm

  While the Scion xB isnt much to look at, its a good ride. Its smooth and comfortable, but I wish people wouldnt look at me all funny while Im driving around town...

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  Best in class - 2010 Scion XD
  By Jamie - August 14 - 6:13 pm

  I believe this car is arguably the best in its class. It has a lot of impressive standard features, extensive customizable options, and solid safety ratings. Its efficient enough for the finance conscious buyer, and sleek enough for the young crowd. You can customize it with navigation, racing peddles, interior colored lights, XM satellite radio,etc. As far as safety, traction control and stability control come standard. The Honda Fit and Nissan Versa dont have those features. The electric steering is also very smooth. The soundsystem is sweet and comes equipped with 6 speakers, MP3/WMA capability, & an iPod/USB jack. Overall, its the coolest and most efficient car Ive owned.

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  I Love This Car! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Paintbox - August 13 - 1:40 pm

  Let me say it again! I love this car. I paint and finish woodwork for a living 90 miles from home. I put on lots of miles! Everything that fit in the box of my F-150 fits in my new paintbox except for the 6 foot ladder. (I havent tried yet) I now pay a lot less for gas. The day I picked it up i had bought 5 old chairs, the salesman laughed. I said I haul lots of junk all the time might as well start the first day, they all fit with room to spare. You have lots of people stare, strangers want to know what it is, if they can look in it. It is a conversation piece. The only negative I have about the car is that on gravel roads it lets in a lot of real fine dust into the car.

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  I love it - 2004 Scion xA
  By Kathitkd - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car almost 8 months ago and absolutely love it. I have received so many compliments on it. A lot of people have mistaken it for a hybrid.

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  awesome scion - 2004 Scion XB
  By jmacon - August 12 - 2:00 am

  great car, perfect for city driving. and it has more room in the back seat than any other car.

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  My Tc - 2007 Scion TC
  By Anna27 - August 12 - 12:16 am

  I bought my Scion Tc in March 2007. I had read reviews on this website about the paint quality, which has proven to be true. I have some scratches on my car that I think wouldnt have shown up as well on my old car. Now that I have that said, I LOVE love love my car. I have not had a single problem with this car in the over year and half I have had it. It drives perfectly. I havent had to replace a single thing. I realize this isnt a luxury car, but as far as an economical choice, I couldnt recommend a better deal. The backseat area is great. The car drives with expected speed and great agility. Overall-For the price bracket it falls into, an awesome deal-wouldnt replace it ever.