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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  My baby - 2008 Scion TC
  By Misshapp - August 16 - 2:46 am

  I love my car. It is fun to drive, great gas mileage and a real head turner. I am an empty nester and this car reminds me of all the fun I used to have driving. I am always up for a road trip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  B"s Tc - 2005 Scion TC
  By Brian - August 15 - 12:03 pm

  Ive only had my Car for a month, but it beats my previous car which was a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Its more fun to drive and faster . Dont get me wrong, I loved my Eclipse, but this car just feels different. I feel safer, its quieter, has more features, and was cheaper. All around a great car.

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  Great Car - 2005 Scion xA
  By vmay - August 12 - 10:30 pm

  Best small car I have ever had. It is fun to drive, has great gas mileage. It is different looking and everyone who sees it just loves the color and how it looks.

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  Best Car Ever - 2006 Scion XB
  By forkdora13 - August 12 - 2:41 pm

  I absolutely loved this car. I bought it used and had it for a little over a year. I couldnt design a better car. Its small size and abundance of windows made it easy to parallel park. It was fun to drive - I never had a problem accidentally speeding on the highway or passing other cars. I could fit an amazing amount of stuff in the trunk (with seats down, of course). When youre sitting in the backseat there is an amazing amount of head and leg room. The wind didnt blow it around on the highway like it did my Geo Tracker (i was worried about this when buying another boxy car). Love it so much I am looking to buy another one right now!

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  I Love My xA. - 2006 Scion xA
  By John - August 12 - 12:03 pm

  This is the first car ive ever bought. Its fun, it does what I need, and its a good start if youre going to upgrade your ride.

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  You Cant Do Better for the Money - 2005 Scion TC
  By Swamprat - August 12 - 4:26 am

  I purchased my tC after doing a lot of reasearch. After 6,500 miles I can honestly say that this car has style, power, and features of cars that cost much more, while still getting 26 mph average fuel economy. There is no other car in its class!

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  I Love my XB - 2006 Scion XB
  By barb - August 8 - 9:33 am

  I love my Scion xB. Not only does it perform well and look great, but it does all the things I need it to. We camp a lot and all our gear fits in it and takes us up the mountains with no problems. Its a great little car with a big attitude. Its the best buy Ive ever made. I would buy another one! I wish Scion would come out with a little truck...my husband would love that! It really is the best car Ive ever bought and I love the way people look at it and come up to me in parking lots to ask about it and put their windows down at traffic lights to ask about it...its great!

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  Great for city driving - 2008 Scion XD
  By hbrown - August 8 - 1:10 am

  Have for 1 year and very happy with the car. Narrowed choice was XD or Honda Fit. Mostly stop & go city driving, 27 mpg. First hatchback, will never go back to regular trunk.

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  My Surprise Car - 2004 Scion XB
  By Red October - August 4 - 2:00 am

  This is not the best time to review; Ive had the car less than a week. It is a WONDERFUL vehicle. I was going to get a Subaru Forester, but thought I should be honest and look at some others first. This was one of them. Test drive: Instant decision. Unlike most Toyotas the seats fit my body comfortably. The seats fold down to make a flat surface from tail to dash -- perfect for my 12-foot kayak for short trips to the nearest put-in. I am in the Southeast Toyota region, so I got cruise control. They also have roof rack (actually a Yakima: no complaint there). The first car I have ever had that I actually enjoy driving.

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  City Driving - 2008 Scion XB
  By City Driver - August 3 - 12:26 pm

  For the price, this is one of the best vehicles Ive owned. Quick, nimble, practical, reliable, and stylish. Fuel mileage is adequate, but nothing to brag about: 18-20 mpg city, 27-32 mpg highway. Above speeds of 70 mph, and/or with the a/c, the fuel mileage drops quickly. The interior is quiet, and visibility is very good, except the low top of the front windshield causes me to stay back from stoplights a little more than normal. Drawbacks: only one speed for variable front windshield wiper, no lock on the glove box, and rear seats are not comfortable on longer trips. Overall, the XB is inexpensive, reliable, roomy, and a great value. I highly recommend a test drive.