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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  2005 Scion TC - 2005 Scion TC
  By Rugger14 - July 25 - 10:00 am

  This car is perfect, after test driving the Mazda 6, Mazda 3, and the VW GTI, i am glad I "settled" with the tC. Every aspect of this car is heads and shoulders beyond what someone could expect from a base price os 16,500.

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  My second xB - 2008 Scion XB
  By witchever45 - July 24 - 12:46 pm

  I just traded my 2004 xB in for the new 2008 xB. I LOVE everything about the new xB. I thought my old one was great, but the new one is so much better. It is faster, roomier, and much quieter. It still has everything I liked about the old one but the improvements to it are amazing. It has made my bad commute to work much easier to deal with. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  my toy - 2006 Scion TC
  By robyn collins - July 20 - 7:16 am

  I really like my new scion tC. Its so much fun to drive compared to so many other cars in its price range. Its the best buy on the market for now. Toyota did a good job with this car.

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  Scion iC is sweet - 2006 Scion TC
  By Reddinger - July 19 - 5:40 pm

  I love my Scion Tc. ,m getting ready to do a little bit more to mine to make it stand out but it isnt necessary. It handles great, far better than any other car I have ever driven. Its fun to drive with a lot of torque. Take one for a test drive and you will fall in love.

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  Proud to say its MY CAR - 2005 Scion TC
  By Eileen - July 19 - 4:50 pm

  Designed for the young crowd, my Scion tc, 2005 is a head-turner. Im a 57 year old female. I added a rear pedestal spoiler, and I have loved every mile driven in this car. On nearly a daily basis I am asked What kind of car is that? People love the style, the value, the color (azure pearl). It is sporty, zippy, comfortable, standard loaded with the features I thought Id have to pay extra to have installed.

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  Toyota Delivers A Winner - 2005 Scion XB
  By SlagleRock - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I owned a Toyota bB while stationed in northern Japan. When we left we knew we would miss that little "ride". We were totally unaware that Toyota had introduced the bB in the U.S. as a Scion xB. The minute we heard the info we searched for a dealer. We went to take a look and I was amazed. Other than the fact that the steering wheel is on a different side of the vehicle it appears that Toyota delivered just like it was in Japan. The xB is an awesome little "ride". You can "pimp" it out or just leave it as is. Either way it turns heads. I have been pulled over by Cops who "just wanted to know what it was." It draws tons of positive attention.

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  Great car - 2005 Scion TC
  By Tigarddave - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, gets much better milage than the EPA says (I average 30- and get 34 on trips). I already have 7,000 miles on it and love it. I am way over the target group scion wanted but I see a good thing here, and why spend $10,000 more if you dont have to? PS Glad I got the 5-speed!

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  Over 40? Easy Entry, Easy Exit - 2004 Scion XB
  By Smitty - July 18 - 7:53 pm

  My Thundercloud Blue Metallic B was the first one ordered and delivered to the MIDWEST via Molle Toyota, KC, Mo. Ordered it with AEM, H-strut, security system, amber footlights, and chrome doorsills. I added an armrest this past year, it wasnt available in 2003. It gets between 29 (summer heat) and 36 MPG. I only drive 5 miles to work, but it will double next year to 10. I use it weekends for short trips, chores, jaunts under 200 miles; drive it roundtrip once a month to St. Joe MO. My wife loves it - after I got the armrest. I expect to drive it as a commuter until I retire next decade... unless a better B comes along! My only problem with it was a broken drivers door latch, which was fixed under warranty.

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  Everything I want - 2005 Scion XB
  By Bryan Schuman - July 16 - 8:06 pm

  This car is simply the best of everything I could want. It offers an excellent comfort level for the price. It proves you dont have to spend lots of money to get a nice vehicle. Sure there are oddities to get used to, but as a whole, it is a well-rounded fun vehicle.

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  Super fun 2nd Family Car - 2009 Scion XD
  By SoCal Driver - July 16 - 3:50 am

  Needed a 2nd car for all my kid pick- ups and drops. Our Suburban has a severe drinking problem and is in rehab. Looked and researched every car in this category. It was between the xD and the Fit. The xD was $2k less than the similarly equipped Fit and the fit/finish and engine performance was much, much better as well. Also, the Honda dealers came across as very snotty about the Fit, not my thing. Didnt notice any difference between the manual and auto when testing. Handles amazingly well. Feels sporty and luxurious inside. Great on the hwy as well as our rural roads. MPG - solid 31 city (hilly and curvy) and 38 highway. Will be the kids car in 2 yrs and they love it.