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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Sadly Disappointed - 2009 Scion XB
  By BigDaddy - July 30 - 2:50 pm

  I bought the Scion because I was impressed with the standard features that came on it and the interior roominess. I am over 6 feet tall and about 300 lbs, and am comfortable in the front or back seats. Car is quick and nimble to drive, but a lot of road feel. Could get better, mileage, only about 28 ave. Most disappointed after driving less than 1,000 miles (less than 2 weeks) the check engine light came on. Took it to a dealer who "fixed" it and 4 days later had the same problem. Now they are replacing the transmission. Sure, its under warranty, but that does nothing for my time, lost work, and aggravation. Sadly disappointed at Toyota quality. Is in the shop more than my driveway.

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  Got a killer lease on an xB - 2009 Scion XB
  By b-in-mia - July 30 - 12:53 pm

  I was able to haggle the price to invoice AND lease for same money as the national offer thats available for the Corolla. Im a big guy and I find ingress excellent with great seating position. However, the seats are barely acceptable with limited adjustment and no lower back support. I should have paid more attention to this detail b4 purchase! Furthermore, the seating room is plentiful but the center console rubs my knee pretty hard. I may velcro on a little padding and solve this problem. Ride and handling are excellent. Car feels solid, wind noise is nil, engine is awesome. Although sheetmetal is flimsy, i think structure is solid and the complement of airbags make car pretty safe

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  cool car - 2005 Scion TC
  By valleygirl76 - July 27 - 7:36 am

  I have had my scion TC for about 2 months now, and so far so good. If you are looking for an attention getting stylish somewhat inexpensive car, this is perfect. It handles well and is seemingly reliable (of course time will tell). Everywhere I go, people compliment me on it, which is fun!!! It is very roomy inside and I feel very safe in it (heavy solid doors and tons of airbags). I also love that it is a toyota (heard it has the same engine as a camry). Definitley a cool, fun, safe, reliable car!!! highly recomeneded!

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  Scion IQ - 2014 Scion IQ
  By toyota3000 - July 26 - 4:12 pm

  Good little car, great mileage, Toyota reliability, easy to park.

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  This would be the best car for the money - 2007 Scion TC
  By AmoAMiTc - July 24 - 8:06 pm

  I love this car. It is fun to drive and you dont see it everywhere like mazda 3s and other new, semi affordable cars. Everyone compliments the car, even with paint chips. Its just different and fun.

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  Love the Box - 2005 Scion XB
  By coachT - July 24 - 1:33 am

  The BOX is great! Ive had mine for two months now and am still amazed at the space. I have no problem toting people or STUFF! I dont miss my truck, nor the 19 MPG. Im easily getting 34 MPG city and 38 MPG highway in my Scion xB. The Box will not win any races, but who cares...its great handling will allow you to zip in and out of traffic, and has no problems cruising at 80 mph on the highway. My main problem with the box is that my wife and daughters grab every opportunity to take it. This vehicle is not just for the young crowd...Im 42. The only addition I made was the center armrest...I would have bought the 5-speed but none where available. The camo color rocks! Get the center armrest and cruise control.

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  notthing better in this price - 2008 Scion XD
  By Doidao1013 - July 23 - 6:00 pm

  I can not got anything better for the price, scion is the best I really enjoy drive this car every day!

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  Great compact car - 2009 Scion XB
  By Liwingard@gmail.com - July 22 - 1:11 am

  This car is so fast and reliable, great on gas, cheap to fix, beverages. Never breaks down

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  A fun step down to a smaller vehicle. - 2008 Scion XB
  By Paul M - July 21 - 10:40 am

  I purchased this vehicle after happily owning a series of Toyota 4Runners over the past 17 years. I wanted something that cost less and provided better mileage but I did not want to sacrifice Toyota quality or reliability. Ive been more than satisfied with the Xb. Its a fun car to drive with plenty of power and great handling with lots of room.

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  BEST DECISION I EVER MADE - 2004 Scion XB
  By POLARBOY83 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  BUYING THIS CAR WAS THE BEST DECISION I EVER MADE. I WAS LIMITED ON CASH BEING RECENTLY MARRIED AND BUYING A HOUSE SO I HAD A LIMITED MARKET. NO TO MENTION BOTH MY WIFE AND I ARE OVER 6 FEET TALL. WE BOTH FIT IN THIS VEHICLE WITH PLENTY, AND I MEAN PLENTY OF LEG ROOM. EVEN THE REAR SEAT HAS AMPLE LEG ROOM WITH FRONT SEATS ALL THE WAY BACK. GREAT FUEL ECONEMY, AWSOME PERFORMANCE EVEN WITH THE SMALLER MOTOR. A MUST HAVE FOR THE YOUNGER FAMILIES WITH NOT ALOT TO SPEND.