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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Why 2008 - 2006 Scion XB
  By Harry - June 13 - 6:36 am

  Why would anyone want a 2008 Xb. I could have bought a new 2008 but I looked for 6 months for a clean, low mileage 2006 because of the better gas mileage, greater headroom and legroom. I own a 2005 Grand Caravan a 1999 Tacoma and the 2006 Scion. The BOX is my favorite and I drive it most of the time. Most things you buy 6 months later you wish you still had your money in your pocket. Not with the Scion, We love it. I think with gas projected to be 4.50 a gallon by midsummer that Toyota screwed up with the new 2008 Scion.

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  Best bang for your buck - 2004 Scion XB
  By abercrombie_guy_38 - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Being 17 years old, I wanted a car that was eye catching, had a good level of performance, had good gas mileage, and was easy to modify. I found exactly what I wanted with the Scion xB. There is nothing else on the road that offers so many standard features combined with style and quality. Acceleration is adequate and the engine is peppy. The interior is quiet and the ride is supple. Handling is pretty good for the size and dimensions of the vehicle and quality is Toyota-like. The xB rocks!

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  cute lovely box - 2005 Scion XB
  By Leon from MN - June 12 - 10:00 am

  I love my xB except its small engine. It should have a Corolla engine instead of the one from Echo. The front passenger door is difficult to close, which I will bring up to the dealer.

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  The smartest auto ever concieved - 2005 Scion XB
  By Truely - June 12 - 10:00 am

  To buy an automobile today like this for what you are paying, is amazing. This vehicle is increditable for the price. I do not know how Toyota can make it happen. I love this car. It handles beautifully and is very light on the bill fold. Simply astonished at the engineering accomplishments. These toyota folks are smart.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2006 Scion xA
  By Rocco1 - June 12 - 3:10 am

  You get tons in this car for the price. It is agile, quick, and responds well. It has strong brakes, too.

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  With $4.00+ fuel - We made a great buy! - 2006 Scion xA
  By Perfect! - June 11 - 2:10 pm

  We bought this car for our 16 yr. old two years ago. 2 years later she loves her car even more with the sky rocketing fuel prices. She was rear ended last year at 30 MPH by a Ford F-150 and the car protected her wonderfully (in fact the frame didnt bend!) Was repaired like new in 10 days. We have not had any problems mechanical problems to date even after the accident. The Xa has excellent vision with few blind spots and is a very fun car to drive. With our high dollar Japanese and Euro imports costing $60.00-$80.00 dollars every fill up, any short coming (not many) of the Xa is made up at the pump!

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  Southern Scion Lover - 2006 Scion XB
  By Larry Stewart - June 7 - 6:23 pm

  Although I have only owned this car for two weeks now, I feel confident that I made a fantastic purchase. It handles well, the interior is well thought out, and its "tight as a tick."

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  I LOVE the TC - 2005 Scion TC
  By JohnLucas - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought my TC, with all the bells and whistles. I got $2400 rims and wheels, the spoiler, the 6 cd changer, the subwoofer, the under dash lights, the cup holder lights, the floor mats... I got all of the features that are currently available. However, I walked out of the dealership paying $26K which is 10K more than I was expecting. But, let me tell you, it is worth every single penny. I love the look and style and power of the car. It has amazing handling, short stopping breaks, a nice throw on the stick and clutch, and it rides so smoothly. I opted for the better springs/shocks because the ride in the back can be a bit rough without them

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  Peppy Little XD - 2010 Scion XD
  By Otis - June 5 - 10:10 pm

  After owning a RAV4 since 2003 we "downsized" to the XD. Car is really peppy and fun to drive. Just got gas today and am already getting a little over 37 mpg. Husband has a herniated disc but is comfortable when riding in the car. I have only one "complaint", that being there is no height adjustment for the driver seat. (After driving a RAV for so long I do miss not having the birds eye view of the road you have in a RAV). I think they should be made with a driver seat height adjustment, even if it has to be an option.

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  xB - 2013 Scion XB
  By JC Gela - June 4 - 1:08 am

  This 2013 xB has not required any repairs. Just changed the oil/filter and rotated the tires. The OEM tires were crap, however, and now Im on Snows; in the market for summer tires and maybe alloy wheels.... This has been a very "handy" vehicle. Id be in the market for a new one with newer safety features - but Toyota has discontinued the Scion brand. I dont really want to move up to a RAV4 (hybrid) but maybe a PriusV if they still are making it next year.