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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Almost Perfect - 2008 Scion XB
  By Ed - February 13 - 12:13 pm

  For the money, this car is almost perfect. Lots of interior room, good but not great performance and improved styling. Fuel mileage could be better; with a 14 gallon tank, the cruising range is less than most competitors. The handling is very responsive including stability/traction control systems.

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  Fantastic Little Car - 2006 Scion XB
  By Paul - February 13 - 12:56 am

  This car turns heads. I think it was the looks I first noticed. Before I even considered a car in this class, I liked the look of it. I like distinctive cars. Then I drove it, and was sold. This thing is huge amounts of fun to drive. In fact, its huge in a few ways. Huge fun to drive. Huge room inside. Huge potential for making it *mine*. Huge attitude! And small in others. Small small fuel consumption. Small price tag. Small on the road. Economical? Fun? Cheap? Eye catching? There is very little to not like.

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  and I call myself a Redneck - 2005 Scion XB
  By Don - February 12 - 7:06 pm

  I love it, miles per tank is awesome and i love the attention that I get from it. everyone from 80 to 8 seams to love to stare at it while I get gas once a month or while I drive it. being part of a club centered around the scions has made me love of the car even more. way to go Toyota!

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  Peppy little Box - 2009 Scion XB
  By Smitty - February 12 - 12:36 am

  I bought my 2009 xB used with 5k miles on it. The guy before me had put $5k in features like wheels, spoiler, upgraded stereo and he even put light up door sill strips on it. I am completely satisfied with the features, price and reliability. This is probably the best investment I have ever made aside from buying a house. I recommend this vehicle to everybody even people taller than 6ft. I am 61" and 220 lbs and I feel like I am driving a school bus.

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  PUG-nacious - 2009 Scion XD
  By jowlyjawlessone - February 7 - 6:46 pm

  Some say "bulldog". I say "pug". Some say "entry level". I say "downsizer". Nimble "runabout", says Consumer Reports. "Most reliable in class" got my attention. Scion for the kids? If we already have experience and established identity and we forget the extras (really unnecessary with such a complete list of standard features) the xD has real value. Throw in Toyota quality. Dependable point A to B with a good dose of personality. For me it was dump a clunker, a great, old gas sucking Pathfinder SE. Im glad I found the xD. This little "pug" is going to do me well for a graceful, long-term, downsizing glide. And with luck a smooth landing. As is said, "May you live in interesting times."

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  From 2006 Rav4 to 2008 Scion XB - 2008 Scion XB
  By Ed O - February 6 - 10:56 am

  This thing is a steal. I liked my Rav, but I like this A LOT more. The styling is fantastic and it feels huge inside. Kind of a Maxi Cooper -) Even though the Rav was $6K more, this feels like a trade up! Sound system is excellent and contrary to many opinions, I love the digital speedo. Rides like a big car and has enough headroom for someone 6 foot 3 inches!

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  2006 scion tC - 2006 Scion TC
  By BSR.Motorsports - February 2 - 11:00 am

  best bang for the buck bar none! The standard options for this car are above ecceptional for a mear 17k, this car is equiped with features more like a 23k sedan. interior room is fantasic with enough room to fit 4 6 guys no problem. The dash is nicely appointed with satin silver finishes and a cool flip up door that covers the pioneer stereo. Performance is fantastic! keep in mind it is not a v8, but the 4 banger has enough guts to put a smile on your face. The handling is awesome with a little under steer when pushed but much less than most FWDs. steering and brakes are very positive with a secure feeling for the street. TRD sway bars and springs would be a good option for racing.

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  Wonderful Little Commuter Car - 2004 Scion xA
  By a330300 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  My second day of driving the car, and I can conclude that (+) 1) Its amazingly quiet 2) Has a great audio system 3) Has comfortable, distinctive seating 4) Great white- faced display with amber lighting on the other components. 5) Unique design (-) 1)Horsepower - 108 is fine, but more is always better and appreciated. 2)Space - Im 59 and have the seat pretty far back, I would only put a child behind me for long distances, an adult could fit ok but only for a while.. Trunk space is small, but has some space under for small items. There are no pockets behind the front seats, and map pockets are small. 3) Cruise control!

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  Awsome - 2004 Scion xA
  By Rabidsushi - February 2 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car! Great fuel efficiency, big inside, great features. Definate car of the future!

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  Enjoy! - 2004 Scion XB
  By Tim Castro - January 31 - 1:30 am

  The car is very nimble and has suprisingly good pick-up for a V-4 and smaller liter size. The car has a great look and is eye pleasing. In fact the only problem other than outside noise when driving is everyone looking at you. That may not be a bad thing for some people. If you decide to put on 18 inch or 19 inch rims make sure you put on super tires. This can really cause a rough ride on bumpy roads or cause your rims to bend if tires are cheap. I recommend Pirellis and smooth roads.