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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Good Car in the $16,000 - $22,000 Market - 2006 Scion TC
  By Muthu - February 7 - 8:53 am

  The Pros: 1. A great engine, 2.4L with 160hp. It has amazing pickup and good speed. 2. Tons of standard options and a great roof. 3. A great price on a vehicle that doesnt depreciate quickly. 4. Good enough fuel economy for a fast car. Cons: 1. The cars wheels spin during initial start, a better differential is needed. This same issue creates an uncomfortable driving experience in turns and in the rain. 2. There is some noise in the hatchback 3. I wish the steering audio controls were better 4. I am 6 feet 2 inches tall. I wish the seats head rest was better. 5. I really wanted to get a yellow or red color but the best sporty one that I have seen is the white.

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  150,000 and still going... - 2006 Scion XB
  By greeneguy63 - February 6 - 12:12 pm

  I still love my 2006 Scion xB. It is about to turn 9 years old in a couple of months. I drive it a lot and it still gets about 30 mpg city and 34 highway. I am going to get it painted and hopefully keep it another 9 years. It is very roomy and I use it for my small business. I cant find another one with this much cargo space and I definitely dont want a car payment ever again.

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  Scion XB--Unique Style/Fun/Comfort - 2005 Scion XB
  By Karen D. Steele - February 5 - 11:30 pm

  MY new XB is truly a joy. The room inside is cavernous compared to my former Explorer. The ride is smooth and quite,and truly has remarkable zip for a 4 cyl. The standard Pioneer stereo system puts you front row center of the concert. I would and have recommended the Scion XB to several people. When they tried it it sold itself (no hassles from salesmen--sticker price stands) they traded in and bought that day. Most options come standard, but there is a remarkable list of accessories that can truly customize this car to become uniquely your own. I love my leather upholstery, cruise control, extra tinting, and the list goes affordably on. Try it youll love it!

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  A Whole Lotta Fun! - 2004 Scion XB
  By Bob the Piedpiper - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Peppy, roomy, and lots of fun to drive. The "box" is not just for kids!! My wife and I are in our 50s - this car is a well built, solid little (on the outside only) machine!

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  2005 scion xb - 2005 Scion XB
  By lisas scion - February 3 - 1:26 pm

  I got my scion as a valentines day present and I love it, it gets great gas mileage its roomy and fun to drive.

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  Scion Great buy - 2006 Scion xA
  By Smart99 - January 31 - 11:13 pm

  I have been impressed by the cars abilty to deliver of the dealerships promises. The car was the best investment I could have made. With the price of gas going up and I am averaging 39 miles on the hiway I could not be happier with my choice of cars.

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  Too Hip 2B Square! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Thomhcky - January 31 - 5:23 am

  What a ride! I purchased a special edition Gold Rush Xb. This car came with TRD lowering springs. This gives it a good stance. I purchase a set of 16 Bronze powered coated wheels from Discount Tire direct for $350 delivered. I also have installed a short throw shifter for my five speed and some fog lights. This is the biggest small car I have ever owned. With its high belt-line and low flat roof, it looks like an old chopped top 32 five window coupe! My wife hated the color, saying it "Looked like a Pimp Mobile". She has since warmed up to its interior room and comfortable ride. This car came with a huge sunroof, that should an available option in the future. take a test drive today

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  Reason why I purchase Scion TC - 2005 Scion TC
  By Deberah Williams - January 30 - 5:30 pm

  Appearance is great I love the quality, and I love the performace Style outstanding

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  No buyers remorse - 2005 Scion TC
  By batman99 - January 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had this car for 3 days, but so far it has lived up to expectations (which were high). This was an excellent compromise between my wife and I. I wanted a true sports car, while she wanted a more understated sedan.

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  i love it - 2005 Scion TC
  By nkelly - January 30 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, it so smoth to drive and with out wasting the much money you can get a luxury car. I smiple love this car, I love everything about it.