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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Great unusual inexpensive roomy car! - 2004 Scion XB
  By Isaak - March 27 - 8:33 pm

  By the price I paid its the best car I could buy! Unusually roomy, camfortable enough, peppier then I was thinking, gave me 32.5 mpg (auto) with a/c on on the highway (250 mi trip). I added a central front armrest ($99, eBay), 3 output lighter socket for my cell and radar detector, map light and batt. operated trunk light (all for $30, Walmart) Thats it! If you are not expecting to buy BMW or Mercedes for $15K you are going to be extremely happy! Have a great ride!

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  9 on a 1-10 scale - 2011 Scion XD
  By biscuitbasket - March 27 - 4:30 am

  I recently purchased a new Scion XD after looking at the Ford Focus and Kia Soul. After giving it a thorough test, I have found the XD to be an excellent value for the money. It has good power for the relatively smallish engine, excellent handling (especially after installing new 17" wheels), and a relatively quiet, comfortable ride for a small car. The aspect I like most about this car is the ability to customize just about anything on it which gives me the ability to differentiate it from all the others on the road. Compared to the other two cars I test drove, the Scion fared better in power and performance to the Soul and looks, price, and customiziation to the Focus.

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  A Trap! - 2006 Scion TC
  By esantiago1 - March 27 - 1:38 am

  I got my Scion last year and I was honestly pretty proud. However under all the hood theres a horrible secret that Toyota has been hiding. After 80,000 there is a serious coolant leak issue where the threads of the block weaken around the gaskets. Its caused by normal wear and tear and is a prominent scion issue that comes with a minimum $2,000-$3,000 dollar price tag! Toyota refuses to take any responsibility with the issue and refuses to recall Scions BUT they did do recalls on Camrys for the exact same issue... Its a shame that such a nice car has to come to such a disappointing end and Toyota simply ignores the problem.

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  It Rocks! - 2005 Scion xA
  By srocco - March 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the greatest car I have ever found. I ordered to how I wanted it, it is smoothe to drive, and it makes heads turn with its "new age" type look.

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  way to go toyota. - 2005 Scion xA
  By megasms - March 26 - 10:00 am

  The handling is nice and tight; gas mielage is obsurdly awesome; looks unique, and has turned many heads. I love it.

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  Woo Hoo - 2005 Scion XB
  By KornKid527 - March 26 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up my Scion two days ago and i love it. Its so fun to drive i just want to spend the whole day in my car. The buying process was even enjoyable, no arguing over the price, and i dont feel like i got taken to the cleaners! Over all i think it is a great car, fun to drive, & well priced. Also very roomy inside.

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  Nikkis Review - 2005 Scion XB
  By Cindy and Harold - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Great space for an economy car. Unique and fun.

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  This Scion is a great car for its price. - 2005 Scion TC
  By lesquencois1 - March 26 - 10:00 am

  The power can be felt the moment I stepped on the gas pedal. Every features in this car is really comparable to a car that costs more. The moonroof allows me to feel the breeze as I cruise down Pacific Coast Hughway. Inside, I feel I am inside a sports car where I can see only the road and not the hood.

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  Best car, best value - 2009 Scion XB
  By iluvmyscion - March 25 - 12:30 am

  We drove our Scion to Nor Cal over Christmas. I spent 21hrs behind the wheel at one point, no backache, totally comfortable! Plus fit me, my hubby, my mom, my son, & a weeks worth of luggage (plus souvenirs) for four quite easily. Perfect family car for 3-4 peps. Got ~29-30mpg on the freeways!

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  Dont Buy it!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2010 Scion TC
  By guille3 - March 22 - 3:05 pm

  Just purchased a 2010 Scion Tc, with 84 miles on it, from the dealer on Sunday and drove it to work on Monday. The car is supper noisy and handles squirrelly at high freeway speeds. Plus my back hurts from the seats. Took it back to the dealer the next day and he wanted to discount 4k off of what I paid for it. I really what to get rid of it, any suggestions?