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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Love this car!! - 2012 Scion IQ
  By supersk8 - April 14 - 1:52 am

  We drove this car from NJ to Oregon and it only cost $344!! We use this car mostly to get around town,food shopping,movies,and short commute to work...we put about $20 worth of gas in it every 2 weeks! Great car for getting around in and also handled well on a cross country trip. Has just enough space for us and the little dog. I love this little car! Turning radius is great. If I had the money Id have it painted to look like a rollerskate! We love the superskate. I laughed the first few weeks when Id open the front door and see it. Now I laugh at how little we pay for gas. Only problem..I wish the put the clock where both people could see it.

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  Fun to Drive...Cool to look at - 2004 Scion XB
  By xB Enforcer - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun vehicle.....very roomy all around....dressed up with the TRD mags and exhaust system with air induction...gives it a little umph. Handling is great....and with the TRD mags & tire option, you still get the OEM wheels/tires for winter driving...better traction/handling that the mags/Pirellis. Pretty much loaded and well under $20K. The xA is also a fun car to drive!

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  A Lil Something - 2006 Scion TC
  By KEITH - April 9 - 6:50 am

  Ever since I got my Scion it has been fun to drive without worrying about refueling. $10 dollars get more than half tank and with todays prices I fill up with $38 dollars, thats on super premium. Thats why I love this car!

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  X-BOX...THE SPOT - 2005 Scion XB
  By Trracker - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I also have a very neat PT, the XB is right up there with it as far as ride quality and workmanship. It has surprising power, and handling. They are both fun rides and Toyota will really have a hard time keeping up with the demand, I lucked out and got a stick in green, its cool how the paint almost changes colors from Hunter Green to almost a metallic grey. Sound system is great too. The XB is a no-loose situation, bet I can drive it 2 years and break even...drive one...youll like it.

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  my scion - 2005 Scion XB
  By s - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Love the car, HATE the dealership in Corpus Christi, Texas

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  love my scion - 2005 Scion XB
  By MrsSavage - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the XB now for about 2 months. I love it. Great on gas. Handles well and with sufficient power for a 4cyl. Ive gotten all sorts of funny comments. Most love it or hate it but all are fascinated. The interior is more roomy than most small suvs and wagoneers that I tested. Great car all around.

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  Good car. - 2012 Scion IQ
  By iqbill - April 4 - 8:48 am

  Ive owned em all. Traded in a truck for this. I bought $25 bucks worth of gas on my way to work Thursday, went to work Friday, after work, the get gas light came on. I had IT!! I was near the Toyota dealer, went by and looked at the Scions, my daughter has one, looked at the IQ, learned it was the cheapest to maintain over 3 years, said fine, take this truck, give me this car. Off i went. (had to continue below)

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  Lovin my TC - 2006 Scion TC
  By Loving it! - April 3 - 12:53 pm

  I purchased my car brand new in 10/06. Its been almost 2 years and I have over 60k miles on it. I drive it mostly on the highway and I dont care for the amount of noise from the sunroof (event when its closed). I have also had a problem with the molding between the windshield and the sunroof. It has blown off twice! The drivers seat broke about a month after I had the vehicle and the dealership had to replace the entire thing! My tc is great in any driving condition and I love the speed I get from it. I always feel safe driving it and I love the way it handles! Except for the few minor things I absolutely love the car! I just wish it came with a better warranty.

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  Best bang for the buck - 2008 Scion TC
  By Vladimir - April 1 - 3:40 pm

  Excellent car for the money. You simply can not find a car at this price with so many features. The engine is very "torquey" for a 4 cylinder and delivers great acceleration. The number of additions available to this car is also amazing. The gas mileage is good, but isnt outstanding. The new headlights and tailights really made the exterior go from average looking to attractive looking (especially with the pedestal spoiler). The manual transmision shifts very well, just as well as my old prelude. The handling is ok, could be more responsive.

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  Best ugly car Ive purchased - 2009 Scion XB
  By Mr. Teacher - April 1 - 2:26 am

  I ordered my xB with only the floor mats and an upgraded stereo. I did choose the automatic transmission for my xB. Shortly after my purchase, I had to make a 2000 mile trip. At posted speeds, the car proved very solid on the road and achieved 32 MPG on the first 300 miles of the trip. The vehicle handles well in the city, and I quickly acclimated to the awkward interior which included the center mounted gauges. The shelf in front of the steering wheel was perfect for my GPS. My kids couldnt believe I bought such an "ugly car" until they got inside. The whole family loves the spacious interior and I love the great cost of ownership and the information display. Quite a bargain at 18K.