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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  The New Box - 2008 Scion XB
  By Brandon - February 16 - 1:33 pm

  The new xB is a very functional vehicle with amazing luggage space with the rear seat down. What else impresses me is the acceleration and the quiet ride. You really do feel isolated driving the xB which makes for a good road trip car.

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  Release 6.0 Only flaw is the NAV system - 2009 Scion XB
  By John N. - February 15 - 3:03 pm

  Ride is great, huge amount of interior room. Traction system is good in snow. Only issue is the NAV radio. I am on my third and still can not get one in which all the feature actually work. iPod function takes 5 minutes to load "VR dictionary" each time. Dealer just keeps ordering a new one and sticking it in. They say there is not much else they can do as it is not a Toyota product.

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  05 xA stone gray - 2005 Scion xA
  By xascion05 - February 15 - 7:23 am

  My xAs gas milage is great. My average city mileage is 33 mpg. Thats even with goosing it a bit. Mine has a lot of the acessories - fogs, red steering wheel with red led int. lights, spoiler,15" 10 spoke rims, cruise, tinted glass, auto, carbon door sills, ect. The biggest waste is the led cupholders and floor lights, they are just a silly gimic. But thats how it was put together at the dealer when I saw it. This has been a reliable car. It has even hauled 800 yes 800 lbs. of materials to job sites in a pinch with the seats folded flat.

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  Fantastic Car! - 2005 Scion xA
  By bruzoo - February 12 - 10:03 am

  We bought our Scion over 5 years ago. It has been VERY dependable and a lot of fun to drive! Visibility (Im short) is very good!! My husband has taken it over...:)

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  2005 Scion tC - 2006 Scion TC
  By mb - February 11 - 11:53 pm

  I had a 2005 Scion tC that i just wrecked and totaled out about a week ago. I hit another car doing 45 mph and aside from being knocked unconcious from the airbags for about 15 min, I got only one minor scrach from the knee airbag as my only injury. I actually opened the door and walked away with no help at all. I give this car GREAT marks on saftey and performance and Im about to get another to replace my toatled one. As for the people that talk bout gas, ITS A SPORTS CAR! I averaged 30 mpg and NEVER under 28. This is the BEST car for the money. I love the car!

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  Now for Something Completely Different - 2006 Scion XB
  By wastedgorilla - February 11 - 11:16 pm

  I used to laugh at them until I drove one. I bought one about three weeks later and use it as a commuter car. My older kids fight for it on the weekend, as all thier friends, and stuff, fit comfortably. One of my favorite features, which I didnt quite appreciate at first, is the 360 degree visibility out the windows. No matter where you turn, you can see. Bonus, Im a big guy and fit comfortably. With the front seat all the way back and leaned, I can sit in the back seat with plenty of leg room. You cant believe how much room is in there until you get inside. I cant find anything to gripe about.

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  Hip to be square - 2012 Scion XB
  By stoutbrewer1 - February 11 - 4:58 pm

  Ive had my XB for a few weeks now after trading in an old Matrix. You cant beat the roomy interior of this small package. It really is a small SUV in my opinion. This years upgraded stereo includes bluetooth which works very well and is easy to set up. Driving around town, up and down hills, intercity or on the Freeways are pleasant. On my first few tanks of gas Im getting 22.5. I was hoping for 2012 the six speed transmission would be added to boost fuel economy. I like all the cubby holes the XB has for storage. The factory tinting looks dark yet at night it doesnt have a dark cavern feel. I found the gauges very logical mounted to the right instead of normal centered.

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  We love this vehicle - 2004 Scion XB
  By doomed - February 11 - 10:00 am

  We went to the dealership to look at the xA but when we took a closer look at the xB we fell in love. You wont believe the room inside the looks you will get on the street and just how much fun it is to drive.

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  Easily one of the best cars for the money! - 2013 Scion FR-S
  By ehosch - February 11 - 4:55 am

  I was looking for a fun sporty car as my daily driver and after doing my research I decided to test drive the FR-S. It is the perfect car for me (Im 23) it is fun, fast, and so far reliable. The gas milage is also pretty good. I just have two complaints the first one is that I wish there were volume controls on the steering wheel the second is I wish it was called the Toyota 86 (like the rest of the world) but other than those two things I love the car and would reccomend it to anyone!

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  My tC - 2007 Scion TC
  By Marcus - February 8 - 4:10 pm

  I downgraded from a BMW to a tC, dont ask why, but at first it was very different. But over time its become my baby. I love how all the people love it. I get lots of compliments. So overall, its no bmw, but its my baby! And i love it.