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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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 Car - 2005 Scion TC
  By herb - November 11 - 11:20 am

  I had this car 5 years and not a single problem, car is quick and sharp looking

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  Driving fun - 2005 Scion XB
  By van - November 10 - 4:53 am

  This is the most fun car (out of 8) Ive ever owned. It is perfect for city driving due to its short length, handling, and cargo capacity. Its styling makes it almost hugable. What a relief to drive a car that, so far, has had zero problems. Every time (literally) I get in it, Im glad I bought it.

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  Guilt Free Purchase - 2006 Scion xA
  By GUILT FREE PURCHASE - November 6 - 10:26 am

  This was my first new car puchase, and I feel confident that I made a great choice with the Scion xA. I drive about 60 miles a day with work, and Im averaging 34 mpg which is about as good as it gets without putting out the money for a hybrid. The size of the car is deceiving from the outside, it feels very spacious inside, even in the backseat. The cuteness of this car cannot be denied, you want to pinch its cheeks.

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  scooter review - 2009 Scion XB
  By davew - November 5 - 1:53 am

  After a lot of research, I traded my 2007 4 door Silvarado for my dream 2009 Stingray Metallic xb Auto. Looks like the best $17000 auto on the market. Wanted headroom, upright seating, all necessary features as standard, 25 mpg, and yeah, something different. I love it and the extra room in the garage. have aerodynimcs are overrated and its hip to be square decals. 5000 miles and no problems.

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  Good economy car - 2004 Scion xA
  By peter - November 2 - 11:20 pm

  HAD this car for 2 months. ride is a little to firm but I knew this when I boughtit. Long term I expext it will be very reliable. I changed the bridgestone Potenza tires and put Michelin Harmony. Harmony tire has much better grip on slippery surface but did not improve ride.

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  Grocery Getter - 2005 Scion xA
  By brooktroutchaser - November 2 - 5:33 am

  I purchased this used with less than fifteen thousand miles. My search process was long; I wanted a small car that would accommodate my six foot frame and perennial bad back. Most cars sit too low and I did not want an SUV. The XA is too cute for words, is comfortable for any trip of 300 miles or less, and will fit in any parking space. Plus, it is as reliable as anything on the road. It is important to keep the tires properly inflated: 29 psi. Any higher and the ride is too harsh.

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  Best Car - 2005 Scion XB
  By dess - November 1 - 6:43 am

  This is the best car ever! I love it! The driving is great, the steering, the mileage.. just everything about it is great. I cant think of any drawbacks on the car. Plus, this is a great car to accessorize with different little things Scion offers.

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  Rear Wheel Bearings - 2006 Scion xA
  By JohnGR - October 31 - 1:23 pm

  Fun and easy to drive. But, VERY EXPENSIVE repair/replacement of a rear wheel bearing assembly (over $500...could not replace just the bearing).

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  What a car! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Barb - October 31 - 5:50 am

  I love this car. We got it for our son to drive but I have fallen for it and would much rather drive it than my Honda Mini-Van. It handles very well, zips in and out of tight places and has an amazing amount of room inside. Also, you range of vision is excellent driving this car. I know it is marketed to the Gen Xers, but Toyota got this one right! Love the funky look too!

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  Best car for the money/segment - 2009 Scion XD
  By rubygem73 - October 29 - 11:26 pm

  I did my research ... I compared XD against the sentra, fit, civic, mazda 3, and lancer. I wanted a car with some power, loaded, good das milage, best resale value, and fun to drive. Hands down the civic beats all the others. The fit was close in all categories, but one test drive of the fit and youll go running back to the XD ... the fit has no power.