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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Toybox - 2005 Scion XB
  By Toybox6 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  First of all the dealership was great there was no pressure and the transaction was very fast and smooth.At first i though the car was ugly but upon futher investigation i fell in love and the rest is history

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  After much consideration - 2008 Scion XD
  By Stephanie - January 8 - 2:53 pm

  After much consideration, relying heavily on consumer reviews and expert opinions, I chose to buy a Scion xD. It took me almost 3 months of research and test drives to make up my mind, but I am very glad I bought the Scion. I would buy it again without a seconds hesitation. Other people are finally catching on because I have seen two other xDs in the last few weeks.

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  My Yellow Box - 2005 Scion XB
  By Charles higgins - January 7 - 2:40 am

  As an owner of a 2005 Yellow Scion xB, when you leave the house you need to be dressed and have your hair in place. You will be waatched at red lights and when you pass people or park by someone at the mall. Their first question is who makes it and what sort of gas mileage does it get and, my god I cant believe how much room it has. Do you like it? YES.

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  OH WHAT A FEELING! - 2005 Scion XB
  By SCSCION - January 5 - 6:46 pm

  My wife and I bought our XB to replace an ageing Ford Probe GT, yes big difference in power, handling etc. but Oh the reliability. At the amazing price of $14,733 the car handles well gets good mileage (29MPG around town in stop & go traffic etc.) can move much more cargo and people than we ever could in our Probe. Ive got 800 miles on it now and expect it to "loosen-up" a little and return better mileage soon, who knows? Keep an eye on the paint up front, its prone to chips, after all it is a verticle slab your driving. All in all we both enjoy our XBs room, comfort, ease of entry, safety features etc. and see ourselves driving it for a LONG time as we only put on about 10,000K/yr.

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  best car i ever bought - 2004 Scion XB
  By alyiecat - January 5 - 10:00 am

  this has been the best car i ever bought, if you are thing about one.... get it !!!! traded in my explorer for this and im not sorry i did... the gas millage is great!!

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  Love It! - 2005 Scion xA
  By Rachel m. - January 5 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car! This was my first new car purchase, and I am so happy! The car is small on the outside, but roomy enough on the inside. I love the hatchback and fold down rear seats! I love the options. This car is perfect at base price, but it is fun to add extras. I love that it looks more expensive than it is.

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  Glad I got it! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Kevin2424 - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car. A head turner. Only issue I had was the keyless entry remotes were missing and had to go back to dealership twice to get it programmed. But fun car! I recommend it highly! Get the manual, Automatic is a dog!

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  Good car - 2007 Scion TC
  By jason - December 27 - 10:46 am

  Very sleek car. The only thing I dont like is there is too much body roll and it could use about 30 to 40 more hp without having to buy a supercharger. All in all, its a good car in its price range.

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  Surprisingly fun and inexpensive car - 2008 Scion XD
  By Carl - December 27 - 12:46 am

  Bought this guy a couple of months ago as an all-around hauler. I drive about 75 miles a day for work, was looking for practicality and fun. Also use on weekends for trips to see our daughter at college, etc. Very pleased with the xD. Lowered with TRD springs from dealer, rear spoiler, bumper protector. Have not used for overnight trip, but hauls four adults with ease (we are all short) and occasionally five for trips around town. Looked also at the Honda Fit, also nice, but glad I chose the xD. 33-36 miles per gallon (measured at fill-ups), 35-39 average on readout. Ride (w/TRD springs) is firm but comfortable. Co-worker has an xD also and has had good experience, highly recommended!

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  Lovin the TC - 2006 Scion TC
  By JT - December 26 - 4:46 am

  Ive owned this car for about 2 and half years now. I absolutely love it! The backseat is roomier than my friends Corolla, the interior and exterior design is refreshing and cute, and the ride is unbelievably smooth and quiet. I still get second glances at my car- -and its over two years old! Ive never had a single problem out of it. The features that are found on the TC are amazing and unrivaled by any other small car (Satellite interface, plenty of aux. ports, 17" rims, power side mirrors, turn signal on side mirrors,etc). The car has some serious pep, the air conditioning works like a charm, and the handling is great! Even the gas mileage is pretty darn decent! Such a great lil car!