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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  I Love Love Love my Scion xa - 2005 Scion xA
  By Scion XA - July 14 - 4:20 am

  From the moment I got behind the wheel of my Scion I have had nothing less then a blast. I was amazed at how easy it was to drive and the get up and go in it was amazing. I can park it anywhere and not worry about weither it will be a tight fit or not. Its got personality not just another set of wheels on the road.

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  Bestttt Carrr EVER - 2008 Scion TC
  By Awesomenesss - July 13 - 9:46 pm

  This is my first very own car, It is the best choice i have ever made. Picks up speed really fast, very reliable and very fun to drive. I cant imagine anyone not liking this car.

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  So Happy! - 2005 Scion TC
  By Sam - July 13 - 5:40 am

  I bought my Scion Tc before moving to San Francisco. I was trying to decide between it and the Jetta. I can not tell you how happy I have been with my decision. It has so many standard features for a car that is so cheap. It is much roomier than it appears and the sun/moonroof is really fun. I bought the XM radio and have been equally pleased with that purchase. All in all, the Scion has totally lived up to the hype. I couldnt be happier.

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  What is this...open mike? - 2005 Scion xA
  By Angela - July 11 - 3:36 pm

  This car can turn on a dime! Power transmission and small wheelbase. Get the manual- it has decent pickup and reviewers say that the automatic is sluggish...I find that this manual is more powerful and responsive than the 91 Honda civic htchbck manual that I used to have... Seats are very comfortable, car sits up higher than Hondas do. A mountain bike and drumset will fit in the back with the seats down; however, 4 bags of groceries and you have to put the seats down! Speedometer is located in a bad spot (center) have to look away from the road to see it.

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  I love my Scion Xa - 2005 Scion xA
  By Karen - July 10 - 3:53 pm

  I purchased a "black cherry" 2005 Scion Xa in January, and I love it. Its more roomy inside than many larger vehicles, the gas mileage is fantastic, and it handles well and is easy to drive. Its a cute little car and turns heads; strangers often approach me in parking lots and say they like my car and ask questions about it. I have often sat in restaurants and seen people out the window looking at it in the parking lot. The all-wheel drive makes it easy to handle in snow, and the rear defroster and wiper make it a good vehicle to have in bad weather. In these times of high gas prices, I have never spent more than $17 to fill it (even when the gage said it was almost empty).

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  Great car - 2007 Scion TC
  By Oconnell - July 8 - 11:56 pm

  I bought this car because I liked the style and it was cheap. Ive had the car almost a year with no problems at all... all the talks of rattles and squeaks almost turned me off to the car but Ive yet to hear anything.

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  I love my Scion XA - 2004 Scion xA
  By april - July 8 - 4:46 pm

  I love my little car. We bought it right off the show room floor. It is the best car I have ever had. I would never give it up.

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  FUN, FUN AND MORE FUN!!!!! - 2005 Scion XB
  By Buffman - July 8 - 10:43 am

  Had my new xB for a month and love it. This is a love/hate car. You will love it or hate it. It is very unique to say the least. It is quicker than I thought it would be. When I read up to buy this car I thought it looks great as is, but who drive something that slow. Yes, it is slow but not anywhere near as bad as you may think. The gas mileage is great, there is more than enough room for a family of 4 (the kids cant kick the back of your seat when driving, HUGE PLUS), and storage space is more ample than I thought it would be. We have had a very windy fall here and this "little box" has been unaffected by it. Overall it has been lots of fun, not just a car!!

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  Fantabulous - 2008 Scion XB
  By BigRigDriver - July 7 - 6:20 pm

  This car comes loaded with everything and its cheaper than most popular cars out there. Fun to drive, great gas mileage and very comfy. Road noise is much better than others in its class. Very roomy, young couples with a kid or two will love it. Big folks will find lots of room. Car made in Japan which is a big plus since my confidence in domestic made products has declined to low levels. Do yourself a favor and get a GPS if you do buy one, you gonna need it for all the fun driving you gonna be doing in it.

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  Gas Mileage and looks - 2005 Scion xA
  By Bufferlow - July 7 - 10:00 am

  I was originally interested in the Mini Cooper or a hybrid but after finding out the wait time and reading some of the horror maintenance stories about the Mini and hybrids, I found the XA. It has been a great little car. Has most features you would want and great options. The "Saturn" like sales price makes decision-making on purchase easy. You either accept or walk...no goofing around waiting for the next offer. My dealer did not make it painful when we discussed extended warranties and the like...that was a relief.