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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Nice Car - 2006 Scion TC
  By rissa223 - March 19 - 3:13 pm

  I really enjoy the Scion tC. I have had it for six months and bought it for my teenage daughter originally. Now, were talking about buying her another one, because I just cant give it up. We were leasing an Infiniti G35, and I would have never dreamed that I would like something so much for less than $20,000 (and that was after adding some stuff like a TRD muffler, spoiler, rear, side-curtain airbags, and all-weather mats). It was time to return the G35 and get something else, but I think Ill just stick with the tC. Its a lot of fun. The only drawback is the dashboard interior - it looks cheap, like plastic. I have not had any problems with rattling or noise like I have read sometimes. This car is lots of fun.

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  Its different but comfortable - 2010 Scion XB
  By John A. - March 18 - 10:03 pm

  The interior space for driver and the large backseat were the primary draws for considering this vehicle. As a 2006 Scion xB owner I resisted the move to the new model because of the "mpg" factor. We can fit 4 adults and one tall 8-year old in the vehicle. Handling is good, the engine is peppy and is averaging 26 mpg overall (this is a good trade-off for increased comfort, ride and a quieter interior). The odometer system is awkward to use at first and overall the gauges are comfortable if you are used to the xB. After the first month I no longer wonder why I traded my "can" (car-van) in on a newer model. Access for those with hip and knee problems is easy and mostly pain-free.

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  I give it a B - 2005 Scion xA
  By ben5150 - March 18 - 5:56 pm

  The shocks in my Scion xA are shot at 19,000 miles and a little wind can make it feel like a boxkite. However, I love the fuel economy and the price was right.

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  Lots of Goods! - 2005 Scion XB
  By mehugtree - March 18 - 3:36 pm

  The 2005 Scion xB is an awesome car. I just got back from an 1,800 mile trip over four days, and it was very comfortable. It hauled lots of stuff, and on the way back stretched out my 6 foot frame and slept well! It does get lots of looks, which is fine. People are constantly amazed at the roominess. To quote a friends son "Wow! Its huge!" this was after he got out of his Dads Escalade. It is fun to drive and zips around traffic. Its not a racecar, but its fun. The xB is easy to park and fits anywhere. It gets good gas mileage! I love the design - simple and straight forward. It has a great use of space. Did I mention all the room?

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  Rattles and Rattles but Good Reliability - 2007 Scion TC
  By Tib - March 17 - 6:53 am

  This car is a poorly made car but reliable as all can be. After the first month my radio door started squeaking. The first day that it was below 25 degrees you could hear what sounds to be a bolt snapping against the windshield...3 warranty claims later and still does it. The drivers mirror vibrated like you wouldnt believe so that was replaced under warranty. The trunk rattles so much it will make you go mad. The gears are too small, with a different 5th gear this car would easily get 40+mpg. At 70mph in fifth Im at 3700rpm. I wouldnt recommend this car to anyone with my experience without corrections to these areas.

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  Very happy customer - 2010 Scion XD
  By k - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for less than a week, so I cant comment on reliability. However the controls are laid out simply. Being on the short side, I have no problems reaching the pedals. Good visibility, no huge blind spots. With less than 150 miles on the car Im averaging 35.4 mpg, which is above what they rate the car as. Its fun to drive, looks awesome, and is economical, perfect fit for me.

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  My Work Car - 2005 Scion xA
  By slicklizard - March 7 - 11:41 pm

  Im a courier and this is the car provided to me by my boss. Its a nice car to work with, as its nimble, quick and easy to park. Its got about 115K miles on it, mostly highway miles and the only thing thats been done to it is tires, brakes and a new alternator (the old one chewed up the belt). It has a nice stereo, cold a/c and hot heat and the seating position is up high (almost minivan-like). I normally put 300-500 miles on the car per day and, besides a tire blowout, its never let me down. Id buy this car.

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  Great Looks, Great Value! - 2006 Scion TC
  By martin - March 4 - 10:20 pm

  My tC replaced an 03 Lexus GS 300 and so far has done so without regret. Its standard equipment package, including the more than adequate 160 hp, 163 lb.-ft. 2.4L VVTI engine leaves little room for any "wish you hads" while enjoying the drive. The tCs styling separates the car from its competitors by offering clean lines and a smart simplicity that turns heads. Other than getting slightly bellow "excellent" fuel economy and a sound system thats so poor its laughable the Scion tC provided me great value for my dollar as well as that warm feeling we all get when driving something that looks as good as it gets. Do the research and test drives with its competition and youll agree.

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  Love it - 2005 Scion XB
  By cruiser - March 4 - 4:53 pm

  My Scion xB is fun and attention getting. We sleep in it for short campouts. It is so easy to get in and out of (we are in our 70s). It is everything we hoped it would be and has lots of features as standard. Plus is has tons of cargo room.

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  My Scion tC - 2006 Scion TC
  By clamjellytoast - March 4 - 2:30 am

  I love my Scion. It handles beautifully. Its gas mileage is great. It has a roomy interior for me in front, and for my friends in back. I drive a lot, and I always look forward to time on the highway.