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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Not perfect, but good for the price - 2007 Scion TC
  By Sean - April 9 - 10:20 pm

  My tC is apparently one of many that I have heard have a squeak in the dash right off the showroom floor. It comes and goes depending on road conditions but for a new car is very annoying and concerns me about the build quality comparing this, my first Toyota, to other cars I have owned. The gas mileage is also a little disappointing given that the car is a small 4-cyl. coupe. The car is wonderfully fun to drive and very comfortable over distances. I have a 100 mile a day commute and other than the squeaking love this car. The dealer would probably fix it no problem but they only do this type of work M-F and I do not live near the town I bought it in and would have to take off the day.

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  Good car for the money - 2007 Scion TC
  By tcowner - April 9 - 4:56 pm

  I bought my car used and love it! The tC is such a good-looking vehicle, great for the money, and a lot of fun to drive. For a little 4cyl car it has plenty of pep. It handles well. Ive only had one problem with the car so far. I had some little LED lights go out on my headlights. Granted, these headlights were aftermarket, so its not Toyotas fault. Friends love riding in it. Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I do get a lot of second looks in this car.

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  Nice Ride! - 2009 Scion XB
  By Ivan - April 9 - 12:10 pm

  Ive had this car for a year now but my MPG is not what I expected it gives an average of 24 mpg combined I though it gave more than that. Other than it is a good car for the money I paid

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  I Love My Scion - 2005 Scion xA
  By PrettyEyes - April 8 - 10:00 am

  This car is my first car, it was bought as a gift and I absolutely love it. Prospective buyers can go online and build the car exactly how you want it from the ground up. Its really fun to drive, has a nice sound system and its fuel efficient(for the folks looking for their kids). An added bonus is that you dont see many of them out there, so youre almost like one of a kind. I got mine in the black cherry pearl and its real tough. So if youre thinking about getting one you should. I did and I love mine.

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  The greatest sports coupe ever - 2005 Scion TC
  By Larrys tC - April 8 - 10:00 am

  The Scion tC: Greatest sports coupe in history. Once I climbed inside this car at the dealership I instantly fell in love. Its the best car in its class, many unexpected luxury features. Theres nothing like the Scion tC.

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  The Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 2004 Scion xA
  By ShawnD - April 7 - 4:20 pm

  I have had this car for almost two years and have put 47,000 miles on it thus far with no problems. The xA is very good on gas even though I have a heavy foot at times. I would definitely purchase another one.

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  Best Choice Ever - 2008 Scion XB
  By Kyle - April 7 - 11:43 am

  I love this car so much. Its fun and confortable to drive. Ive got a lot of compliments from my friends on how the car look really nice inside and outside. Its very roomy.

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  Very pleased !! - 2009 Scion XD
  By D.B - April 3 - 1:56 pm

  This is a sporty, efficient yet practical car. I would highly recommend it. The manual tranny gives more of a driving experience. Accessories are hard to get at an affordable price. Responsive steering and handling. In my opinion has plenty of power. It gets up to speed quickly. Has way more options than the competition, I.E. ABS brakes, power door/windows, etc. By far the best value out there.

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  2 day old TC - 2005 Scion TC
  By nicky - March 30 - 6:26 pm

  As far as sales and the actual purchase at dealership,i wasnt that pleased with my experience. this includes my final total price for the vehicle which includes trade-in/ taxes/ and upgrades, and the way the dealerships go about selling you this vehicle. Scion has geared and marketed this car to be a no hassal no haggle buying experience. But that wasnt the case with my situation. But did, in the end get a vehicle that meet my expectations performance wise. The car handles great and has a nice heavy/solid ride,although my ride is a little noisier due to the upgrade in 18" low profile rims. but thats expected. Body design upholds an expensive look. the more upgrades the sportier your look.

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  Fun Little Car - 2007 Scion TC
  By Lynn K - March 25 - 10:33 pm

  I bought my TC in April 2007 when I went to the Toyota Dealership to test drive a Toyota Matrix. My Girlfriend spotted the TC and told me I should take a look. I decided to test drive it, and I was glad did. It has a smooth ride, pick up and passing power is decent and is very sporty with standard features that you would pay extra for in other cars. Overall I like it a lot.