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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Green Goblin! - 2006 Scion XB
  By Fine car! - May 1 - 4:03 am

  My Scion xB limited edition 3.0 is a fine green car. It has lots of room inside and a good driving position. It also has a terrific DVD system with 7 inch LCD screens in the headrests. It gets good gas mileage - 30 miles per gallon in mixed driving. This vehicle is great for a family of four. Im very happy with my purchase and highly recommend the xB.

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  Great Car for College Student - 2010 Scion XD
  By rojas9204 - May 1 - 12:22 am

  I have had this car for a little over a year now (9/21/10), I must say that I enjoy driving it driven the car for long distances and short either way it has been a real fun experience. Only flaws that i would mention are A. the lack of an arm rest and in the beginning there was a leak on the passenger side, which was fixed free of charge when i took it to the dealer. Other than that I get great gas mileage about 26-28 city and 35 hwy.

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  Saved my life! - 2008 Scion XD
  By Ahowe - April 23 - 10:50 pm

  I bought this car in February 08 when we sold our Xterra. Already own a 06 corolla, and like Toyotas. This car is zippy, good gas mileage (31 city, 33+ hwy) and looks great. Standard power everything, cruise, you name it! The safety features are all standard- side, seat and front air bags. Good thing, too. A guy in a stolen car ran me off the road and into the concrete median in the middle of the hwy going about 65 mph, and I walked away with a sprained wrists and burns/scrapes from the seat belt and airbags. The car didnt make it, but it did its job. Loved that little car and will miss it, but thankful for the fun it gave me and the life it saved!

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  Great Ride - 2010 Scion XD
  By Rob - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I am a high mileage driver and opted for the 5 speed. I am getting on average 38mpg. I bought the car in mid May 2010 and have over 7000 miles logged. Technology is very useful. The usb connection allows my mobile phone to work hands free and also plug in hours of music with a thumb drive. The ride is sporty, precise, and fun. The cargo room is large enough for a trip to Home Depot and the sliding back seats are great for rear passenger room. I once owned a 1997 VW Golf 5 speed and this car is very similar and as much fun to drive as that was. If you are interested in a quality, affordable hatch back that allows lots of customization and fun driving, the XD is it.

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  Jekyll and Hyde - 2008 Scion XB
  By CharlieTwo - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Power is excellent. MPG better than EPA numbers. Numerous safety, convenience and "handling" features. Solid construction. 100% reliable. Now the Mr. Hyde side: I got the 5-speed. Unfortunately (since day one), the gear-shifter clunks when I change gears, the accelerator pedal has no feel- nor does the clutch- so I cant engage gears smoothly. And the brakes grab. Most of the remainder of the Mr. Hyde side of the xBs personality has to do with all the gauges being too far to the right. It takes too long to find and read them (I wont take my eyes off the road for more than one second at a time). Summary: Solid and reliable car at a great price, but dont get the 5-speed stick.

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  Great car for the money - 2005 Scion TC
  By CentralIL - April 2 - 3:06 am

  I drive a ton for work and have always been a fan of the tC for the long drives. The car is a bit noisy (I think it is just the Potenza tires) and does have more squeaks and rattles then I would have hoped for after 50,000 miles, but the drivtrain and looks of the car are worth the money.

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  Fun, but overrated - 2009 Scion TC
  By kasyak - March 25 - 4:29 am

  This car is an eye candy and it is fun to drive, but having owned this car for a year, I have to say, for me its overrated and overpriced. Although I appreciate the Toyota reputation for reliability, this car needs to offer more for the price tag. Theres nothing really sporty about this car, and the 25 MPG that I get now does not impress me. If you are looking for a cute car that is fun to drive and the price is reasonable, and you dont care about the drawbacks I posted, then go for it. Its reliable. If not, you can get more car for the money, if you go with something more traditional. If you are hunting for a sports car, the Scion will not satisfy you (especially with an automatic)

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  Love It - 2006 Scion TC
  By adam - March 23 - 4:23 pm

  I love my Scion tC. I would definitely buy one again. It is the most fun that you can get for your money. No car is more fun driving around town. Its low end torque is amazing. The tires want to chirp. The stereo wants to blast. This car is a blast, and its comfortable. It is great on the highway, too.

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  Whats With This Clutch - 2007 Scion TC
  By SOFLBULLS - March 18 - 8:20 am

  Overall for the money, the car is quite adequate. The only option I have is side impact airbags. I also had the dealership add the pedestal spoiler and auto dim mirror. The mirror is cool as it throws off a great interior ambiance light that covers the entire center console. Those thinking about the footwell and cupholder lights, forget it and get the mirror. My little brother works at Circuit City and installed a great Double Din Kenwood CD player, adapter so the steering wheel controls work and Sirius...all for less than $400. DO NOT buy the satellite radio from the dealer.

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  SCION TC - 2005 Scion TC
  By CHARLES C - March 16 - 10:00 am

  HAVE FOUND THAT THE ROOF RATTLES AND CREAKS ALOT. HAVE THE CAR ONE WEEK, AND IS IN FOR SERVICE. EVER TIME I MAKE A TURN, THERE IS A CRACK IN THE CAR. WICKED FLEX PROBLEM IN THE SUNROOF AREA. ALSO SEEMS TO BE SOMETHING LOOOSE IN THE ROOF PANELS. HANDLING IS GOOD--POWER IS AMPLE. IM NOT A GENERATION Y KID---IM 57, AND WANTED A SMALL PERFORANCE SEDAN. AM WAITING FOR THE SUPERCHARGER.--- HAVE TO LEARN TO WEAR MY PANTS DOWN BY MY KNEES, AND MY HAT TO THE SIDE. FUN TO DRIVE HOPE THEY CAN FIX ALL THE PROBLEMS IN THE ROOF. AM ALSO HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE RADIO DOOR---HIT AND MISS OPENING IT UP CHASBO