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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Great value - 2004 Scion xA
  By JP - December 23 - 12:13 am

  It has been three and a half years since we got our xA and we have been very pleased. We have had no problems with the car; havent had anything fixed yet. We still get >30mpg, even with city driving. The car is great for the city: easy to zip around and park in tight spaces. It still looks great outside and inside, although the audio controls are not very good. It is a capable vehicle for the highway, but you will feel when tractor trailers pass you. While it looks small it has a lot of room inside and is very flexible. You wouldnt believe the amount of stuff you can fit in.

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  On the roads of California - 2008 Scion XD
  By ACV - December 22 - 3:06 pm

  A bit noisy when driving past 50 MPH but otherwise a perfect car with lots of great features like a perfect sound system and the abs and airbags throughout features.

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  The Little Car that is Often Overlooked - 2006 Scion xA
  By bryan - December 19 - 4:56 am

  I absolutly love the Scion xA. It runs a bit rich from the factory so changing to iridium spark plugs and a performance filter will increase fuel mileage to over the EPA rating. This car has kyb shocks and will carve a curvy road like a knife with the TRD upgrade springs. The interior takes a bit to get used to but once you do you find it extremely convient. This is the finest Japanese engineering I have seen in along time. The engine internals are forged including cast iron sleeved cylinders. I find the automatic to be more fun then the manual, we have one of each. The automatic has more top end and goes through the gears better giving you better gas mileage. I cannot think of a better car to recommend.

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  No More Chevys - 2006 Scion xA
  By SCION ROCKS!!!! - December 19 - 1:16 am

  The wife and I just got OUR 2006 Scion aX for me to drive at work. This car is THE BEST! I have been a hardcore Chevy man all of my life UNTIL I drove this car! Ours has cruise control, an arm rest, he red LED Package, upgraded Pioneer stereo, floor mat pkg., keyless doors, and a factory alarm. It is the BEAUTIFUL Salsa Red Pearl color. I average about 42 to 45 MPG! I would suggest getting the options that we ordered to really complete YOUR Scion xA. These options make it even more fun to drive. It has good power, awesome gas mileage, and the options are sweet! We highly recommend the scion xA to anybody!

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  Gotta Love the Box! - 2006 Scion XB
  By cogerwd - December 18 - 9:30 pm

  Were an active couple in our 50s and were looking for a spacious, gas conserving car that could also carry our kayaks and bikes. We love the Scion xB. We should have the Kayak rack put on this week. Our bikes just do make it inside if their front wheels are removed. We are considering mounting them on-top. Its responsive, and to me has plenty of power. I ordered through the dealership and it took 70 days for my car to arrive. I got the 2006 polar-white, 5-speed with armrest and cruise-control. That was it. The total cost was just under $16,000. The reviews on this site are right on the money to me when describing this car. I read them before I test drove and purchased. I only have 200 miles on mine so far but I am extremely happy.

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  Less Impressed than Id Hoped to Be - 2008 Scion XB
  By callisto9 - December 18 - 12:53 pm

  Bought used in 2011 with just under 50K. I researched this car for about a year before buying, so I knew what I was getting. Been less than impressed during the past year of ownership. I wanted so badly to like this car, but the little things are added up to an unpleasant driving experience. If I could go back and do this all over again, Id likely have gotten a different car, or an automatic.

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  looooove my xB - 2005 Scion XB
  By J.D. - December 18 - 9:23 am

  Ive had my xB for about 3 months and I love it more each time I drive it. Thought it would be economical but was afraid to change from a Town Car to something I thought would be so different. Boy, I can not believe I look for reasons to drive now... love sitting up higher and it is so open and roomy inside. Cant say enough good things about it.

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  A Must Buy! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Oh Man! - December 17 - 4:53 pm

  Everyone should at least check this vehicle out. I was so amazed by the standard options (i.e., iPod connector, side airbags, stability and traction control, projector headlamps, digital gauges, and well laid out interior, practical storage areas underneath rear passenger seats). I could go on and on, I love this car. I traded in my tC for this car because I needed more room for hauling things.

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  The needed changes were adressed !! - 2008 Scion XB
  By Builders who listen - December 16 - 12:56 am

  I owned a 2004 xB and it was a great car.The little 1.5 just did not have enough power to keep pace for highway driving. The a/c was a little weak on a hot Georgia summer day. It didnt turn as sharply as it should. On the 2008 these small problems have been taken care of. What more could you want than a company who listens to their owners? The 2008 has been refined. The price did go up a little but it is well worth it. The 2008 is the big brother who glides with grace. The ride is smoother, quieter and the big 18 wheel trucks dont make him shake. Great work of art for Scion!!

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  An Honest Vehicle - 2005 Scion XB
  By Tomas - December 15 - 6:06 am

  I didnt intend to buy an xB when I first happened to see one at a dealership - I was just curious. A few hours later, I owned one. The value per dollar spent on this vehicle is likely amongst the highest in the current market. The xB is well designed, has excellent ergonomics, and is a lot of fun to drive. It is a unique looking box with a very comfortable interior and loads of practical, usable space in a tiny exterior. In many ways it seems larger inside than outside.