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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Solid Little Car - 2004 Scion xA
  By ScionDriver - November 17 - 9:46 pm

  I bought this Scion brand new off the lot and it has been very reliable since then. I have over 103K on the car in just 5 years, but Ive only done minor repair to it. Its fuel economy has been dismal, Im not sure how anyone is getting 38mpg+. But, for the price (around $12,500) its a bargain and comes standard with many features most cars in the price range do not include.

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  Toyota/ Scion xA- Engine Problems - 2005 Scion xA
  By Brandon - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought a used 2005 Scion XA in April 2010 with 118k miles. Based on my research & previous experience with Toyota; I thought I was getting a reliable and fuel economic commuter car. Unfortunately within 5 months and 7k miles later my check engine light came on. My mechanic told me heard a knock in the engine. 2 weeks later the car started to shake and the got very loud. I will never buy a scion again & lost faith in toyotas reliability.

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  Its a Buggy - 2005 Scion xA
  By robocop - November 9 - 12:50 am

  Rides like a buggy, run over a toothpick and youll feel it. Quick and nimble on dry pavement, terrible in snow. Bought with 32k miles and replaced AC at 38K for $600 and new battery at 40K but it has never left me stranded. Its a local driver thats not meant for the highway. Get about 25 MPG local and I beat the crap out of it and it just keeps going.

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  remote control car - 2005 Scion xA
  By misha - August 22 - 9:40 am

  It feels like a go-kart, responsive but you feel all the bumps. Loud on the inside.

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  Not what we expected - 2005 Scion xA
  By REW - July 24 - 5:33 pm

  We were in the market for a very fuel effecient vehicle. This is not the one! Expecting around 40mpg on the road, as promised by the delearship. Actual is about 25-8 mpg. This car was purchased to save fuel and we felt the "down sizing" of comfort would be worth the savings. For a sixty mile per day trip we now drive our 01 Nisson that still gets over 33mpg. Toyota and the dealership have said this is a "break in period", however, Ive never had a car that just didnt reach close to the mpg. The sacrafice in size isnt worth the car not performing. We bought 5speed in order to pull behind an RV. Thats when we get our best milage. When the car is being towed. I am NOT a Scion fan!

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  After a few years... - 2006 Scion TC
  By JW - June 18 - 7:56 am

  The paint chips and scratches with ease. The are plenty of rattles. Many of the interior plastic covers( such as seatbelt bolts) have cracked. The optional leather seats are cracking ( garage parked). The sun roof freezes at on occasion. When I hit a small bump and brake, the brakes "skip" and make a metallic noise. Have complained to the dealer over the years. They say it is "normal"; however, a delay in braking is not "normal."The rotors started rusting on the first year.

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  Bad Wheel Bearings and Tires - 2004 Scion xA
  By bosco - February 8 - 11:33 am

  There is a problem with the xAs tires. The 185/65r 15s that it comes with are hard to find and very costy. Also, its wheel bearing are too light for the car. Toyota had this problem with the Echo as well.

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  It just LOOKS nice - 2007 Scion TC
  By Alicia - January 12 - 11:50 pm

  I bought my Scion after 2 test drives and I liked everything about it, the look, features, performance, price etc. However I was disappointed when I began hearing squeaking near the radio and rattling all over the place. After just 7 months I had a problem with a fuse. When I turned on my headlights all of my interior lights would turn off, my car was pitch black at night. Another big disappointment was the weak AC. It blows mildly cool air on the coldest setting. This car has heavy doors and paint that chips/scratches easily. I have to say that aside from all the imperfections the car is pretty decent on gas mileage and the sunroof is a good feature. I guess you get what you pay for.

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  Alright, but I wouldnt buy it again! - 2008 Scion XD
  By jess78 - August 15 - 7:13 pm

  Okay,its a fun car to drive, gets you lots of questions/stares,so if you want attention great,if not move on. Best mileage about 29mpg, not bad/but not great. Brakes are poor at best, and I slide all over in the winter (illinois) and good luck getting snow tires,almost no one has them!!! and when you do find them,a single new tire can run you $150, yikes! Paint is weak/scratches easily. Must say lift back is great, can really get a ton of stuff in w/seats folded flat (got a recliner in there)but overall, cars just okay! No major mechanical issues, but road noise,lots of rattles, brakes and traction lacking! Oh,and sooooo not a green little car, same emissions as HUMMER, wish id known.

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  OK for what it is. - 2008 Scion XD
  By Craig Reinehr - April 11 - 6:20 am

  I bought the car for gas mileage and ability to still haul a few things, and thats exactly what I got. It goes down the highway fine, and of course is good around town. The standard accessories are nice because its most of the things youd "add" anyhow. Disappointed in no center arm rest as a standard option, and the "XM Ready" radio is about as ready as any radio is. It cost $500 more dollars to make it ready, which is very deceiving.