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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Still love this car - 2005 Scion xA
  By janamg - August 30 - 6:16 pm

  I drive this car 70 miles round trip three times a week commuting to work. She has also taken me and one or two passengers on trips of up to 1000 miles a time or two. I average 36 MPG, but occasionally get over 40. There is nothing to dislike about "Jolene" She gets all scheduled maintenance and I have had absolutely no problems with her. Shes on the original battery and still starts right up unless I forget the headlights. Even then a jump and 5 minutes run time is enough to "rejuice" her. Shes small, so changing a flat is almost easy. Her pick up is sufficient and she has absolutely NO problems holding her own on the highway with the big boys. She does not act like a little car.

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  most fun to drive car ever I had 10 - 2005 Scion XB
  By mjtoaster - August 29 - 7:30 am

  I was looking to replace my suzuki vitara, I needed a car with better gas mileage but that still had the look of a suv, I looked at several cars and decided to get the xb because of gas mileage, price, standard options and my dealer paid me a good price for my trade and gave me good interest, that put me over the edge. But oh my the car really gets the looks all over the place, and I am hooked with customizing. I hope the toyota quality is as good as it used to be.

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  Excellent Value! - 2007 Scion TC
  By Hawker - August 29 - 5:20 am

  Little did I know that after comparing many value priced cars, that Id pick a Scion tC. First off, I didnt know that Scion means "Decendant" and that its a decendant company of Toyota. Once that was known, and I had read many GREAT reviews for the 2007 Scion tC, it was time to go test drive one. I traded in a much more expensive sports car on my new silver Scion tC, but it was done for a lower monthly payment and insurance costs, better gas mileage, the ability to use Regular unleaded gas, etc. My first thought when I sat in the drivers seat and closed the door was "Man! This car is built SOLID!" And it is. It wasnt anything like I was expecting - cheapo quality - NOT here! Its a Toyota!

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  Even with issues still a good car. - 2005 Scion TC
  By tCinHou - August 28 - 3:50 am

  Love my tC but was supprised of the build quality issues. Had A/C vents pop off dash, rattles, floor mat wore out after only 3mo.(7000miles) and a lower dash cover fall off. Also the paint chips VERY easily.

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  Happy X Box Addicts - 2005 Scion XB
  By Mark Braithwaite - August 28 - 1:50 am

  Loved the look of this car when we 1st started seeing it driving around our town in the summer of 04...My wife said it was Ugly and would never consider buying such a car. As the months went on and my old Honda Wagovan became more decepite(Ran great-the little things started going,like AC,Radio,ability to rool down drivers side window,ect...) Anyway she began researching ScionXBs and came around to sharing my opinion- especialy since all the reviews were so good...Well now after driving it around for 5 months she loves how it looks and handles and we have come to describe it as "Very European Looking"...

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  60 year old xB Driver - 2005 Scion XB
  By John King - August 26 - 7:50 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned. It is fun to drive, has lots of interior room for its size, gets great gas mileage and has a unique appearance. Even in the snow it handles very well. Unlike most small cars, the passengers sit high up, which allows better visibility.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2005 Scion TC
  By Scot - August 21 - 9:10 am

  One of the happiest days for me was when I drove away with a new 05 Scion tC. Its an all around great car and when it comes to durability, the fact that its a Toyota speaks for itself. It has some pretty good power thanks to Toyotas modifying the Camry engine to boost the torque. The only complaint that I have are the following: the sunroof rattles (Toyota mechanics were baffled and couldnt fix it), it has loud engine noise, the seat material is cheap and uncomfortable, it has ultra-cheap side mirrors and sunroof cover, and finally... the paint and interior plastic scratches easily. Still, these were minor problems and for the money, you get all the goodies for the biggest bang for your buck!

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  Love my xB - 2006 Scion XB
  By kimberly - August 21 - 4:36 am

  I really did not want to like the Scion xB as much as I do. I was looking at the Lexus IS 300, 2007 Camry and a few other cars. Keep in mind I do like unusual cars. I have owned a 2001 Mazda Miata SE, and a Mini Cooper. The xB could use a little more power that is my only "complaint"

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  I love this CAR - 2006 Scion xA
  By ohnnyj - August 20 - 3:36 am

  This is my first new car and I am loving it. After hearing hundreds of horror stories about the whole car buying process, I was genuinely surprised at how fast and easy it was to buy a Scion. The dealership was amazing and they took care of everything. I love driving this little titan around. I always get the same reaction when I show it off; first, people usually chuckle at how small it is, but once inside, they always say the same thing "wow." The interior is stylish and roomy (it makes grocery shopping and laundry days a cinch). It handles well and drives smoothly. And it just looks so cool!

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  Love This Car - 2005 Scion XB
  By Jeff - August 18 - 8:13 am

  Looks can be deceiving. This car looks a lot smaller than it is . It is a very peppy and practical car. You got it.. Toyota. How can you go wrong. Make it any way you want it.