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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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 for city driving - 2008 Scion XD
  By hbrown - August 8 - 1:10 am

  Have for 1 year and very happy with the car. Narrowed choice was XD or Honda Fit. Mostly stop & go city driving, 27 mpg. First hatchback, will never go back to regular trunk.

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  Im Sold - 2004 Scion xA
  By REID - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I was shopping for a commuter car and was considering a Civic or Corrola and then I spotted an Xa. This interesting little car grabbed my attention immediately with its "love it" or "hate it" styling and I love it. Who would of thought you could build a reliable car with a certain cool factor for under $13,000. Well, I drove all 3 which had comparable drives but there was something that I admired about the Scion. Maybe it was how it stood out in a crowd of bland economy cars. Or perhaps, it was the build quality of a Toyota coupled with the 5 year 60k powertrain warranty (which will probably never be used)for the price of a Kia. Im sold.

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  My Surprise Car - 2004 Scion XB
  By Red October - August 4 - 2:00 am

  This is not the best time to review; Ive had the car less than a week. It is a WONDERFUL vehicle. I was going to get a Subaru Forester, but thought I should be honest and look at some others first. This was one of them. Test drive: Instant decision. Unlike most Toyotas the seats fit my body comfortably. The seats fold down to make a flat surface from tail to dash -- perfect for my 12-foot kayak for short trips to the nearest put-in. I am in the Southeast Toyota region, so I got cruise control. They also have roof rack (actually a Yakima: no complaint there). The first car I have ever had that I actually enjoy driving.

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  City Driving - 2008 Scion XB
  By City Driver - August 3 - 12:26 pm

  For the price, this is one of the best vehicles Ive owned. Quick, nimble, practical, reliable, and stylish. Fuel mileage is adequate, but nothing to brag about: 18-20 mpg city, 27-32 mpg highway. Above speeds of 70 mph, and/or with the a/c, the fuel mileage drops quickly. The interior is quiet, and visibility is very good, except the low top of the front windshield causes me to stay back from stoplights a little more than normal. Drawbacks: only one speed for variable front windshield wiper, no lock on the glove box, and rear seats are not comfortable on longer trips. Overall, the XB is inexpensive, reliable, roomy, and a great value. I highly recommend a test drive.

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  ONE MORE TIME TO THE SHOP - 2004 Scion xA
  By FROSTBYT - July 31 - 10:00 am

  WITH IN A WEEK OF HAVING THE CAR, i HAD TO HAVE A NEW MOTOR MOUNT, WHICH DIDNT FIX THE PROBLEM. TOOK IT BACK AND THE TECH PEOPLE DECIDED IT NEED A LUBE JOB ON THE FRONT SPENDLE, WHICH MAY ONLY PROLONG A CONTINUING PROBLEM, NOW AFTER HAVING THAT DONE, THE ALINMENT IS OFF AND I WILL HAVE THE TAKE IT BACK A THIRD TIME.THE XA DOSENT SEEM AS REFINE AS A NORMAL TOYOTA, BUT FOR THE PRICE ITS STILL BETTER THEN MOST

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  Green Xb - 2004 Scion XB
  By bb box - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the money. Lots of leg room,seats are high making entrance and exiting the car easy.Not fast but not as bad as I thought it would be. I got 38 miles per gallon on hwy.

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  Illinois driver - 2004 Scion XB
  By Tyler from Illinois - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car for my business. I drive around 800 miles a week and needed something comfortable and economical. This car fit my needs. I didnt want a standard run of the mill car. I wanted to buy American, but nothing had the combination of gas mileage and looks.

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  9+ - 2005 Scion XB
  By Blackswann - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This Vehicle is a road warriors dream. With all the miles I put on a car this car has simply performed like a champion. Great milage and comfort a real winner!

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  boxcar - 2005 Scion XB
  By jszteiter - July 31 - 10:00 am

  excellent handling and gas mileage. more room than you can believe. fun to drive. cruises at 70-75 with no strain.

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  Best car I ever owned! - 2005 Scion TC
  By Roy Lindahl - July 30 - 8:26 am

  I ordered my 2005 Scion tC back in June 2004 and waited a month for it. It was well worth it. I have never had a car that I enjoy driving. First time in my life driving to work is fun. For as little as it costs it is such a great quality car. Plus it gets lots of looks. Add XM to it and you will just want to drive around in it forever!