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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Its OK, but Caution Advised... - 2008 Scion XD
  By Katie - January 2 - 1:36 pm

  Price was OK, but I might not buy it again. Screw went into tire sidewall in July 08, but no tire dealer had the odd ball size--took a week to order. Radio doesnt receive my favorite stations (90 Nissan did perfectly). Owners manual says to use only 0w-20 oil (or 5w-20), but Castrol wont sell it to consumers; my favorite auto shop doesnt buy it in bulk. Very noisy ride--so much so that dog doesnt like it. Doors seem to lock mysteriously, with no door key/lock on passenger side--have to go around. Dash gauges can be seen only by pushing button--not safe to do while driving--odometer should always be visible.

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  A good car for the money - 2006 Scion TC
  By John Chen - December 27 - 2:13 pm

  The two major complaints that I have about the car are its paint quality and interior integrity. The sqeaky dash board makes my new car feel cheap. Not everyones will sqeak, but it is a bit common for tCs to have this problem. Its a great looking car inside and out. The 06 Civic was really the only competition to me. I think the Civic Si would be a better buy if your more concerned about accleration, handling, sports feel (overall performance), but if your into size and comfort go with the tC. It has plenty of rear passenger leg/head room. The doors are too big and way too heavy. They tend to make it difficult to get out in tight parking areas. For the price wouldnt consider anything else besides tC or Civic.

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  Paint problem - 2009 Scion XD
  By Lynn L. - December 23 - 11:40 am

  We love the car so far technically. We are having problems with the paint (nautical blue). It scratches at the touch of a finger and it looks dimpled. We are wondering if anyone else has encountered this problem. We have had the car for only 1 month and it gets worse and worse as the days go by. There also is a spot of discoloration in the front right panel of the car.

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  Fun Car, Milage not as Advertised - 2006 Scion XB
  By Isabel - December 22 - 4:50 pm

  I am slightly disappointed in my xBs gas milage, the best milage Ive have gotten is 31 mpg highway, 26 mpg city. I currently have 11,000 miles on the car. The paint is chipping off and I cant seem to get a touch up bottle from the dealer.

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  problem - 2007 Scion TC
  By carol - December 20 - 12:26 am

  Love to ride in my car. Only one problem I have had my car back this time being 5 time for the same problem, the molding in the hatchback keeps falling off.

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  Fun Car - 2005 Scion TC
  By nmaddio - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Basically bought this car sight unseen and feel that I was rewarded for my patience in waiting for it to be deliverd. It is fun to drive, comfortable for both my wife and I (I am 6). If I were to buy it again, I would opt for the 5 speed to make it more fun to drive.

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  Great car if yours isnt damage prone - 2005 Scion TC
  By PENTY - December 14 - 11:26 am

  GREAT CAR otherwise, but doesnt seem to do too well in snow. current milage 9k and the power steering broke. the car also shakes violently and when going through dips on the road, the car has great momentum (i get car sick). im in the midst of getting this fixed... i think it was due to the snow.

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  Very Fun to Drive - 2006 Scion TC
  By nkparimi - December 13 - 11:06 pm

  Im pretty happy with my decision to buy a tC. Its great fun to drive, handles well, and I adore its looks. I got a rear spoiler, which improves its looks even more. I drive to work every day, and living in a city a coupe comes handy. Of course it could use a little more torque or hp (well, most cars could), but I would like to point out that I often find myself making turns on the highway at over 60 mph. It took me a while to get used to the gearbox (revving up to higher rms makes the gear shifts much smoother). And did I mention the gorgeous sunroof/moonroof?

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  Fun, Reliable Vehicle - 2008 Scion XB
  By summamum - December 11 - 11:01 pm

  I am an original owner of an 08 XB which now has 58k miles; I have been satisfied with Toyota quality as I have driven them since 1980. I dont expect luxury, just practicality and affordability. With the XB I have gotten both. I cant expect this vehicle, or any other, to be forever free of mechanical problems since every car will eventually be in need of repairs. Thus far, Ive only had to repair shaky brakes due to warped rooters [?] and Scion did require a recall for a faulty power window button, which was covered by the warranty. I am satisfied with this XB and I would purchase one again and recommend one. It is stylish and fun to drive. I can always depend on Toyota.

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  One of the Best Values Out There - 2007 Scion TC
  By GYVAR - November 30 - 5:16 am

  I bought this car a little over a month ago with side airbags. Right now have just over a 1,000 miles on it. On three tanks of gas I have averaged 27 mpg. So far it does not have any of the infamous rattles, but sometimes there are some creaks here and there when riding on rough pavement or over bumps. Overall I like the design, comfort, and quality of the interior. Its ride and handling are similar to a modern sporty sedan such as an Accord, I own one - a 2005. Its handling is not as responsive as I would like it to be, compared to my old `98 VW Golf. Its acceleration is near excellent. The clutch is very "touchy-feely" - it took me over a week to get used to it enough such that the take offs are smooth every time without much effort.