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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  With $4.00+ fuel - We made a great buy! - 2006 Scion xA
  By Perfect! - June 11 - 2:10 pm

  We bought this car for our 16 yr. old two years ago. 2 years later she loves her car even more with the sky rocketing fuel prices. She was rear ended last year at 30 MPH by a Ford F-150 and the car protected her wonderfully (in fact the frame didnt bend!) Was repaired like new in 10 days. We have not had any problems mechanical problems to date even after the accident. The Xa has excellent vision with few blind spots and is a very fun car to drive. With our high dollar Japanese and Euro imports costing $60.00-$80.00 dollars every fill up, any short coming (not many) of the Xa is made up at the pump!

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  2008 Scion xB - 2008 Scion XB
  By Job - June 9 - 12:33 am

  My wife was appalled when I brought this thing home for her. But after driving it for a while she likes it. I was looking at everything in this price range and below and found nothing but blah until I saw this. Good car, good utility, bit of a head-turner, great safety features, first-aid kit, easy in-and-out, kids love it, and my bride is off my back. Its an econo-Camry with some style.

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  Southern Scion Lover - 2006 Scion XB
  By Larry Stewart - June 7 - 6:23 pm

  Although I have only owned this car for two weeks now, I feel confident that I made a fantastic purchase. It handles well, the interior is well thought out, and its "tight as a tick."

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  I LOVE the TC - 2005 Scion TC
  By JohnLucas - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought my TC, with all the bells and whistles. I got $2400 rims and wheels, the spoiler, the 6 cd changer, the subwoofer, the under dash lights, the cup holder lights, the floor mats... I got all of the features that are currently available. However, I walked out of the dealership paying $26K which is 10K more than I was expecting. But, let me tell you, it is worth every single penny. I love the look and style and power of the car. It has amazing handling, short stopping breaks, a nice throw on the stick and clutch, and it rides so smoothly. I opted for the better springs/shocks because the ride in the back can be a bit rough without them

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  Peppy Little XD - 2010 Scion XD
  By Otis - June 5 - 10:10 pm

  After owning a RAV4 since 2003 we "downsized" to the XD. Car is really peppy and fun to drive. Just got gas today and am already getting a little over 37 mpg. Husband has a herniated disc but is comfortable when riding in the car. I have only one "complaint", that being there is no height adjustment for the driver seat. (After driving a RAV for so long I do miss not having the birds eye view of the road you have in a RAV). I think they should be made with a driver seat height adjustment, even if it has to be an option.

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  Great Little Ride - 2006 Scion xA
  By R McInerney - June 5 - 6:33 pm

  This little car car has a smooth comfortable ride and its maneuverability is great. Its tiny and cute outside, but has plenty of room for adult passengers in the front and back inside. Its large window area makes for really good view out of rear when backing. Driving the xA is a joy!

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  xB - 2013 Scion XB
  By JC Gela - June 4 - 1:08 am

  This 2013 xB has not required any repairs. Just changed the oil/filter and rotated the tires. The OEM tires were crap, however, and now Im on Snows; in the market for summer tires and maybe alloy wheels.... This has been a very "handy" vehicle. Id be in the market for a new one with newer safety features - but Toyota has discontinued the Scion brand. I dont really want to move up to a RAV4 (hybrid) but maybe a PriusV if they still are making it next year.

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  too bad - 2008 Scion XB
  By had to trade it in - June 3 - 4:46 pm

  Had a very high expectation level for the 08 xB. The Camry engine was a plus, except for my actual 26 mpg on the highway. Over all, I just didnt find it enjoyable to keep. It was difficult to see stop lights, poor color selection, the rear bumper is a dust and dirt magnet, the style gets a bit long in the tooth after only 6 months. Couldnt slow down the rear window wipers.

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  Best value on the market today - 2009 Scion XB
  By Brad - June 2 - 5:10 am

  My fiance was looking for a good city car and we were interested in a low cost vehicle. I am a huge car nut, so I wanted something cool looking, reliable, and good fuel economy.We looked at everything with one determining factor being that I have to fit in it. For all of you tall guys 64+ this thing has tons of room for legs and plenty of headroom. The ride is very smooth, handling is great, acceleration still amazes me, it feels like a strong 6 cyl. Fuel economy is also incredible, we hit 28mpg avg with mix of city/hwy. Versatility is well thought out, this thing swallows as much as a truck bed could. All in all this is a best buy. I would highly recommend this car to anyone old or young.

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  Love my Scion - 2005 Scion XB
  By Suzy Mortimer - June 2 - 2:06 am

  In my youth it was MGs and then any used car that would run me all over Los Angeles. In 2000, I retired, moved back to Tucson and drove 15 mile to the gallon Jeep Wranglers. I wanted a change and spotted the Scion xB. Where ever I go, young people ask about this car. They want to sit nside and say its their car of choice. I see Scions popping up all over the place and when I talk to other Scion owners, "Love my Scion," is the first thing they tell me. Its great gas mileage, good reliability, and solid design make this my favorite car of the many Ive owned over fifty years. My husband drives a Ford Explorer and lately, Im hearing him say, "Lets take the Scion."