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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  It Could Be a Whole Lot Better - 2006 Scion TC
  By Dan Philbeck - July 3 - 11:33 pm

  Ive had my Scion tC for three months. It has good power and torque, but since its COLD where Im at the car shows its weakness. The rear of the car RATTLES like there is no tommorrow. Its like the hatch is NOT shut. Toyota tells me that is just the way it is built. I told them to buy it back then. Of course, they laughed but Im not!

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  I absolutely loved and adored my tC but.... - 2005 Scion TC
  By morrisseygirl - June 24 - 12:57 pm

  Okay I bought my 2005 tC on May of 05 and I was way super ecstatic. I still was up until my engine blew. I was completely 110% satisfied with it and I still am, thats why I am considering getting another but before I do I really need some feedback on the engine. Im hoping what happened to my car was a fluke but any information would be great. What happened was the regulator valve or whatever it is that regulates the pressure of the engine apperantly went out. This caused too much pressure in the engine and blew off my oil filter (while driving) and naturally the oil came out while driving. I havent read anything about this happening but any help would be great.

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  Potential but lacks power! - 2007 Scion TC
  By Bulgdoom - June 20 - 2:10 am

  Has one of the best designs out there with a nice sport coupe. Quality is overall nice and good value for the money. Engine seems outdated and suited more for trucks with high torque maximized at 4,000 rpm and overall poor mpg for this type of car. Engine seems to run at high RPM for cruising speeds, could use a 6th gear and a more refined clutch.Weight is relatively low but there are some blind spots which may get in the way. Its very fun to drive but performance is a bit low for a 2.4L engine compared to other cars such as the Audi and VW which get over 200hp and torque with 2L engines while receiving same or better mpg.

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  Great Entry-Level Car!!! - 2004 Scion xA
  By pbxgodwin@netscape.n - June 13 - 10:00 am

  This car truly stands out in a boring sea of lackluster subcompacts, most with average quality, below average fit and finish, abysmal resale and few, if any, aftermarket peformance offerings. In 5 speed form, this car truly is fun to drive, offers a 9-second 0-60 time, great build quality and Toyota value. Funky to look at, you either love it or hate it, which is just fine with me. Car is very stable, firm handling, doesnt feel like a small car, even cruising at 85. But keep in mind, while fun a spunky in a 5 speed, this car dogs with the automatic.

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  Groovy little car, and runs great too. - 2005 Scion xA
  By James - June 3 - 10:03 am

  This was my 1st new car and it was worth every penny. I put about 15thou/miles per year and its still going strong w/just regular maintenance. The only major cost has been new tires at 40,000 and tune up at 30 and 60thou-miles. Hope to still have it when it gets to 120.

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  Love It, but Its Killin My Wallet. - 2005 Scion TC
  By ScionRox - May 28 - 3:23 pm

  I love this car! It has been nothing but good to me. I have had it since new for nearly two years now. I bought this puppy before it was cool to have a tC! It is a nice car, but it is a little low on power for a supposed "sports coupe." I would love to supercharge it, but Im not a millionaire. It gets pretty poor gas mileage. Ive never gotten the 22 mpg they say you can get. I average about 18.5 - 19.5 mpg around town (about 21 on the highway). This car also easily skids in the rain. I think that is more the tires than anything. But when its barely raining and youre going about 40 mph, you start hydroplaning. That is a problem. The xB has really good cornering ability as well. I just wish I had bought a stick!

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  Sweet - 2006 Scion TC
  By Scott - May 27 - 11:40 pm

  I got my tC in May and I dont mind driving anywhere no matter how long it is. Its the perfect car for a teenager. Its not too big and not too small.

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  Great, but Drive It First - 2005 Scion XB
  By scottysail - May 25 - 10:06 am

  The Scion xB is a cool car. Its affordable for post-college students is and just neat to drive. I like it a lot. Mine has just a very basic setup (but for the cost no complaints should be allowed).

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  I love my Scion - 2005 Scion xA
  By Susan Clingan - May 24 - 11:06 pm

  I cant understand why I dont hear more about the Scion xA...unless its because of the low $$ amt. I love my Scion xA...the price combined with comfort, great mileage, compact room, and general appearance makes it a great investment. Yet you dont see it much in the public eye...I have had Honda, Chevy, Ford, VW, Olds., Buick....This Toyota Scion is GREAT.

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  Scion - 2006 Scion xA
  By Jim G - May 22 - 4:50 am

  I was hesitant to buy such a small car. Howerver, it has a really sporty ride and I feel comfortable and safe in it. My wife is from England where small cars are necessary. She loves the vehicle as well.