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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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 car - 2014 Scion XB
  By stromson - November 7 - 5:26 pm

  Recently purchased a 2014 Army Rock colored xB and couldnt be happier with it. Most of the things in the Edmunds review ring pretty true from my experience. Its been great for me as runabout and daily driver, and Ive been pretty easily beating the combined MPG of 24 (something Edmunds also reported). Wind and road noise are present, but it doesnt impede conversation in my experience (audiophiles will definitely want to add some additional deadening to the doors and floor pan though). As expected of a box, it hauls a ton with ease, and fits my 63" frame with no problems in the front or back seat. 4 speed auto works well and shifts very smoothly, and I never feel wanting for power.

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  great car bad motor! - 2006 Scion TC
  By She - November 7 - 9:16 am

  I purchased it on my birthday as a gift to me! This was my first big car purchase. It had 40,000 mi on it and I loved the color, speed, drive and all. I absolutely loved my car! But after having it for not even two years the motor fails! Its only has 68,000 miles on it and it has a blown head gasket and a leaky water pump! Yea I know thats the same thing I said! A Toyota mechanic told me that there was nothing that I could have done to stop this from preventing because it is a manufacture problem! My car went thru the "good will" warranty review and got declined because I have never previously owned a Toyota, Lexus or scion and because I dont get dealership services!

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  Cant Complain - 2005 Scion TC
  By jmm143 - October 28 - 7:06 am

  Ive had my tC for 4 years now and overall its great. Never been in the shop and always reliable. plenty of room for me but a little crowded for a family of more than 3. Would like a little more power and a less squeaky hatch but other than that its great!

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  The band broke up - 2008 Scion XB
  By Bill Turk - October 28 - 5:40 am

  The Scion name when it was made was new edgy and had just about everything for everybody. But just like modern bands, you switch a member here and there, and before you know it the name Scion doesnt mean what it used to mean. Take the xB for example, the old one was great, small engine, loads of room. Sure it could have used a bigger engine, but fuel mileage for space was what counted. Then they messed with the image, put a bigger engine, but also a bigger chassis. The result is a car that is no longer what it used to be. Toyota, um, Scion just took themselves out of the market that the Honda fit has all to itself now. The xD is no better and looks too much like the fit to kill any edge.

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  My little toaster - 2008 Scion XD
  By matt from ct - October 11 - 8:36 pm

  Just got the car almost a month ago, and so far so good. Gas mileage is amazing, although I find interior space and legroom a little small. But its not bad considering Im a big fella. I understand that I had to give up some of the spaciousness of my prior car (98 jeep g.c) to enjoy the superb mileage. Handling seems a little mushy around corners on the highway, and I think eventually Ill add the TRD rear sway bar, which is supposed to improve handling tremendously. The car is very versatile with the folding/reclining rear seats, and is perfect for a car seat. Easy to get the kids in and out. A fit driver told me he wishes he got the xd, since the Fit can barely get out of its own way.

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  Love it but whats up with the brakes? - 2006 Scion xA
  By San Antonio - October 10 - 1:33 am

  I bought the car brand new and have had it for over 2 years. I love the car, but am wondering whether anyone has had problems with their brakes. At 20,000 I had all the pads replaced. Now at 45,000 I had to have the rotors replaced. Im not a braking type of driver. Also, I used to get over 35 mpg now Im down to about 26 mpg. What could be the problem? Other than that, the car has been wonderful.

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  Defects - 2007 Scion TC
  By lynn - October 2 - 8:46 am

  The drivers seat within a year of owning my car, when pushing forward to clean and get into the backseat, the seat will not stay in the forward position, it will roll back on you. But the other seat will stay forward. Has anyone else had this problem with the seat ?

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  Great value for your money - looking for a first car? - 2008 Scion TC
  By iron112 - September 28 - 8:52 pm

  The TC was my first car. The TC offers outstanding value for the price. Youd end up paying 3-4k more in other cars for the same features that are present in the TC - all with Toyota reliability. This car is more about a balance of features rather than pure muscle. Despite its modest engine, it handles well. As a bonus, the TC was made for modders. If youre a modding junkie, and have the money, the TC is your car. Drawbacks - its underpowered - it has a Camry engine. Its peppy in the lower RPMs, but doesnt have true muscle. Its rear door is a pain. The gas mileage is somewhat lacking for a 4 cylinder. But if you can look past these negatives, then the TC is for you.

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  Good, reliable, toyota product, but a little boring - 2005 Scion TC
  By krisinindy - September 21 - 3:47 am

  Great car overall, reliable, cost effective, minimal maintenence costs.

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  ok car - 2005 Scion TC
  By dsl - September 16 - 5:03 am

  I bought this car when it first came out towards the end of 04. So far no engine problems. But the brakes squeaks a lot on reverse. Also, the liftback rattles from time to time. Radio cover also squeaks constantly. I took it back to the dealer, they tried to fix it but the problems are still there.