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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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 concept but poor execution - 2013 Scion IQ
  By sam214 - December 2 - 2:43 pm

  The comment by the editor that there are larger cars at the same price is hilarious. The whole idea about this car is being small. People like me want a tiny car to zip around. Only problem is that the car doesnt zip very much. And for a tiny car the fuel economy is not much better than my Mazda CX-5 SUV. The engine sounds like there are loose marbles inside at startup, and also makes other uninspiring noises from time to time. The brake pedal makes loud annoying clicking noise (normal noise, according to Toyota). It doesnt offer a lot of features for the money. The only good thing about it is the tiny size.

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  Still not sure - 2010 Scion XB
  By Dreamer0201 - November 30 - 11:26 pm

  Purchased car last week and did not realize a few things until I drove off lot. No automatic lights. No adjustments on the intermittent wipers, just one speed. The headrests are extremely uncomfortable in the front. It is reliable though and a smooth ride.

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  Hidden Gem - 2008 Scion XD
  By Scrapster - November 26 - 10:00 am

  Last week I traded in my Scion tC for an xD. Although some would consider that a "downgrade," the new car fits me much better. So far, I love it! Fun to drive, fantastic fuel economy, solid build quality--I cant understand why these arent more popular.It has more life than the Versa, Yaris or Matrix, and feels more solid on the highway than the Fit. Okay, I will concede the cars one major flaw--it is most comfortable for shorter drivers. But to me, thats a plus compared to my old tC where I could barely see over the doors! Still, with a seat height adjuster or telescoping steering wheel, the xD would cater to more people.

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  Im happy with it! - 2005 Scion xA
  By ringdangdo - November 26 - 2:43 am

  In the four months Ive had my Scion xA it has been very enjoyable. I have been averaging 34 mpg in a mix of city and highway driving. Im 64" and have a surprising amount of room inside. I definitely am happy that I bought it. It makes a great commuter car, but still truns some heads.

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  very bumpy and cheap car. - 2012 Scion XD
  By derek7d - November 23 - 9:54 pm

  It looks really nice inside and out. Ive been driving it for 2 years now. The engine became much noisier, it wasnt ever quiet. Very bumpy. You can feel and hear anything on the road. The fuel economy is also poor. I am getting 25 MPG driving highway and city. Ive noticed additional noise coming from front wheels. I went to dealership. They dont hear anything of course, the want to fix it after the warranty expires, so they can charge for it big money. I would not recommend it to any of my friends or family member. I dont predict it to last long without costly repairs.

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  Pretty Good Car - 2006 Scion XB
  By Michelle - November 23 - 6:20 am

  I have only had my xB for three months or so, but I love the way it handles the curves and has great maneuvering ability, and is compact for easy parking. I am averaging about 30 mpg. Im not so excited about merging into traffic though, this vehicle has absolutely no get up and go. I usually feel hesitation just after punching the accelerator. Its head room and leg room are great, but its ride is bumpy. Our Honda Element has a smoother ride. The lack of cruise control is a bummer, it should be standard. The xB has lots of great options to choose from. I would consider another one down the road if it had more power.

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  my 09 xb - 2009 Scion XB
  By dennis pepper - November 22 - 7:43 am

  We love the xb. Inexpensive. Simple pricing. Comfortable. Excellent acceleration. Roomy and a blast to drive. Average mileage for the first 1500 miles is 25.9. Really like all the accessories that are available. Kind of like getting your 1st Harley and then start adding chrome etc. Im buying another one this week for myself.

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  I returned it! - 2008 Scion XB
  By George - November 21 - 1:06 am

  Well I loved the styling and the interior room, but hated the way it drove. Its top heavy and feels tipsy. The body lean is the pits. A gust of wind makes you feel like you have to fight to stay in control.

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  Bought a 4 y/o Scion - 2005 Scion XB
  By Robert V - November 20 - 2:20 am

  I have been driving minivans for years. A few months ago, lost one because it was totaled. My wife was tired of mom-mobile and wanted something "cute." After reading a lot of reviews, we narrowed it down to used xB or a new Cube or Soul. I found a nice xB on Craigslist and bought it last week in Dallas, drove it home to Atlanta. First thing I love is the fuel mileage. In traffic, I got about 30MPG. Cruising at 70mph on highway, got 40MPG (240 miles/ 6.2 gals). Interior is roomy and comfy. Cool, or "cute" factor is incomparable. Yes, it is square shaped, and yes, wind noise is slightly louder than minivans-but, it is not bad.

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  Scion Is Superb - 2005 Scion TC
  By Dennis - November 20 - 1:06 am

  Scion TC is superb. Handles great, drives nice and looks awesome.I have a flint mica TC with extra air bags added...thats all! Only $17,400. I use it to go to work and around town. I tried for a month to find a better car for the money and could not find one. Acura...no, Volvo...no, Audi...no, VW...yeah right. I even looked at Mercedes but decided to save the cash and put it in my daughters college fund. Scion supposedly markets to generation Y. Silly Scion... Believe me, this car is not just for kids.(I am 38). If you want a fancy car buy a mercedes, but be prepared to spend a lot more. The only drawback is once word gets out, expect these cars to be everywhere.