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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  I love my xB - 2011 Scion XB
  By Nick510451 - July 19 - 4:53 pm

  Just traded my 08 xB manual for a brand new 11 xB automatic (wife wanted an auto). Having owned a 08 for three years and having a close family member with a 06 xB I can tell you that Scions are wonderful cars. The 2.4 engine makes the car more competent in all driving situations than the 1.5. The car feels substantial, bumps are much better absorbed than in older models. The brakes inspire confidence (4wheel disc with ABS, and EBD). My 2008 averaged 27+MPG mostly city driving. One tank averaged 33mpg on a 300+ mile road trip. All of the issues I had with my 08 have been fixed on this "11 Larger armrest, larger center console, reverse lights, seats, telescopic wheel.

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  my little red scion - 2008 Scion XD
  By meame - June 23 - 2:20 am

  It is a fun car to drive I love its get up and go.It takes the road pretty will.Glad to be a owner.

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  07 tC = Great Value - 2007 Scion TC
  By Javed Uddin - June 22 - 2:33 am

  Im 18 years old and this is my first new car. I was been driving a white 98 Ford Explorer for six months before I got this car. So obviously I dont have an enthusiasts experience with cars. I can still say though that this car isnt a Mercedez-Benz, nor an Infiniti G35, nor a BMW Z4 or whatever its called. The quality isnt even close. However, its a great car for the price. All the features are nice and the fact that it has a nice list of standard features is what made me get the car. Just dont get it in the black...or else Ill have to start a crazy rumor like the paint corrodes if you get a black tC. =-)

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  Just a test drive - 2004 Scion XB
  By Edik - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Recently had a test drive and did not find what I expected (after reading all positive reviews). I have 2003 Corolla S and 2003 Mitsu Outlander. Compare to them there is nothing in this car except exterior look. The gas mileage worse then Corollas (despite smaller engine). There is less space then in Outlander. The performance much worse then on any of them two. (I was scared how easy to make 6000 RPM on this car). The price is $200 more then Corolla S and only $2000 less then Outlander. (based on the engine size this is the car from ECHO/Accent league) I think the Matrix is much better value, if you want to have the fifth door and Toyota Quality.

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  I Love My Scallion - 2007 Scion TC
  By drew06371 - June 6 - 7:10 pm

  This car is a blast to drive. Its powerful enough and it handles very well. I love the style and theres plenty of room for four adults.

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  A great car for the money! - 2008 Scion XB
  By BrandtRN - May 31 - 12:40 am

  My husband and I just bought this car about two weeks ago, and were enjoying it very much! The interior is roomy and quite comfortable, and Im very happy with the stereo. This car is fun to drive and gets excellent gas mileage. The value for our money, in my opinion, was excellent, and Im very happy we bought this car.

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  Nice Car - 2006 Scion TC
  By fbraz19 - May 30 - 11:48 am

  I bought this car new in July of 2006. Its been a nice little car for me. I opted for the manual as a personal preference. I also opted for the iPod stereo upgrade, was not standard in this model year. Its been a great little car with the exception of a few items. The rear hatch latch came completely off on this car just before the 30k mile warranty was up and the dealer replaced it. The struts for said hatch have worn out and I had to buy new ones, I opted for ordering these from out of state due to cost. Keep in mind that I open the hatch at least 2 times a day 5 days a week for the last 4 years. Other then these two items mechanically the car has been great. Brakes/Rotors replaced once.

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  My xA - 2006 Scion xA
  By me - May 21 - 5:13 am

  The xA is a great car. toyota lied however! I do not get 31 miles per gallon around town, I get 35 - 36! Not only that, but this car is easy and fun to drive. It has good drivability, handling, and even ride. For $16,000 out the door, this is just great little car. Its comfy, roomy , and has a great interior design with instrument on center console. I would buy another in a heartbeat.

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  City Car Goes the Distance - 2005 Scion xA
  By C Marshall - May 11 - 4:43 pm

  I commute 200 miles per day with this car. Bought upgraded sound w/ 6 CD - Good. Bought fog lights - wasted money. Bought self dimming mirror - excellent. Also picked up the AEM air intake which gives a slight boost over 2000 RPM and adds a little sound that is pleasant. I find the seats to not bee real comfortable for long distance, not enough lumbar support but love the way it corners. Visibility is just OK. At 62" some of the posts get in way of vision. For the price a well executed car and one that doesnt look like everything else out there.

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  I Love my car - 2008 Scion TC
  By Deanna - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Im so happy i bought this car. Its so much fun to drive gotta watch my heavy foot. The car has spunk. The look is stylish but the paint seemed to fade after a few months! My sharp black turned dull. It had a sparkle to start that not so much anymore. Even the dealer told me right off the bat which was much appreciated that the tires will need to be changed ASAP. I was sliding when it was a light rain!