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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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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  Awesome Car - 2006 Scion TC
  By Robert.H - June 10 - 4:40 pm

  The 2006 Scion tC is a great car for an awesome price. For a two door it is more comfortable than many 4-door vehicles like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. Lets not mention the Acura RSX, which should be a two seat car.

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  1st import - 2008 Scion XB
  By kamuka - June 10 - 4:10 am

  went to my local scion dealer, had the chance to test drive the tc then the xb really like the tc but needed room and the xb had what i needed for my five dogs. its really fun to drive but have not gone a long trip yet, gas mileage at first was alright until i put a cold air intake went up about 2 miles per gallon (as long as i dont get in it)

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  my baby scion - 2005 Scion xA
  By rosibel - June 9 - 7:36 am

  I got a beautiful Scion who is the light of my days i never expect so much comfort in a car and the gas is $20.00 dollars to be full and it last for a week what a diference from the jeep a just to drive. Im really happy person now. And the 6 year warranty is a peace of mind for me. I dont regret my investment, is a great car.

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  The Perfect Little Bread Truck - 2004 Scion XB
  By lindysuebeer - June 4 - 10:00 am

  So much fun! Its a boombox on wheels!

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  yahoo - 2005 Scion XB
  By frank c - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Sure better than my worthless FORD.

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  Love this box! - 2005 Scion XB
  By nomorebug! - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I was not totally sold on this car but my fiance has been eyeing it since he saw it at an autoshow 2 years ago. I just love driving it! Its sooooo roomy and its nice to be sitting higher up. Cant beat the gas mileage. I love having people do a double take when I drive by...

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  I love my Scion - 2008 Scion XD
  By Brittani - June 2 - 7:56 am

  I bought this car two weeks ago. I have enjoyed every second I drive in it. I love that youre in a compact car but you sit high like youre in an SUV. Great pick up and quick slow down. Get lots of curious looks in the car, people not knowing what in the world it is. I absolutely love it.

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  A Boxy Dream - 2006 Scion XB
  By Manny - June 1 - 8:43 pm

  I love the fact that I was actually able to get the car stock and I was able to get the car I wanted in three days. This car comes with all the options that one needs for comfort. The interior is so spacious, it seems to defy physics. I smile at the gas pump as my fuel economy has gone from 13 to 31 mpg and I am no longer afraid of the possibility of $4+/gallon prices. I am amazed at the cars ability to take corners and the power that the car does have for its engine size.

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  hey let me drive it!!! - 2005 Scion TC
  By i betancourt - May 30 - 4:10 pm

  we recently purchased a scion tc for our 16 yo daughter...what a great car especially at the price. its got the airbags and antilock brakes, nimble precise performance without too much tempting horsepower, visibility is excellent and all the standard features she wanted - great stereo, 2 moonroofs!!! all in a hatchback with great styling inside and out. we all want to drive it!

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  I love this little car. - 2004 Scion xA
  By Patella - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the xA for about a week now, and I am so impressed. Though the ride can be a tad bumpy, the car absolutly zips on the highway. The interior is comfortable and intuitive, and though never one for flash, I have to say the sound system is so much fun. Its amazing how small the car is from the outside, yet how tall and roomy it feels inside. I keep getting out and expecting to be standing next to a much larger car. Though not for everyone, I love the unusual dash layout, although I still am not quite used to looking center for my speed. In short, I love this little car!