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 The xA has since been replaced by the xD, which carries on the quirky and customizable spirit of its predecessor.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 - 2008 Scion XB
  By Amy - October 8 - 7:36 pm

  I just bought my xB last week and I am so in love with it! The new body and new features are great! I love that their is no haggling when I went to buy it.

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  It grows on you - 2008 Scion XB
  By David - October 7 - 7:26 am

  This is a great vehicle. I have put about 400 miles on it so far and have been really pleased with my purchase. The ride is a little bumpy, but going from a giant F-150 might explain the sensitivity. I love the center mounted gauges and the trip computer is so convenient. It gets kind of annoying having to switch between the clock and the other information on the trip computer, but for 17k I can push the button a couple times. The upgraded stereo is a must. It looks a whole lot better and allows for future sound expansion if desired. All in all, Id highly recommend this car for all people of all ages. Im 26 and my Dad, much older, wants one now. MUCH better than the Honda Fit, etc

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  LOVE my box! - 2005 Scion XB
  By denjb - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Its FUN to drive, looks cute, commands attention. The gas mileage attracted me to it, then the unique look sealed the deal. I love it as-is. The only addition I plan to make to it is get some alloy wheels for it. Its the most original vehicle on the market. Scion did right where Honda went wrong with the Element. Its so incredibly roomy inside and I can carry four adults with PLENTY of room. Its cavernous for such a small car! Ive got NO complaints about it at all, so far its lived up to and beyond all of my expectations.

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  Roundtrees Review - 2005 Scion XB
  By cjr22779 - October 5 - 10:00 am

  For the price, you cant beat it. It is probably the best vehicle in its price range. Its fun, reliable, and gets a lot of attention. You cant beat it.

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  tC Handles, Looks Great - 2005 Scion TC
  By tCOwner - October 5 - 10:00 am

  The tC offers extremely responsive steering and the handling capabilities of a sports car with the interior space - front seat and back - of a sedan. The 4 cylinder engine provides surprising acceleration while maintaining terrific gas mileage - nearly 30 mpg highway and 28 in the city. A long list of options makes the tC easy to personalize, although the car is fun to drive and just as fun to look at without any extras.

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  My Little Rollerskate - 2006 Scion xA
  By marji - October 1 - 4:16 am

  I really like my Scion xAs good gas mileage, Its leg room equals or is better than the Toyota Siennas. I am tall, it is becoming my favorite.

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  The BEST car for the $$$! - 2005 Scion xA
  By B.Jones - September 28 - 10:03 pm

  I had been in desperate need of a new car, and was looking for something economical. I was considering the Mazda3, Corolla, Golf, etc. and stumbled a review on the new Scion by Toyota. All the reviews (including this site) had nothing but favorable things to say, and when I compared the options that came standard with Scion vs. the "others", I thought this sounds great! I ordered one without ever driving one and figured it is what it is, I just need something basic to get me around. I couldnt have been more surprised and pleased with a vehicle such as the xA. It handles very well and Im currently averaging 40 mpg on the highway and I couldnt be happier!

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  its weird but neat :) - 2004 Scion XB
  By Rex Scates - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I am just gettign it but am laready impressed. more to follow in a few months. but so far so good.

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  Sweetness - 2006 Scion TC
  By Eric - September 25 - 1:10 am

  How much better could a 17000 car get? It is the best value around.

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  2008 Scion xB(2nd gen) - 2008 Scion XB
  By Tj2008 - September 24 - 7:23 pm

  I got this car after trading in my 2007 Honda civic and I love the xb it is way more fun to drive! And there is a lot more passenger space and its great that it came with the first two recommended services free! I never fell like I dont have a lot of power the engine has great get up and go, and this car is easy to park and everyone is suprised by how much room it has on the inside. Though not as much as the first generation xb (really boxy one) you still get a lot of people staring there is nothing quite like it one the road and that makes it so great! The automatic trans. Even though a four speed it gets decent mpgs. My best mpg I got was on a trip to the beach hwy and it was 33.3 mpg!